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Faces of Philanthropy
Inside Penn GSE’s new and improved home—and a look at some of those who made it possible.
by Rebecca Raber
T
his fall, Penn GSE unveiled its first new construction in over 50 years. Driven by the growth in student population, which has more than doubled since the last renovation two decades ago, and a need for more student-centered, collaborative space, the capital expansion project connected the two 1960-era buildings in which the School makes its home (Stiteler Hall and 3700 Walnut Street). The now-linked buildings add 16,200 new square feet to GSE’s footprint and include another 16,900 square feet of renovated space.
But this project, begun in April 2022 and finished this summer, is more than just an expansion. It’s a physical manifestation of Penn GSE’s priorities and values. It brings most of the School’s people and programs together under one roof for the first time in its history, fortifying the School’s commitment to “One Penn GSE.” It prioritizes collaborative spaces to bring people together to help solve 21st-century educational challenges. And it includes technology-rich spaces—like the Andrew and Marina Jacobson Innovation Studio and the Gregory and EJ Milken Makerspace—because advancing education in novel and meaningful ways demands innovation and technological expertise.
This next chapter of Penn GSE was made possible by the generosity of almost 100 donors who supported the capital expansion as part of the Extraordinary Impact campaign. They gave for their own personal reasons—a commitment to expanding educational access, a desire to honor a loved one in a permanent way, an impulse to make the facilities match the cutting-edge education delivered inside—but they were all moved by the School’s mission and belief in its future.
Stairs with seating connect the Andrea Pollack and Adam Usdan Overlook to the Shleifer Lobby.
“The success of our capital campaign has strengthened GSE in numerous ways, some of which are more visible than others,” said Board of Advisors member Doug Korn, W’84, who served as both campaign chair and board chair during the fundraising effort. “The beautiful new building provides better spaces for learning, sharing, collaborating, exploring, and community building, all of which will allow the School to magnify its impact and continue to attract the most committed and talented students and faculty. But, less visible and equally important, we are now able to invest more in crucial areas like financial aid, community partnerships, educational innovation, research, and faculty support.”
From the beautiful glass-enclosed Shleifer Lobby and its second-story Andrea Pollack and Adam Usdan Overlook, to new classrooms named for the Korn Family and Jeffrey and Nicole Goldberg, the names of some of the supporters who made the expanded and renovated building a reality can be found throughout. We asked a few of them why they chose to support the building project and how they hope the new spaces will inspire the future of Penn GSE.
McGraw Center for Educational Leadership
What is it?
A dedicated home for the new center, created last year thanks to a transformative gift from the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation. “The center’s vision is to facilitate the development of the next generation of educational leaders—from preschool through lifetime learning—who are at the forefront of scholarship and practice,” said Harold “Terry” McGraw III, WG’76. “To achieve this vision, the center will harness the collective expertise of McGraw Prize winners and students, alumni, and faculty across GSE, which is why having a dedicated space in the new building was so important.”
Why support it?
“We hope the space will enable current and future leaders inside and outside Penn GSE to collaborate and share best practices to advance learning at all levels in our society,” said McGraw. “It’s a tall task, but one Penn GSE is uniquely suited to lead.”
Monica Valrani Conference Room
What is it?
A bright, glass-walled conference room equipped with state-of-the-art technology off the new Pollack/Usdan Overlook.
Why support it?
Navin Valrani, W’93, GED’18, GED’22, GRD’23, named the space in honor of his wife, Monica, who runs early-years nursery schools in Dubai that serve more than 400 students a year. “I hope the Monica Valrani Conference Room will allow Penn GSE students from diverse cultural backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue,” he said. “Monica was born in Ghana and raised in Nigeria. She has seen first-hand the difference education makes to those underserved and marginalized by the world, and is determined to continue increasing educational access to children. This room will remain a legacy for her contribution to society.”
Barth Commons
What is it?
A gathering space and lounge in front of the three new active-learning classrooms that can be used for everything from group study to School receptions.
Why support it?
“My wife Natalie and I are staunch supporters of Penn, and we contribute in many areas, but are passionate about the teaching, research, and impact that are hallmarks of GSE. Therefore, GSE is one of our most important philanthropic priorities,” said Brett Barth, W’93. “The expansion project successfully achieved several objectives: combining the facilities, expanding the spaces available, creating a welcoming new entry, and providing communal space for students and faculty to meet and share ideas. A common area in this new space seems like a perfect way to help contribute to all of the project’s goals.”
Pam Grossman Classroom
What is it?
One of the three new flexible, interactive classrooms in the building addition that bumps out into the courtyard, this room was the gift of dozens of donors who wanted to honor the outgoing dean who envisioned the new building as an inclusive home for “One Penn GSE.” “Pam was a very visible leader, getting to know and support her faculty, administration, and most of all, students,” said Deborah Ancona, C’76, GED’77, one of the donors of the space. “She showcased that rare combination of head and heart: she really cares about new ideas, but also has a passion for people and change. She harnessed that passion to create a welcoming environment for all, and tackled the critical issues of today’s schools.”
Why support it?
“Why support Pam Grossman by creating a classroom in her name? Simply because she did an amazing job as dean of Penn GSE,” said Ancona, the Seley Distinguished Professor of Management at MIT. “I am also an academic and have seen deans come and go. Pam stands out as a superstar.”
Edward M. Yorke, W’81 Memorial Courtyard
What is it?
The new courtyard—bounded by the now-connected Stiteler Hall–3700 Walnut Penn GSE building on one side and Solomon Building on the other—is an outdoor gathering space for the community that features a long, beautiful wooden bench and lots of plants. It is a tribute to the late Ed Yorke, a nine-year Penn GSE board member, devoted family man, and, as many noted at the courtyard’s dedication, an ardent book lover. “For generations to come, future educational leaders will sit in the Yorke Courtyard to study, build personal connections, or just contemplate life. Most of them will have no idea who Ed Yorke was, but my hope is perhaps they can draw inspiration from the beautiful setting that will help them become better educators and mentors, and continue to compound the positive impact Ed had on the educational landscape and world around him,” said Doug Korn, a longtime friend and colleague who proposed naming the space in Yorke’s honor and chaired the committee that brought together more than 70 donors to support it. “I am confident that Ed would have appreciated that.”
Why support it?
“Ed cared deeply about education and about Penn, and his tragic passing left a deep hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him,” said Korn. “As a longtime member of the board of advisors, he was a respected and trusted confidant—offering sound advice and wisdom to two deans and numerous board members, senior administrators, and faculty. . . . The broad support for this project is a testimonial to the love so many had for Ed, as a friend, mentor, and inspirational community and business leader. Dozens of people, some of whom have historically had no connection to Penn and many others who are part of the Penn community, came forward with stories about how Ed had shaped their lives or careers in a positive and impactful way. It was truly a remarkable outpouring of support in memory of a remarkable man.”
Fundraising to support crucial spaces in the new and renovated building is ongoing. Please reach out to Vice Dean of Development and Alumni Relations Laura Tepper to learn more: ltepper@upenn.edu.
Fundraising to support crucial spaces in the new and renovated building is ongoing. Please reach out to Vice Dean of Development and Alumni Relations Laura Tepper to learn more: ltepper@upenn.edu.