Ali Kokot
Recent articles
Investors value student startup at $20M
Monica Kwok, who founded her own clothing line in the fall, will be launching a video game company called Playzon Interactive next year. Although she has not yet secured outside funding for the venture, she estimates the company may be worth around $20 million.
$7.5 million Med School grant will go to breast cancer technology
The Perelman School of Medicine received $7.5 million last month to improve breast cancer screening techniques in the hopes of catching cancer earlier and with more accuracy.
New campus boutiques experience early success
Both Piper boutique owner Alessandra Coffenberg and Bonded BoutiqueCleaner owner HanNa Jung agreed that business has been good this fall.
Student designer finds success with fashion start-up
Entrepreneurship is not just for Wharton kids. College freshman Monica Kwok is celebrating the continuing success of her one-month-old clothing line called Monumentality.
Freshman 15 weight gain a myth, study says
A study from Ohio State and Michigan-Dearborn universities has found that college freshmen do not gain 15 pounds. On average, women gain 3.1 pounds and men 3.5 pounds their first year of college.
Mom and pop shops stand strong on campus
Unlike chains that crowd campus, House of Our Own, The Last Word Bookshop, Penn Book Center, The Marvelous and Avril 50 were all created by a character with a unique vision. They continue to flourish even in the face of tough economic times by offering not only specialized products but also specialized knowledge.
New green space to decorate University City
Wednesday, the University City District will celebrate the opening of a new green space located just outside of 30th Street Station in an effort to welcome travelers to Philadelphia and provide a gathering place for the community.
Restaurant vacancies pile up around Penn's campus
Despite University City’s thriving cosmopolitan image, three restaurant vacancies continue to haunt Penn’s campus — Marathon Grill, La Terrasse and Philly Diner.
Occupy movement may be relocated due to construction
Occupy Philadelphia’s tent village continues to grow outside City Hall, despite the city’s plans to begin construction of an ice skating rink in the lower plaza in mid-November.
Months after closing, Kitchen at Penn owners move on
Despite a successful run serving Penn students last semester, Kitchen at Penn closed shop May 1, unable to renew their lease for the coming semester.
Philly Diner closes after 10 years at Penn
After a decade at Penn, the Philly Diner at 39th and Walnut streets served its last batch of pancakes Sunday.
Dry cleaner at 37th and Spruce to sell women's clothing
After four days of construction, Bonded on 37th and Spruce Streets reopened on Oct. 1 as Bonded BoutiqueCleaner, a combined dry cleaning and women’s clothing shop.
Piper boutique to expand Penn clothing options
Piper, a ‘trendy and affordable’ boutique, will open on 34th Street between Walnut and Sansom after the University’s Fall Break.
Sweet and savory snack shop coming to University City this November
The new store will feature a Ben & Jerry’s, a Philly Soft Pretzel Factory and Wholly Cow Chocolates, all behind one counter.
Sabrina's lands in West Philadelphia
Known for “brunch all day” at its Italian Market and Fairmount locations, Sabrina’s Café has a new location on Drexel’s campus.
Fresh Grocer wine kiosk closes
The Fresh Grocer wine kiosk closed yesterday following disputes between the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and the machine’s supplier, Simple Brands L.L.C.
Penn Park marks eastern frontier
Bounded by the cement and steel of urban traffic ways, Penn Park — which opened to fireworks and celebration on Sept. 15 — marks a historical development in Penn’s eastward expansion.
Student start-ups look to DreamIt
DreamIt Ventures offers $5,000 to every new start-up they team up with, as well as an extra $5,000 per member. Additionally, DreamIt eliminates many of the hurdles that keep professionals from working on the “core” of their business
BoxMyDorm delays irk students
Despite some students’ reported horror stories, BoxMyDorm claimed that, for the most part, deliveries have run smoothly this September.
April sees slight rise in property crimes
Four more burglaries this April caused a spike in crimes against property compared to April of last year, Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush said.
