\NEWS\
A View from Campus
THE NEXT GENERATION
This fall, Penn GSE welcomed 880 new students from 37 countries. At their orientation, organized by the Office of Student Success, they learned about campus resources, as well as how to navigate the academic environment at Penn and living in Philadelphia. They also enjoyed a reception, a trivia night, tours, and other social events to get to know their new classmates.
CELEBRATING NEW BEGINNINGS
On October 25, Penn GSE celebrated the official opening of its building renovation and expansion project. (More on the building on page 17.) On hand—along with numerous alumni, staff, faculty, students, and friends—were (from left) GSE Board of Advisors Chair Jeffrey McKibben, W’93, Dean Katharine Strunk, former Penn President Liz Magill, former dean Pam Grossman, and Penn GSE Board Member and former chair Doug Korn, W’84, who cut the ribbon together, formally launching the School’s next chapter in its new and improved space. More at penng.se/opening.
SPOTLIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH
This year’s Homecoming panel was tasked with “Addressing the Mental Health Crisis for Learners Across the Lifespan.” (From left) Dean Katharine Strunk moderated the conversation with Penn Associate Provost and Chief Wellness Officer Benoit Dubé, Director of Penn GSE’s Professional Counseling Program Ariane Thomas, and Founder and CEO of the Institute for Global Flourishing Noémie Le Pertel, GRD’21. Many of the gathered alumni and friends asked questions about the effects of social media and the different mental health resources that could or should be available across K–12 schools, colleges and universities, and workplaces. Learn more: penng.se/hc23.
AWARDING EDUCATOR EXCELLENCE
Morgan State University President David Wilson, Superintendent of the Los Angeles County Office of Education Debra Duardo, and Oakland University Distinguished Professor of Engineering Barbara Oakley (pictured here, from left, flanked by Harold “Terry” McGraw III, WG’73, on the left and Robert and Suzanne McGraw on the right) were selected for the 2023 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. Each winner received an award of $50,000 and an iconic prize sculpture at the November 8 ceremony at the Morgan Library in New York City. Learn more about the winners and their work on graduation rates, student outcomes, and adult learning: penng.se/mcgraw23.