For most students, the years spent at Penn are fairly self-absorbed. It's time spent boosting a resume, or partying, or studying for final exams.
From Wharton to Nursing, a Penn education is a ticket to a better life, but it's a ticket that bears a very high price: a responsibility to do everything we can to contribute to our community and to our world.
And we don't have to wait until graduation to get started.
Penn students already spend enormous time volunteering at the Beacon program in West Philadelphia, helping to rebuild the Ninth Ward in New Orleans or simply giving blood in Houston Hall.
Some of these students will continue non-profit work full time after graduation, but most won't.
And that's OK - because many of us will go on to be leaders in business, health and every other field imaginable. And as leaders, it will be our responsibility to effect the change we know we can.
Five years ago, Americans showed their ability to aid and sacrifice far beyond what we thought possible. We hope this spirit of good will may one day return - in whatever form.
In that spirit, we ask you to give your time, give your money - give whatever you can. Penn will grant you a degree, and it will be your turn to return the favor to the world.
