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Annual Report

Fiscal Year 2022–2023

Contents

Letter From the Dean
Year in Review
Hear from a GSE Student
Explore our New Building
Honor Roll of Donors
shieldLetter from the dean
Katharine O Strunk
I

became the dean of Penn GSE seven months ago, and, in the short time since, I’ve had the privilege of seeing true excellence in action. There is a reason Penn GSE is so highly regarded by our peers across the country and the world: our students, staff, faculty, and alumni are simply beyond compare. Every time I leave a conversation with a member of our community, I am struck by the passion we share for improving the world around us, for making an impact, and for improving learning in a range of venues— from K–12 schools, institutes of higher education, early childhood learning centers, and countless other spaces where the magic of education and care occurs.

I am so proud of how much Penn GSE has accomplished and I am so grateful for your support that makes it possible. Thanks to the dedicated work of former Dean Pam Grossman and many others— including many of you—GSE’s capital expansion project has allowed our physical space to reflect the promise of GSE’s important and impressive work. Finished just in time for the beginning of the fall semester, this renovated and expanded building not only has modern and innovative classrooms, but it also provides dynamic spaces for students to collaborate, learn, and socialize together. I have loved getting to see our Penn GSE community enjoying this new addition, and I am filled with gratitude for all the support that allowed us to get here. But don’t take my word for it. Explore these improvements for yourself; photos and a video of the new building are included in this report, and we’d love you to visit campus to see it in person.

Beyond celebrating our new and improved home, though, this report also reflects the immense power of each and every gift from every corner of our community. And there has never been a more critical time to invest in the power of education. We have seen the growing need for access to rich learning spaces and educators who can foster an understanding of civil discourse and for a renewed dedication to an educated workforce, locally and globally.

From all of us here at GSE, thank you for your support and for your belief in the power of education. I am excited to continue partnering with our community to expand our impact so that even more students and educators can inspire and fuel change. I can’t think of any better partners in this work than you. Your passion for and commitment to the School, to education (both locally and internationally), and to ensuring progress is inspiring. I’m honored to be a part of the Penn GSE community and to join you in making a difference in the lives of students, educators, and lifelong learners.

All my best,

Katharine Strunk signature
Katharine Strunk
Dean, Penn Graduate School of Education
George and Diane Weiss Professor of Education
shieldA Year in Review

A Year in Review at Penn GSE

Calendar icon

Fiscal Year 2023

  • $12,338,037
    Receipts
  • $29,347,417
    Commitments
  • 1,180
    Total number of donors to GSE
annual fund icon

Penn GSE Annual Fund

The Penn GSE Annual Fund is a critical source of unrestricted funding that allows the School to direct resources to the areas of greatest need. The Annual Fund supports every student, faculty member, and program at GSE. It was a record-breaking fiscal year for the Penn GSE Annual Fund, which raised 17% more than last year!
  • 896
    Total number of donors to GSE Annual Fund
  • $348,000
    Total gifts to GSE Annual Fund
benjamin franklin icon

Benjamin Franklin Society

The Benjamin Franklin Society (BFS) is Penn’s prestigious leadership giving society. Donors who are BFS members give $2,500 or more to annual giving funds across the University in a given fiscal year. Penn GSE alumni who graduated within the past 14 years can join the BFS as an associate at a reduced members level.
  • 74
    Total number of BFS members
  • $177,000
    Total gifts through BFS members
benchmark icon

Benchmark Society

The Penn GSE Benchmark Society celebrates and recognizes the most loyal Annual Fund donors at Penn GSE. Donors who have given to the Penn GSE Annual Fund for three or more consecutive years are Benchmark Society members.
  • 380
    Total number of Benchmark members
  • 12
    Sustainer: 25+ years
  • 60
    Benefactor: 15–24 years
  • 86
    Patron: 10–14 years
  • 222
    Member: 3 years
shieldHear from a GSE Student

Whether through the Annual Fund or direct gifts to scholarship, Penn GSE donors make life-changing opportunities possible for students of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences.

Meet Jaleesa Parks:
“As a mother and former math teacher, my experience at Penn’s Graduate School of Education as a scholarship recipient has been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey. The financial support provided by the scholarship has allowed me to fully immerse myself in my studies at GSE while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood.

Throughout my time at GSE, I have been equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to address the pressing issues of diversity and equity in STEM fields. My Learning Sciences and Technologies program’s comprehensive curriculum and diverse learning opportunities have deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in STEM and have empowered me to become an advocate for change.

Upon graduation, my goal is to seek out positions that actively contribute to promoting diversity and equity in STEM fields. I aspire to utilize my background as a mother and former math teacher to create inclusive learning environments, develop equitable policies, and implement initiatives that encourage underrepresented individuals to pursue and thrive in STEM careers.

By leveraging the network and reputation of Penn GSE, I aim to collaborate with like-minded professionals, organizations, and institutions to drive meaningful change in the STEM landscape. Through research, mentorship, and community engagement, I am committed to breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, has equal opportunities to succeed in STEM. “

Jaleesa Parks
M.S.Ed. Candidate
Learning Sciences and Technologies
Pictured above: Jaleesa Parks with her daughter at Penn GSE.
shieldExplore our New Building

One Penn GSE Comes to Life

After 18 months of construction and many years of planning, Penn GSE’s newly renovated and expanded home opened its doors this fall to students, faculty, and staff.
This transformative $35.6 million project, which brings almost all of our people and programs under one roof for the first time, was made possible by roughly 100 generous donors who believe in the power of a unified One Penn GSE. This project adds 16,200 square feet and includes 16,900 square feet of renovated and reconfigured spaces.
The new Penn GSE building in the sunlight
The new Penn GSE building at night
Penn GSE's brand new courtyard with modern wood seating area and students involved in conversation and socializing
In this new space, you’ll find several different student lounges and designated areas for doctoral students and executive-format-program students, as well as a new faculty and staff lounge, a technology-rich makerspace and VR studio, and expansive event spaces.
Interior view of lounge are with students on chairs and couches
Interior view of Penn GSE withg students sitting on stairs

Take a Tour of the New Penn GSE

shieldHonor Roll of Donors

Honor Roll of Donors

This section recognizes donors who have made outright gifts, pledges, and/or pledge payments to the Graduate School of Education in the amount of $100 or more in the 2023 fiscal year: July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023.

Honor Roll of Donors

Ben Franklin Society (BFS) +
Benchmark Society *
June Challenge ~
Castetter Circle ^

Corporate and Foundation Donors

Board of Advisors

Alumni Leadership

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Annual Report

Fiscal Year 2022–2023
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