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(11/13/24 1:39am)
Every time students walk into Falk Dining Commons in Steinhardt Hall, whether it’s their home away from home or just a quick stop for a chicken wrap, Marti Bates is there, swiping them in with her infectious smile. She’s the heartbeat of the place. But behind that smile is a true Penn story—one that stretches back generations. Bates’ family has been part of Penn Dining for years, and now she’s continuing that tradition, building her own life here alongside her husband, who runs the kitchen at Falk Dining Hall. For Bates, it’s more than just a job—whether it’s surprising a former student by flying out to their wedding or just knowing the names of the people who walk through her doors, she goes above and beyond. But for all she gives, the reality of her work is more complicated.
(11/17/24 8:49pm)
Kapacity calls itself Penn’s premier Korean rock band, but it's not one to be pigeonholed—its setlists span ‘70s hard rock epics, 2000s emo classics, top–of–the–charts K–Pop, and heart–rending balladry. Long divorced from its primarily international student beginnings, now the band’s only focus is quality music, and it’ll reach out to any corner of the world to attain it. I saw this quality for myself at its show in March, and I knew I had to talk with the members—so I sat down with three leading members of the band in their regular rehearsal room to discuss their goals, inspirations, and creative process.
(07/02/24 5:07pm)
“I was always the kind of person that never felt bound to be in a specific box,” says Rishu Mohanka (C, E ‘24) as he sits behind the wheel of a U–Haul loaded with a 250–pound tunnel boring machine built entirely by himself and his fellow teammates on Penn Hyperloop. Embarking on a 25–hour road trip from Philadelphia to Bastrop, Texas, the team was en route to compete in the Not–a–Boring Competition, which challenges engineers to design, construct, and race their own innovative tunnel boring machines at The Boring Company’s headquarters.
(04/12/24 4:00am)
There is no other way to describe Kiln Chen (W '24) than “go go go.” She serves as an inspiration to all, tirelessly working to give back to her community and always finding ways to help anyone in need. Through her impressive involvement at clubs at Penn, Kiln has meshed her passions, academic pursuits, Asian American identity, and professional aspirations to work towards fostering a community of happy, confident, and flourishing students.
(03/29/24 2:18am)
“I remember waking up one day just before this semester started, thinking, 'I should take Japanese.' So, I just signed up, went to class, and I haven't regretted it since,” says Jason Lu (VIPER '24). This senior's spontaneity isn't just limited to his course selections; it's a defining trait that permeates through his diverse interests and activities at Penn. From the vibrancy of lion dancing to the innovative frontiers of the VIPER program, Jason's eclectic pursuits underscore a unique blend of cultural heritage, academic rigor, and a keen desire to impact the community positively.
(04/19/24 4:00am)
Sydney McKeever (C' 27) distinctiveness is immediately apparent: her sharp wit, effortless style, and staggering academic workload. But beneath the surface, her brain itself is equally unique.
(04/12/24 4:00am)
Today, cell phones make it possible to call friends and family whenever you want, wherever you want. However, communication wasn’t always as easy as it is today. Until about the 2000s, payphones used to be an important source of communication. While the advent of cell phones has made communication easier for many, it has also made communication less accessible for those who depend on payphones. Here in Philly, founder of Philtel Naveen Albert (E' 23) seeks to bring back payphones to the city and make communication accessible for all.
(03/24/24 10:54pm)
Penn students’ social media accounts are filled with photos of their refined artistic performances, lively parties, and demanding sports competitions. In light of our peers' impressive achievements and activities, it’s easy to focus on the people in the photos and forget about the person taking those photos. A lot of work and creativity goes into capturing these picture–perfect moments. Two of Penn’s best photographers share their experiences capturing moments from behind the camera, shedding light on the lessons we can learn from the ordinary act of snapping a quick camera–shot.
(03/15/24 4:00am)
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Ferris Bueller gave us that wisdom as a high school senior who felt he had too much on his plate. If he had gone to Penn, he’d have a heart attack within the first week. From cramming for finals to searching for internships, we seem to lack the time and the patience to think about the questions that matter most. What is virtue? What makes our lives worth living? Why are we here? On a cold Wednesday night, as crisp autumn turned to cruel winter, I made my trek through the wind tunnels of Locust Walk all the way to the Starbucks underneath 1920 Commons in search of the man who might have all the answers.
(02/27/24 5:00am)
Whether a die–hard Harry Potter fan or an unabashed Percy Jackson admirer, many students across the University of Pennsylvania’s campus can remember the excitement of picking up a new release of their favorite book series or staking out at Barnes & Noble to scour its new set of bestsellers. While not every student goes on to become an English or Comparative Literature major, the type of novels that students consume have a long–lasting impact on the development of their character and identity.
(02/23/24 5:00am)
For Drew Basile’s (C ‘23) middle school self, competing on Survivor was a dream come true. Being just a few days short of winning a million dollars, less so. “Now, I’m a broke grad student living in Europe,” he tells me of his post–Survivor life.
(02/28/24 1:51am)
When Priya Deliwala (C ‘24) enters—no, bounces—into a room with a radiant smile from ear to ear, one can’t help but feel infected by the contagious positive energy embodied by a bubbly, warm, and welcoming self. This senior exemplifies the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and remaining open to grabbing the reins of any new opportunity that arises. Looking at the beautiful, intricate Henna tattoo drawn on Priya’s hands, it is clear that Indian culture is embedded into every aspect of Priya's life. Priya feels like the most authentic representation comes forth in giving back to others. Selfless and attentive, Priya tries to make others feel visible and important as a well–rounded, strong, and compassionate individual.
(12/08/23 3:08pm)
There’s a quaintness to Jacques–Jean “J.J.” Tiziou’s abode on Osage Avenue beyond the kind typically embodied by West Philadelphia's colorful rowhomes. It’s reflected in the year–round Christmas lights strung across the narrow zigzag staircase and above the table, which, aside from a small lamp, are the only source of light in the dark wooden dining room. Deep shadows paint the faces of the soirée guests. Brows furrowed and eyes twinkling, the visitors exchange words and bowls of thick pottage. Somehow, I’ve found myself a part of the semimonthly tradition as nearly as old as I am—Tiziou’s French soirées.
(02/02/24 2:41am)
Frank Ma’s (W ’27) past three years have looked a little different from the typical freshman arriving at Penn. As opposed to the typical high school homecoming dances, proms, and stresses of being a teenager, Frank served in the Singaporean army and worked in different jobs before arriving at Penn. Now an eager 22–year–old freshman in Wharton, his life looks a little different than before. Frank now busies himself with new clubs, a heavy course load, and the newness that arises with being a first–year student.
(12/08/23 7:13am)
If you’ve ever seen a Save Chinatown Flyer or the UC Townhomes sweatshirts, you’re looking at the art of Alyssa Chandler (C ‘24). Leaning on a couch in the Charles Addams Fine Arts Hall, Alyssa takes a sip of her Dunkin coffee. “It’s been a crazy week,” she admits, gesturing towards her senior thesis sitting on display as part of the Fine Arts Department as part of their Senior Thesis Preview Exhibition. On a table, Alyssa has laid out protest stickers and a hand–printed zine detailing the community’s current fight against the 76ers arena. On either side of the wall are archival photos and articles underscoring the history of Chinatown, including a handmade map of the Vine Street Expressway.
(12/01/23 2:00pm)
Content warning: The following article includes mentions of rape, sexual violence, and murder, and can be disturbing and/or triggering for some readers. Please find resources listed at the bottom of the article.
(02/09/24 5:00am)
Everyday for lunch and dinner, Penn students head across the street from Huntsman Hall to honeygrow, where they indulge in signature stir–fry, custom salads, or pick up a meal to-go. Founded in Philadelphia by Justin Rosenberg, this fast–casual stir-fry and salad concept has become a “dorm room name” for Penn students since first opening their doors on Walnut Street in November 2015. Justin is amazed that it has already been eight years since honeygrow made its way to University City. “I've wanted to be on Penn's campus since I wrote the original business plan,” he says.
(12/06/23 1:13am)
Tucked away in the corner of Dahlak Paradise in West Philadelphia lies a hall of mirrors, transporting you to another universe. Emblazoned on the wall is a fluorescent neon purple sign that reads “If these walls could talk … ” One brisk Wednesday evening in late October, an eclectic group milled about in that very room. The conversation came to a halt as the first note rang out.
(11/20/23 5:00am)
Policy regarding disability inclusivity has long been a roaring debate in the United States. In the midst of polarized discourse, Amy Lutz has dedicated her academic and personal life to championing the implementation of support systems for the cognitively impaired. Through her literary journey as a current Penn faculty member and a medical historian, Lutz advocates for an approach to disability policy and practice that recognizes the intense and lifelong needs of profoundly autistic people.
(11/30/23 3:46pm)
When Sharon Chepnego (W '26) strolled down Locust Walk's Student Activities Council Fair at the start of her freshman year, a particular table caught her attention. Its poster contained the word “KENYA” in big, bold lettering. Sharon, an international student, had just arrived at Penn from Nairobi, Kenya, and was only beginning to get accustomed to her new life at an American university. She only recently received her SIM card from T–Mobile and had just been taught how to use Amazon.
