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A complete guide to volunteer opportunities
for Penn alumni, parents and friends

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Opportunities for involvement are available within the following categories:

Admissions & Mentoring Parents
Arts & Culture Penn Alumni
Community Service School Alumni Associations
Development Sports & Recreation
Education & Research Institutes/Centers University Governance

ADMISSIONS & MENTORING 

Alumni Secondary School Committee
The Alumni Secondary School Committee is a network of alumni volunteers organized by the Office of Admissions. Alumni actively recruit students for Penn, represent the University at college fairs, and conduct interviews with prospective students. While many committees are currently well-staffed and active, additional volunteers are welcome. Orientation materials and contact information for an alumni chair in your area will be mailed to you.
Contact: Doris Cochran-Fikes

Fox Leadership Program
Learning Leadership through Study / Living Leadership through Service
The Robert A. Fox Leadership Program's “study and serve” mission is to equip and encourage Penn undergraduates to be public-spirited, results-oriented leaders both now and in whatever walks of human excellence and endeavor they may choose after graduating from Penn. www.foxleadership.org
Contact: Chuck Brutsche

Penn Alumni Career Network (PACNet)
PACNet is our career network through which Penn alumni can offer career advice and guidance to students and alumni with career questions. The database is searchable by career field, geography or degree. This tool is part of the Penn Alumni Online Community, and has around 2000 mentors. We are always seeking alumni volunteers to provide their work expertise to current students and their Penn peers as mentors for professional development. Sign up today if you are willing to share your experience and advice with fellow Penn students and alumni!
Contact: Claire Klieger

Penn Alumni Student Society (PASS)
The Penn Alumni Student Society is dedicated to facilitating relations between current students and alumni of the University of Pennsylvania. PASS supports members of the Penn community by providing opportunities for co-curricular education, mentorship, networking, personal interaction and direct communication with alumni and fellow students.
Contact: PASS@dev.upenn.edu

Washington Internship Program
The Washington Internship Program, housed in the Fels Institute of Government, assists students in the College of Arts and Sciences in selecting and applying for summer internships in Washington, D.C. Students will also be matched with alumni in the D.C. area who will serve as mentors. This is an excellent opportunity for alumni in Washington to provide support to students considering careers in politics and policymaking.
Contact: Deirdre Martinez

ARTS & CULTURE     top

Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
The Annenberg Center is a multi-disciplinary venue offering a varied program through its professional performing arts arm Penn Presents. Its mission is to serve Penn and the Delaware Valley region as a comprehensive performing arts center, distinguished by a broad-based program of music, theatre, dance, arts education and outreach.
Contact: http://www.annenbergcenter.org/about/contact.php

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
Founded in 1963, the ICA is a leader in the presentation of contemporary art. Through exhibitions, commissions, educational programs, and publications, ICA invites the public to share in the experience, interpretation and understanding of the work of established and emerging artists. Share your passion and knowledge about art with guests to the ICA by volunteering as a docent or staffing the information desk.
Contact: Denise Berry

University of Pennsylvania Press
Penn Press exists to publish meritorious works that advance scholarly research and educational objectives. With an active backlist of more than 1000 titles and an annual output of upwards of 100 new books and journals in a focused editorial program across the humanities and social sciences, the Press addresses the needs of scholars, teachers, students, professionals, and the broader community of readers worldwide.
Contact: Eric Halpern

Kelly Writers House Alumni
For over a decade now, the Writers House has served as a campus home for writers of all kinds from Penn and the Philadelphia region at large. The house thrives in large part due to the talented and energetic involvement of Penn alumni. Make yourself a resource to Penn students and fellow alumni interested in writing, teaching and publishing by listing yourself in the Writer's House E-Directory, or share your wisdom and experience with members of the Penn community by participating in a reading, workshop or discussion series.
Contact: Writers House

Daily Pennsylvanian Alumni Association
The Alumni Association provides services to alumni, such as a thrice-yearly newsletter, a detailed biennual alumni Directory, and casual get-togethers on Homecoming and Alumni Day. It also offers advice and assistance to the student staff through mentoring programs and special events, such as the Marquez Journalism Conference held on campus each fall. For up-to-date information, visit our website: www.dpalumni.com.
Contact: DP Alumni Association

Student Cultural Centers
The Division of the Vice Provost for University Life (VPUL) nurtures the inter ests and aspirations of Penn students through world-class services that effectively and efficiently foster the integration of students' intellectual, cultural, personal, recreational, social and leadership experiences. VPUL's Resource Centers develop and implement innovative programs for leadership development and service in close collaboration with student and community groups.

African American Resource Center
The mission of AARC is to enhance the quality of life for faculty, staff and students at the University of Pennsylvania, with a particular focus on those of African descent. AARC constructively and proactively helps to create a teaching-learning community of real and harmonious diversity.
Contact: AARC
Greenfield Intercultural Center
The mission of the GIC is to serve as an intercultural resource on campus by promoting institution-wide dialogues that raise awareness of the rich traditions and diversity within the Penn community while encouraging students to understand the importance of building a strong intercultural community at Penn.
Contact: GIC
La Casa Latina
La Casa Latina is a Center devoted to developing greater awareness of Latino issues, culture and identity on Penn's campus. The Center supports students through resources and services that foster the integration of their academic, social, cultural, and community service activities to enrich their Penn experience.
Contact: La Casa Latina
Makuu
Makuu is a primary resource for students of African descent that serves as a repository of University resources to help increase students' academic, intellectual, social, cultural, and professional success at Penn. We aim to enhance student life by encouraging open dialogue, collaborative efforts and community exploration within and without the Penn campus.
Contact: Makuu
Pan Asian American Community House
The Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH) is the central resource for students and student organizations with Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. PAACH works with its academic partner, the Asian American Studies Program to provide events on research, culture, history, politics and social issues.
Contact: PAACH
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center
Established in 1982, The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center (LGBT), one of the oldest and most active programs of its kind in the country, supports LGBT students, staff, alumni, and faculty and increases the general Penn community's understanding and acceptance of its sexual and gender minority members.
Contact: LGBT Center
Penn Women's Center
The mission of the Penn Women's Center (PWC) is to ensure that the University of Pennsylvania is responsive to women's concerns in any activity with the following services: services to individuals (advising, advocacy, counseling/case management, information and referral, etc.), educational programming (workshops, presentations, conferences etc.), policy development and implementation (consultation, training) networking (on and off campus) and administration.
Contact: Penn Women's Center

WXPN
WXPN-FM is the non-commercial public radio service of the University of Pennsylvania and the premier radio showcase for contemporary music that spans the progressive edges of rock, folk, rhythm and blues, and American roots. WXPN is one of the most listened to public broadcasting services in the country because of the support of its listeners and volunteers. Answer phones, take donations and provide membership information to callers during one of WXPN's three annual on-air membership drives, or volunteer during the All About Music Festival weekend and hand out flyers, provide assistance to the performers and enjoy some wonderful live music!
Contact: WXPN

WXPN Policy Board
Because of station broadcasts to the external community, WXPN reports to a Policy Board, which was created in 1979. The University President appoints all 16 members of the Policy Board, although some nominations come from specific campus constituencies. Eight members of the Board are selected from the community at large; these members are nominated by the Board's Executive Committee and appointed by the President.

COMMUNITY SERVICE     top

Center for Community Partnerships (CCP)
Founded in 1992, the CCP is Penn's primary vehicle for bringing to bear the broad range of human knowledge needed to solve the complex, comprehensive, and interconnected problems of the American city.
Contact: CCP

Civic House
Civic House is Penn's hub for student-led community service and social advocacy work. Through education, community connections, and other resources, Civic House prepares students for responsible and effective civic engagement and leadership. We also welcome alumni engaged in the public interest who are eager to share their experiences with students.
Contact: civic@dolphin.upenn.edu

DEVELOPMENT     top

The Penn Fund
The Penn Fund solicits unr estricted gifts annually from alumni holding undergraduate degrees as well as from friends of the University, and is a major source of funds that help underwrite the education expenses for all current Penn students. Penn alumni volunteer phonathons are critical to achieving The Penn Fund goals each year, and over 5,000 alumni and parents are contacted annually.
Contact: Jean Findlay

EDUCATION & RESEARCH INSTITUTES/CENTERS     top

Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute
The Abramson Cancer Center serves as the forum for integrating cancer research, education, and patient care. Volunteer opportunities include clinic assignments, making caps and lap quilts for patients through the sewing and knitting project, and positions supporting Oncology Nursing Units (clown volunteers, Musician on Call Guides, Nursing Unit Volunteers). Other volunteer positions in the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine and The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania are also needed to support patient care. Contact: Donna Griffith

Libraries of the University of Pennsylvania
The Penn Libraries, and its resources are the heart of the learning community at the University. Penn’s 15 Libraries contain over five million volumes and countless electronic resources which make up the critical tools enabling students and faculty to achieve excellence. In addition to the Penn community, the Libraries are open to the public and serve as an important resource for West Philadelphia. Volunteers have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities and are encouraged to contact the Development Office for additional information.
Contact: Amanda M. Goldstein

Morris Arboretum
The Morris Arboretum is a 92-acre horticultural display garden and educational institution, and is the official Arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The spectacular collection of mature trees from around the world, the formal rose garden, English Park, swan pond and elegant and unique glasshouse Fernery complement colorful flowerscapes and woodland walks. The Arboretum conducts four major activities: education, research, outreach, and horticultural display. Use your green thumb as a Horticulture Volunteer in one of the many gardens or enroll in our guide program to learn about the Arboretum and lead tours. The Arboretum also features a Garden Railway Display each summer and volunteers are needed to greet visitors and share their wonders of the Arboretum. No experience is needed.
Contacts:
For Guide Training information - Liza Hawley
For Horticulture or Garden Railway Volunteer Information - Iana Turner

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology
From Egypt to Babylon and everywhere in between, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology advances understanding of the world's cultural heritage through its research, collections, exhibitions, and educational programming. Since it's beginnings in 1880s, the Museum has depended on volunteer help for many of its projects and much of its development. Today, more than 250 volunteers participate regularly, outnumbering the staff almost 3 to 1. Many volunteers stick around for 10, 20, 30 years and more, helping out in nearly all aspects of the institution, from cultivating membership to taking traveling exhibits to local schools. Volunteer docents currently being recruited.
Contact: Jane Nelson at nelsonjf@sas.upenn.edu or 215-898-4277

University Archives
The University Archives strives to ensure the timeless preservation of historically significant documents and other materials that reflect the University's origins and development and the activities and achievements of its officers, staff, faculty, students, alumni, and benefactors.
Contact: Archives

The Wistar Institute
As a nonprofit biomedical research institution, The Wistar Institute is committed to conducting basic research to benefit society and to training the next generation of scientists. Get behind a microscope by volunteering as a lab assistant at one of the Institute's laboratories.
Contact: Diane Kucher

PARENTS    top

Parents Program
The Parents Program is committed to offering a number of ways you can get involved, join the Penn community and donate your generous time and energy. Parent volunteers are ambassadors of goodwill promoting a cause they believe worthwhile: the education and welfare of students at Penn and the entire Penn community. Being a parent volunteer is one more way to stay connected and involved in your child's Penn Experience. Please visit our website at www.pennparents.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Contact: ppparent@dev.upenn.edu

The Parents Council
The Parents Council is a select group of dedicated parents who have come together to represent the parent community at the University by providing thoughtful and meaningful feedback on Penn's undergraduate initiatives along with communication and involvement activities for parents. Through meetings and planned activities, our Parents Council members help build and strengthen Penn's programming for the parent community and get educated on what is currently happening at Penn.
Contact: ppparent@dev.upenn.edu

PENN ALUMNI    top

Penn Alumni is comprised of over 250,000 matriculants to all of Penn's undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Whether you have the perfect idea for the way to celebrate your next reunion or you are interested in expanding Penn Alumni activities in your region, there is an opportunity for to you contribute to the Penn family.

Alumni Groups
Alumni groups help you connect with people who share your interest. They provide a community for networking and a connection back to Penn. As you enjoy the camaraderie and commitment of your Penn peers, you will also be helping to build an ever stronger and more diverse university community.

Association of Alumnae
Every woman who receives a degree from Penn becomes a member of the Association, which promotes the interests and welfare of the University in areas of concern to women. Whether it be honoring the women of the 50th reunion class, or welcoming the current graduating class of women to the ranks of alumnae during Senior Week. In addition to other programs and events like hosting a "Day at Pennsylvania" for area high school women or fundraising to support a scholarship program, your fellow alumnae invite you to join them in sharing your time and experience with the past, present and future women of Penn.
Contact: Alumnae@alumni.upenn.edu
Association of Latino Alumni (ALA)
Founded in 1999, ALA promotes the interests of Latino students and alumni. ALA encourages Latino alumni to avail themselves of Penn's resources for a lifetime of education and enrichment, while facilitating their re-connection to one another and the University community.
Contact: Cynthia Harrison
Association of Native Alumni (ANA)
ANA promotes the interests and welfare of Native American alumni, strengthens and deepens friendships, encourages active recruitment and retention of Native faculty and students and furthers Penn's commitment to the advancement of Native American higher education.
Contact: Cynthia Harrison
Black Alumni Society (BAS)
Founded in 1982, with regional chapters in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, DC, BAS encourages communication and cooperation among black alumni, black students, and the University community.
Contact: BAS@alumni.upenn.edu
James Brister Society (JBS)
Founded in 1993, JBS is an organization comprised of diverse alumni leaders. These leaders, by power of their example, support and promote Penn's efforts to attract, encourage, and maintain a culturally diverse community of faculty, students, administrators, staff, and volunteers, thus enriching the University community as a whole. The society is named in honor of James Brister, an 1881 graduate of the Dental School, and the first African-American graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.
Contact: Nicole Maloy
PennGALA
Founded as an informal organization in 1984, PennGALA became an official part of the University's Alumni Society in 1999. PennGALA supports the family of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender alumni and promotes their interests at Penn.
Contact: PennGALA@alumni.upenn.edu
Trustees' Council of Penn Women
"The Trustees' Council of Penn Women is a national network of Penn alumnae. These leaders, by power of their example, support, foster and promote the advancement of women and women's issues within the University, thus enriching the University community as a whole."

For more than twenty years, The Trustees’ Council of Penn Women has impacted the lives of Penn women by bringing to the foreground women and women’s issues across Penn’s campus. Our energy, financial support and service to Penn reflects our commitment. Our ongoing programs and initiatives support scholarship, research and fellowship, athletics and the arts. We have raised the bar on gender equity and continue to collaborate with the University to support women faculty. Our grants seed and sustain an array of graduate and undergraduate extracurricular activities; our work with students and young alumnae supports their growth and vision. Opportunities for individual women and innumerable groups have grown and flourished with our underwriting.
Contact: Terri Welsh

University of Pennsylvania Asian Alumni Network (UPAAN)
Founded in 2001, UPAAN is committed to developing and maintaining an international network for Asian Pacific Islander alumni and students. UPAAN's mission is to inspire, develop, and nurture the interests of its constituents with the University.
Contact: Cynthia Harrison

Classes & Reunions
Alumni volunteers are a driving force behind the successful planning and execution of class reunions. The following are ways in which you can support your class, both in reunion and non-reunion years.
Contact: Lisbeth Willis

Alumni Class Leadership Council (ACLC)
ACLC works to make alumni undergraduate class leadership stronger and broader, and encourages participation in all alumni activities including Homecoming and Alumni Weekend. In addition, the ACLC advises attendees at the annual Penn Reunion Leadership Conference on how to effectively plan and promote reunions.
Non-reunion year class officers
Class reunions don't come together overnight. Class leadership during non-reunion years is key to the planning and execution of a successful reunion celebration. Take the lead and start building up your classmate's excitement and engagement as you prepare for your reunion.
Quinquennial reunion year committees
Whether it be your 5th reunion or your 50th, it is the participation of you and your classmates that will make it truly memorable and meaningful. Help create events for your reunion by joining a planning committee. Encourage your classmates to contribute to your class gift as a member of a gift committee.

Global Alumni Network (GAN)
Contact: ganteam@lists.upenn.edu

Regional Alumni Clubs
From Philadelphia to Hong Kong, the GAN team coordinates a world-wide network of alumni volunteers providing year-round intellectual, cultural, social and networking events. Reconnect with Penn and your fellow alumni by joining one of the Global Alumni Network's 62 domestic clubs and 45 international clubs.

Penn Alumni Governance
Contact: PennAlumni@alumni.upenn.edu

Membership in the following governing bodies is generally by invitation.

Penn Alumni Council of Representatives
This body is made up of undergraduate class presidents, alumni club presidents, and presidents of the Penn Alumni's constituent groups, about 300 members in all, and currently convenes twice a year.
Penn Alumni Board of Directors
The Board is a panel of approximately 50 members who conduct the business of Penn Alumni under its By-Laws.
Penn Alumni Executive Committee
The Committee, a nine member subset of the Board of Directors including the Penn Alumni President and officers, is vested with the full power of the Board between meetings; the Committee's actions, however, must be approved by the Board at its next meeting.

SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS    top

Annenberg School for Communication (no Alumni Association)
Contact: Joanne Murray

Education Alumni Association
Contact: Janice Rafferty

Penn Dental Medicine Alumni Society
The Penn Dental Medicine Alumni Society promotes the interests of the Dental School and its graduates. Led by an Executive Committee, the Alumni Society takes an active role in encouraging students to be active in the life of the School and remain engaged as alumni through events such as the White Coat Ceremony, Senior Farewell, and the Alumni Career Series. Alumni are encouraged to become involved by serving as a member-at-large on the Executive Committee.
Contact: Joshua Liss

PennDesign Alumni Association
Contact: Andrea Allsion-Williams

Penn Engineering Alumni Society
The Penn Engineering Alumni Society serves the proud role of keeping the connections between our alumni and the School strong. All graduates of Penn Engineering automatically become members of the Alumni Society. The Alumni Society's Board of Directors oversees a series of activities throughout the year: the Senior Design Competition, the Sophomore Mentoring Program, and other opportunities to network with current students, faculty and fellow alumni.
Contact: alumni@seas.upenn.edu

Penn Law Alumni Society
Contact: Lucyna Gorski

Penn Medical Alumni Society
Contact: Kristen Rozansky

Penn Nursing Alumni
All graduates of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and the HUP School of Nursing are automatically members of Penn Nursing Alumni. The Penn Nursing Alumni Board represents over 14,000 graduates of this top private school of nursing in the country and works with the Nursing Alumni Office to connect and engage with our alumni through a variety of opportunities and events. From student workplace visits to elected Alumni Board positions, we invite you to browse our website and click on " Volunteer Opportunities" to learn more about the many ways you can get involved.
Contact: School of Nursing

School of Arts & Sciences
Contact: Carrie Stavrakos

School of Social Policy & Practice
Contact: Kathryn A. Cipriani

Veterinary Medical Alumni Society
Contact: Coreen M. Hagerty

Wharton Alumni Society
Stay connected with one of the strongest global business communities in the world through the School’s new online community, WhartonConnect. Visit the site by logging on at www.wharton.upenn.edu/alumni and learn about the resources and services for alumni, as well as opportunities to expand your engagement with the School through regional and affinity clubs, reunions and special events.
Contact: Joan Adams Hewitt

SPORTS & RECREATION    top

The Pottruck Center
The Department of Recreation offers the opportunity for the Penn Community to participate in intramural sports, open recreation, adult recreation classes, sport clubs, fitness programs, and special interest programs. Support your fellow alumni by volunteering at the annual Homecoming Run. Volunteers are needed to assist with registration, hand out water, and staff checkpoints.
Contact: Ryan Buries

UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE    top

Boards of Overseers
The Boards of Overseers are the advisory bodies to the deans of the schools. Overseer boards serve as a vital channel of communication with the Trustees on the activities of the University's many constituent parts. Boards of Overseers afford Penn ready panels of professionals, experts, and informed lay people who provide volunteer leadership and financial support. Membership on these Boards is generally by invitation.
Contact: Scott Reynolds

Board of Trustees
Formal institutional governance and fiduciary responsibility rests solely with its Board of Trustees. The trustees delegate the responsibility for the day-to-day management of the University to the administration and, in particular, to the president. In consultation with the president, the trustees determine the long-range allocation of resources, making decisions in the context of the needs and expectations of the University's constituencies and of society. Membership on the Board is generally by invitation.
Contact: Alison McGhie

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