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EVP Newsletter
Summer 2024
News from Across the Divisions
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Greetings!
As we transition from a particularly difficult spring on campus, and look forward to a relaxing summer, I want to acknowledge the importance of taking time to unwind and recharge. Each of us deserves a well-earned break to enjoy the activities that bring us happiness.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the positive transformations taking place within the EVP Division. We are thrilled to welcome two new Vice Presidents who will bring fresh perspectives and expertise to our teams. Michael Scales began on June 1 as the new VP of Business Services, and Felicia Washington will assume her role as the new VP of Human Resources on September 1. Their appointments mark the beginning of an exciting chapter for the EVP Division and for the University. You can read about Michael and Felicia in the sections immediately below.
Embracing changes at work, and in life, can sometimes feeling overwhelming. However it's essential to view these changes as chances for growth and development. As we navigate these transitions, we must also remember to balance our professional lives with personal enjoyment. Summer is the perfect time to explore and unwind, and Philadelphia offers a wealth of opportunities to do just that. If you're looking for something fun to do this summer, whether it's a festival, concert, a historical tour or a culinary festival, our great city has it all. The University City District and Visit Philadelphia websites are are your go-to guides for all the latest events and activities in the city, so be sure to check them out and make the most of your summer!
Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work. I wish you a peaceful and enjoyable summer.
Best,
Craig
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Welcoming New Leaders to the EVP Division! | |
Michael Scales began his role as Penn's Vice President of Business Services on June 1. In his role, Mr. Scales oversees services that provide Penn’s faculty, staff, students, and visitors with campus amenities and administrative support through over 15 business units and programs. His most recent position was as Associate Vice President for Business Services at Temple University. For more information, see the full announcement published in Penn Today. | |  |
Felicia Washington will become the Vice President of Human Resources starting on September 1, succeeding Jack Heuer. Since 2019, Felicia has served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at the University of Southern California, where she provided leadership impacting 28,000 faculty and staff, along with 47,500 students. For more details, see the full announcement published in Penn Today. We look forward to welcoming Felicia in September! | | |
Pennovation Accelerator Program | |
The 2024 Pennovation Accelerator program has kicked off for its seventh summer at the Pennovation Center, featuring twelve cohort companies representing a variety of industries including medtech, financial management, AI, and more. The six-week curriculum will focus on creating and refining each company's pitch, from go-to-market strategies to marketing and branding, and will culminate with Pitch Day on July 24. Learn more about these entrepreneurs and plan to attend the finale event using the link above. | |
Franklin Building Wellness Walk | |
In honor of Employee Health and Wellness Month, Human Resources hosted a special Wellness Walk & Social on June 13 for Franklin Building staff. Visiting the Bio Pond, enjoying time with colleagues, and getting some extra steps in were just a few highlights of the walk. A special thanks to the folks in HR Wellness for organizing! | |
Center for Creative Works | |
The Center for Creative Works, a progressive art studio focused on professional development and representation of neurodivergent artists, has joined the Shop Penn community for a pop-up at 3425 Walnut Street this summer. This ‘Art Hub’ is designed to be a place of art appreciation, inclusivity, and engagement — where people can stop in, talk to the artists, view artwork, and attend workshops and special events. Pieces created by local artists are also available to purchase along with other products on display such as textiles, t-shirts, tote bags, and cards. Visit the Shop Penn website to read news about the CCW addition to our retail district. | |
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Craig's List
Here are some headlines worth checking out...
Transforming, Enabling & Securing Penn
Recognized Holidays for Fiscal Year 2025
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Penn observes several holidays that give staff and faculty time to spend away from work. For a list of holidays the University will recognize in the upcoming fiscal year, visit the Holidays webpage on the HR website.
Be in the Know 2024-2025 Campaign Year Starts July 1
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Penn invites you to step into a healthier year with the 2024-2025 Be in the Know campaign, available for all benefits-eligible faculty and staff as well as postdoctoral researchers and fellows eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits Plan. Be in the Know provides comprehensive programs, resources, and rewards to support your health and well-being. This year’s campaign runs July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. For complete details, see here.
Pennovation Works Year in Review
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Pennovation Works continues to evolve and cultivate an innovative and collaborative environment for its 100+ companies and research entities. The Pennovation Works Year in Review highlights the stats, stories, and impactful projects that occurred in 2023. Discover why this ecosystem continues to be Where Ideas Go To Work, and learn about the innovative discoveries and research that shaped another successful year.
FY25 Budget Book is Now Available
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Penn Parking & Commuter Services is pleased to announce new parking options offering increased flexibility for commuters, especially in a hybrid work environment:
- In addition to Everyday Permits (formerly called Campus Daily Permits) Penn Parking is now offering a 12 Parks Per Month Permit which allows parking 12 times per calendar month at an assigned parking location. Annual enrollment in the permit is required and all 12 days must be used in the specified month and do not carry over. The 12 Parks Permit is only available at Walnut 32, Walnut 38, Walnut 40, Chestnut 34, Nursing Garage, and Spruce 38 (not available at surface lots).
- Also being introduced is the refreshed Occasional Parking Program or “Pay as you Go.” Under the new “Pay as You Go” Occasional Parking Program, employees who require occasional parking will receive a $3 discount on Penn’s public parking rates. Different than the permit options, parking under this program is subject to daily availability (rather than guaranteed) and payments are made on a post-tax basis. Pre-registration and designation of a preferred payment method is necessary to participate. Payroll deduction is not allowed with this option. Occasional Parking is available at Walnut 38, Chestnut 34, and Walnut 40.
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Check Out Philly's 100+ Biggest Summer Events & Festivals | |
The Countdown to 2026 in Philly is on! | |
Listen to Penn Leaders Talk Collaboration on HR Podcast
For the May 2024 Keeping Up With HR podcast, four University leaders discuss their unique approaches to successful collaboration and describe a recent project where they came together with their colleagues to create valuable experiences for faculty and staff. Hear from:
- Tony Sorrentino, Associate Vice President in the EVP Office
- Leslie Hurtig, Vice Dean for Administration at the Weitzman School of Design
- Mark Kocent, University Architect in Facilities and Real Estate Services
- Chris Bradie, Associate Vice President for Business Services.
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Beat the heat at the Penn Ice Rink, which reopened to the public on June 24 following annual maintenance. For more information about hours and programming, see here. | |
Enjoy the Beauty of Morris Arboretum & Gardens this Summer | |
Enjoy the Morris Arboretum & Gardens in the summer season with special programming and events. Join every Tuesday at 11 AM, now through August 27, for a Bloomin’ Bubbles party. Visit on July 4 to celebrate Independence Day at the Firework Flower Scavenger Hunt. Bring the whole family for discounted prehistoric fun during Dino Weekend on Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14. For a full calendar of upcoming events, see here. | |
Congratulations K9 Officer Toby!
Toby recently graduated from the PennVet Working Dog Center’s scent detection class and has become a certified ordnance detection canine. Welcome to UPPD’s K9 Unit, Officer Toby!
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