Michael arrived at Penn with a background in data-driven problem-solving that he hoped to further develop and utilize in the fight against climate change. While he initially planned to pursue biological engineering, his classes helped him uncover his passion for law and environmental policy. He found his ideal combination of concentrations through The Wharton School, where he majors in Legal Studies and Business Ethics as well as Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors for Business (ESGB). “Wharton is the only business school to offer a concentration in environmental policy and the ways in which it interconnects with business practices. Instead of splitting my focus and considering business and environmental studies as separate entities, I could concentrate on the more holistic questions that really matter to me: How do businesses react to environmental factors? And how can public policy drive innovation and encourage businesses toward better choices?”
As an ESGB major, Michael applied for and was awarded a Turner Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Fellowship, through which he engages with a small group of fellow undergraduates in networking and professional development opportunities across a broad range of topics related to their coursework. Supported by Lauren Golub Turner W’85 and Bobby Turner W’84, the Turner ESG Fellowship is a tangible example of the power of alumni philanthropy—and one of many opportunities that has underscored for Michael the significant potential of giving back.
During Michael’s sophomore year, he also experienced the impact of alumni generosity through University Life’s Student Intervention Services. When his computer suddenly stopped functioning halfway through his internship, he was able to secure an emergency grant for a new laptop. “If I hadn’t received the grant, I don’t know if I would have been able to complete my internship, or even my classes. I’m really thankful that that funding was available to me, and that alumni gifts provide such actionable, direct support for students.”
A native of Belarus and current resident of the Chicago suburbs, Michael was afforded the opportunity to explore new landscapes through subsidized programs like Penn Global Seminars. “I was fortunate to spend 11 days in the Galápagos Islands studying environmental policy in an international context. It was a tremendous experience that I’ll remember forever.” During his time at the University, Michael has also received funding through Penn Hillel to travel to Israel and the United Arab Emirates, and he has studied economic policy in Argentina through the Wharton International Program. Through their loyal investment in undergraduate life and learning, the Penn alumni community has empowered Michael’s educational journey. “These experiences and connections have helped me navigate my vision of the future and what’s possible.”
Through his involvement with Seniors for The Penn Fund, Michael engages with his peers at events and works to educate them about the direct and immediate benefit of student and alumni philanthropy. By sharing his story, he hopes to inspire others to make a meaningful difference through giving: “I’m very excited to be a part of Seniors for The Penn Fund because I get to encourage my fellow seniors to have an impact, both on current undergraduates and the students who will come after us.”
Favorite Penn Tradition
