Speech and debate enriched Renee Liu’s personal and professional development. Now, she partners with two West Philadelphia high schools to bring tailored, long-term speech and debate programs to local students based on school-identified needs.
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Empowering high school students through speech and debate
In an internship through the Netter Center for Community Partnerships, third-year Renee Liu developed a comprehensive afterschool speech and debate program that responded to needs identified by students and faculty in two West Philadelphia high schools.
For rising first-years, transfer students, and returning students, building community at Penn can take shape in myriad ways. Three undergraduates share how they’ve developed their sense of belonging at the University, offering empowered perspectives on finding one’s place on campus.
Covenant restored to the vibrant red hue it had upon installment on campus in 1975.
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Conservation of Covenant: Maintaining a campus landmark
This summer, Penn’s largest piece of public art, Covenant, has undergone the final stretch of a two-part maintenance project that involved restoring its bright red surface.
(From left) Social media creators Manny 215 [Manny Clark], Prince Dre, Fis Banga, and Ant Brown on stage with facilitator Tamara Russell at the Creators for Community Safety Summit. Brown leads the content creator team that is developing the CUREiculum campaign set to pilot at select Philadelphia public schools this fall.
(Image: Courtesy of the School of Social Policy & Practice and the Annenberg School for Communication)
Partnering with local digital leaders to promote violence prevention
A team of Philadelphia-based content creators is collaborating with Penn public health experts to develop a comprehensive anti-violence campaign tailored for youth across the City, with youth-focused workshops and educational materials to be piloted in select Philadelphia public schools this fall.
In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, WXPN will roll out Philly Anthems this July through the fall. The timely project showcases original, freedom-themed songs from a Philadelphia-based cohort of seasoned and emerging musicians.
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Philly Anthems: WXPN commemorates America 250 through local music
This month, WXPN rolls out its Philly Anthems project, featuring original songs from a Philadelphia-based group of seasoned and emerging musicians prompted by a timely theme: freedom.
“Back of the State House, Philadelphia”. Plate 22 from “The City of Philadelphia as it appeared in the Year 1800”. Published by W. Birch, Springland Cot. near Neshaminy Bridge on the Bristol Road; Pennsylvania. Decr. 31st 1800. University of Pennsylvania Art Collection, Philadelphia.
(Image: Courtesy of the Arthur Ross Gallery)
Arthur Ross Gallery to launch America 250 exhibition this fall
‘At Liberty: Life in the City of Brotherly Love During the Early Republic’ will be on view Aug. 28 through Dec. 13. The fall exhibition, located in the Arthur Ross Gallery, will consider the role of visual culture and perceptions of Philadelphia during the era of the Revolution.
Celebrating Penn’s 270th Commencement at a historic moment
Reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the United States, speakers invoked American traditions and provided guidance on building a meaningful life in a fast-changing world. Graduates, cheered on by family and friends, celebrated their part in Penn’s storied history.
Justin Wang (left), Janine Haros (center), and Eric Lee (right) in a clinical room at the Scheie Eye Institute, holding documents and smiling together.
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Empowering unhoused patients through comprehensive eye care
Penn fourth-years Eric Lee, Janine Haros, and Justin Wang will use a President’s Engagement Prize to elevate vision health in unhoused individuals across Philadelphia through free eye screenings, tailored care coordination, and interactive patient education.
![(from left to right): Social media creators Manny 215 [Manny Clark], Prince Dre, Fis Banga, and Ant Brown on stage with facilitator Tamara Russell at the Creators for Community Safety Summit. Brown is speaking and holding a microphone. The slideshow in the background reads: "Panel: Violence Prevention and Conflict Resolution"](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/2026-08/CreatorInstitute-Ant-Brown-teaser.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=muWE0epi)
