Last night, business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi embraced the relationship between business and philanthropy at its second annual corporate benefit in the Woodlands Ballroom of the Inn at Penn.
The corporate benefit is Alpha Kappa Psi's signature event and one of the largest philanthropic events on campus. Proceeds from this year's event went to Greater Philadelphia Cares.
According to Wharton sophomore Jenny Jiang, one of the event's organizers, Alpha Kappa Psi started the benefit last year because "there are not many events on campus about corporate responsibility."
The event last night gave students the chance to network and dine with representatives from various companies, such as Johnson and Johnson and Credit Suisse.
Governor Ed Rendell was confirmed to speak at the event, but was unable to attend because of traffic.
Jiang said Alpha Kappa Psi chose Greater Philadelphia Cares because members "wanted to make this event community-focused, and Greater Philadelphia Cares does a lot of amazing work in our local community."
This year, Christine Poon, vice chairwoman of Johnson & Johnson and one of Forbes Top 100 Most Powerful Women, gave the keynote address.
Poon spoke on the growing importance of corporate social responsibility and the "link between business practices and the health of the human race."
She emphasized that Johnson and Johnson is working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world, noting the "unbreakable bond between human health and the health of the planet."
She explained that the company is currently working with partners in sub-saharan Africa to make HIV products available at the lowest price.
Johnson and Johnson "is all about caring for the world, one person at a time," she said.
Alpha Kappa Psi member and Wharton sophomore Mindy Zhang said, "Ms. Poon is a great role model for me, and she is a successful female business leader .... The chance to hear Ms. Poon speak is a huge opportunity."
Alain Castillo, Wharton sophomore and Alpha Kappa Psi member, echoed Zhang's enthusiasm.
"Ms. Poon is a very influential woman," he said.
