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Since 1927, gifts to The Penn Fund—from undergraduate alumni and parents like you—have made a profound and immediate impact on all aspects of student life and learning at the University by providing grant-based financial aid packages to undergraduates, supporting enhancements to academic programs and campus technology, and fostering community through student clubs and organizations. This longstanding tradition of loyal generosity allows donors to support the University’s greatest needs and highest priorities through the general fund, long-term scholarship support, and special reunion class projects.

How do we support Undergraduates at Penn?

Undergraduate Financial Aid
Residential and Campus Life
Academic Enhancement
Jianan Zhang

By focusing on economics AND environmental advocacy, I’m hoping to work for a socially responsible business or non-profit when I graduate.”

Jianan Zhang W’23

Jianan Zhang W’23

It is no coincidence that Jianan’s favorite Penn tradition has been the Class Tree Planting Ceremony, at which her class chose to situate an American Beech tree. She came to Penn from Miami, Florida, where it was impossible to ignore the environment.  She has seen the way climate change disproportionately affects communities. Her sister, Jialin, encouraged her to apply to the University and made her aware of Penn’s vast array of opportunities.

“I visited Penn during Jialin’s graduation and it was an exciting time to be there, campus was bustling and vibrant. I could see myself going through the same process in the future.”

Jianan has become part of the Penn community with gusto. As the captain of the Students For Environmental Equity, she is helping design environmental education curriculum for K-12 students in West Philly, some of whom she is mentoring. Her motivation to uncover the truth led her to the student-run newspaper, The Daily Pennsylvanian, where she works in Audience Engagement and Data Analytics. The community at the DP is fun and interesting, and they don’t hate when Jianan brings brownies during late night brainstorms.

“There is so much room to explore what you’re passionate about at Penn.”

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Favorite Food Truck
Rafa’s (Mexican)
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Favorite Penn Class
Business Ethics
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