In his welcome message to the University community, Penn President Larry Jameson addressed ongoing challenges to higher education and highlighted the institution's previous triumphs in the face of institutional strain.
Jameson's Aug. 26 email welcomed students, faculty, and staff back to campus for the 2025-26 academic year. Following a summer marked by an increasingly tense relationship with the federal government, the message emphasized the University's need to “listen to concerns and adapt” to new perspectives.
“Everyone here is part of these exceptional contributions,” he wrote. “We all carry the culture that has sustained this institution over decades and through previous challenges.”
On July 1, Jameson announced that Penn had signed a resolution agreement with the federal government, agreeing with all demands issued by the Department of Education regarding its Title IX compliance. Penn also faced a subpoena from the House Judiciary Committee, which accused the University of inadequately submitting documents in the committee’s ongoing investigation into price-fixing in the Ivy League.
The email did not make any mention of either development.
He also highlighted the “value” that Penn brings “to individuals and to society” through the work of students and alumni.
“Faculty will continue to expand the frontiers of knowledge further than at any other time in history,” Jameson wrote. “Our thousands of alumni, here and abroad, will use their skills and passions for major impact.”
He added that Penn will continue to “heal patients, enrich lives, and serve the world.”
RELATED:
House Judiciary Committee subpoenas Penn for documents in ongoing price-fixing investigation
Penn named in lawsuit accusing top universities of using early decision admissions to inflate prices
Jameson also addressed his personal excitement for another year on campus, noting the “joy” he felt during this year’s move-in process, New Student Orientation, and Convocation.
“Every family I met was energized," he added. “I heard many times how organized and helpful the Penn team was, and of course, the pride of parents was evident. I remember these feelings well from moving my own children into college.”
The email echoed Jameson’s remarks during the 2025 Convocation ceremony — in which he formally welcomed the Class of 2029 — encouraged students to utilize University resources, and embrace new identities.
In his welcome email the year prior, Jameson acknowledged concerns regarding open expression across the University, and other campus changes — including the resignation of former Penn President Liz Magill and scrutiny from alumni, the media, political actors, and government agencies.
Jameson concluded the email by expressing his hope for Penn’s continued leadership in various research fields and across higher education in general.
“I look forward to being in touch throughout the year to share updates on how Penn will continue to lead far into the future,” he wrote. “I am excited for everything we will achieve together.”
