Penn President Amy Gutmann received the “Service to Humanity Award” for Penn’s commitment to research and campus advancements at the March of Dimes Foundation’s 17th annual Transportation, Building and Constructions Awards Luncheon Tuesday.
The organization, dedicated to preventing premature births and birth defects, selected Gutmann because Penn’s $600 million investment in campus construction and research represents a “vision for the day when children are born healthy in full term,” March of Dimes State Director Dolores Smith said.
Gutmann has set an important example for Penn by devoting herself to going “beyond campus limits,” College junior and Civic Scholar Ignacio Crespo wrote in an e-mail.
Her encouragement for academically supported service has been “tremendous,” agreed Netter Center for Community Partnerships Associate Director Joann Weeks.
The March of Dimes also honored Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Al Biehler and Laborers Union #57 Business Manager Walt Higgins.
The awards luncheon, whose proceeds go toward biomedical research, draws more than 800 attendees annually.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.