David P. France C’89 has a rallying cry for his fellow Penn alumni: “It’s time for our generation to step up and make an impact on the community, and in the world.” A proud member of “Generation X”—also known to some as the “Latchkey Generation,” David has been giving to Penn since 1992. His initial gift began with a donation of $20 dollars to the Pennsylvania Gazette.
“Giving is a way I can express my gratitude for the transformative education that is Penn. My older sister is a Penn alumnae twice over, and because of her, I experienced Penn by way of Penn Relays in the Spring of 1983. Since then, I have been involved with Penn as it has grown exponentially,” David explains.
David is very excited about the changes that have happened since his time at Penn, such as Pennovation Works—The Center of Penn Innovation—which links the intellectual and entrepreneurial initiatives necessary for advancing knowledge and generating economic development. Even more so, he is also excited about the many initiatives implemented under the leadership of University President, Dr. Amy Gutmann.
“I’ve seen the University transform its curriculum and focus on students under President Gutmann,” David says. “Today, Penn prepares its students for life after college far better than it did when we were coming up. Today’s financial aid policy is light years from where it was during the 80s. It is allowing many, who would not have been able to attend, a golden opportunity.”
Recently involved in the planning of his 30th reunion, David says he is extremely appreciative for the role his education has played in setting him up for a lifetime of success and now proudly serves as President of the Penn Club of Switzerland, working to engage and support Penn Alumni of both the undergraduate and graduate programs living in Switzerland. In January, 2020 he traveled from Switzerland to Philadelphia for the 100th Anniversary of his fraternity (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.) on Penn’s Campus. He is also a proud founding member and alumnus of the Arts House Dance Company.
David has been giving to Penn for over two decades and has no plans on stopping any time soon. In fact, he’s committed to engaging the Penn community by motivating others to give, to ensure the value of a Penn education continues growing for decades to come.
Favorite Penn Landmark
