History of the University of Pennsylvania
Founding and Early History
The University of Pennsylvania was officially founded in 1740, making it one of the nine colonial colleges established before the American Revolution.
However, Penn’s roots trace back to a vision put forth by Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most prominent Founding Fathers. In 1749, Franklin published a pamphlet titled Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pensilvania, in which he outlined his ideal vision of an institution that would prepare students for leadership not just in the traditional professions of ministry and law, but also in public service, business, and science. This practical and forward-thinking perspective on education would become central to Penn’s identity.
Benjamin Franklin, the university’s founder and first president
Franklin’s vision differed from the classical education model predominant in colonial colleges. Instead of focusing exclusively on theology and classical languages, Franklin proposed a curriculum that included practical skills like mechanics, agriculture, commerce, and even public speaking. His goal was to create a well-rounded education that would equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for various professions and roles in public life. Penn was thus designed from the outset as a secular, multidisciplinary institution—a pioneering idea at the time.
After initial challenges in securing funding, the institution found its footing when Franklin, along with a group of Philadelphia citizens, acquired an unused building originally intended as a charity school. In 1751, the Academy of Philadelphia, as it was first called, opened its doors to students. Four years later, in 1755, it received its official charter, establishing the College of Philadelphia, which later became the University of Pennsylvania.
1755 Charter of the College of Philadelphia
The Evolution of Penn as a University
Penn is often regarded as the fourth-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, though there is debate around this designation. Harvard, Yale, and Princeton were founded earlier, and Penn often contests its ranking due to the date of its board of trustees’ first meeting in 1749, rather than the charter date.
Penn’s early distinction comes not only from its age but also from its approach to education and its role in shaping American higher education. Penn was the first American institution to include both undergraduate and professional education, setting a precedent for modern universities.
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Penn continued to expand its curriculum and facilities, adding a medical school, which became the first in North America. Founded in 1765, Penn’s medical school was groundbreaking, marking a major step forward in professional education. Over time, the university added law, engineering, and business schools, cementing its status as a comprehensive institution.
Key Schools and Academic Contributions
As of 2024, Penn is organized into 12 graduate and professional schools, along with four schools that admit undergraduate students: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Wharton School, and the School of Nursing. Each of these schools has a distinguished history and reputation in its respective field.
Notable Wharton School alumni include Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Warren Buffett, and Marc Rowan, alongside current and former CEOs of major Fortune 500 companies like Alphabet Inc., Boeing, Comcast, and Johnson & Johnson. Image: Huntsman Hall, the Wharton School’s main building
The Wharton School, established in 1881, was the first collegiate business school in the United States and remains one of the most highly regarded institutions for business education worldwide. Its innovative curriculum in finance, management, and entrepreneurship has produced many influential business leaders, making Wharton a cornerstone of Penn’s reputation.
Penn’s law school also holds historical significance. James Wilson, one of the university’s first professors of law, played a major role in drafting the United States Constitution. The School of Nursing, founded in 1935, has been a leader in advancing nursing education and research. Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science has also contributed significantly to technology and science, consistently ranked among the best engineering schools in the country.
Campus and Architecture
The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and Warden Garden
Penn’s campus is located in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, encompassing numerous historical and modern buildings. The university’s main campus features landmarks such as College Hall, one of the original buildings on campus and still a central location for administration. Houston Hall, built in 1896, holds the distinction of being the first student union in the United States, setting a precedent for campus centers nationwide.
Another iconic building is Franklin Field, which dates back to 1895 and is the oldest continuously operating NCAA Division I football stadium in the country. It has hosted numerous sports events over the years, making it a central element of Penn’s athletic legacy.
Research and Endowment
With an endowment of approximately $21 billion, Penn ranks among the wealthiest academic institutions in the United States. This endowment allows the university to fund a wide range of research initiatives, scholarships, and campus improvements. Penn consistently ranks high in research expenditures, reflecting its commitment to advancing knowledge in fields ranging from medicine and engineering to the social sciences and humanities. In 2021, it ranked fourth among U.S. universities in terms of research spending.
Penn’s research output includes major advancements in health sciences, such as gene therapy, cancer treatment, and vaccine development. The university’s Perelman School of Medicine, along with its affiliated hospitals, remains at the forefront of biomedical research.
Alumni and Influence
Penn’s alumni network is notable for its breadth and influence across a wide spectrum of fields. It has produced a remarkable number of prominent individuals, including eight Founding Fathers of the United States who signed the Declaration of Independence, seven who signed the Constitution, and 24 members of the Continental Congress. These alumni played crucial roles in the establishment of the United States as an independent nation.
Notably, two U.S. presidents, Donald Trump and William Henry Harrison, are Penn alumni, as well as numerous heads of state from other nations, such as Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah and Nigeria’s Nnamdi Azikiwe. The university’s influence extends deeply into American politics, with alumni serving as governors, senators, and representatives across the country.
Penn’s alumni include eight U.S. Founding Fathers, two U.S. presidents (Donald Trump and William Henry Harrison), and multiple foreign heads of state. Image: William H. Harrison – 9th President of the U.S.
The university’s legacy in the judiciary is equally significant, with alumni such as Supreme Court justices William J. Brennan, Owen J. Roberts, and James Wilson, who was also instrumental in drafting the U.S. Constitution. In addition, many alumni have served as judges in various state and federal courts, underscoring Penn’s influence in American legal and political spheres.
45th and 47th US President Donald Trump attended the Kew-Forest School through seventh grade and then the New York Military Academy until graduation. In 1964, he entered Fordham University, later transferring to Penn’s Wharton School, where he earned a Bachelor’s in economics in 1968. In 2015, Trump’s lawyer warned schools and the College Board against releasing his academic records.
In business and finance, Penn alumni include some of the most influential figures in the world. Warren Buffett and Elon Musk are two notable graduates who have left a profound impact on global business and entrepreneurship. In fact, Penn has the highest number of living billionaire undergraduate alumni among U.S. universities, reflecting its strong presence in finance, investment, and technology sectors.
In the arts, media, and entertainment, Penn alumni have made significant contributions as well, winning numerous prestigious awards. Alumni include EGOT winner John Legend, actresses Elizabeth Banks and Candice Bergen, and influential architects like Louis Kahn.
Did you know…?
- The 46th U.S. President Joe Biden previously served as a Benjamin Franklin Presidential Practice Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, leading the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement.
- Since its founding, the University of Pennsylvania has been associated with prominent early American figures, including eight Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence, seven who signed the U.S. Constitution, and 24 members of the Continental Congress. Notable alumni include Francis Hopkinson, Henry Marchant, Thomas Mifflin, William Paca, and Hugh Williamson, all contributing to our nation’s founding.
- As of 2023, Penn’s alumni network includes over 120 international clubs, with the Penn Club in New York City as a central alumni gathering spot on Clubhouse Row.
Athletics and Student Life
Penn’s athletic teams, known as the Quakers, participate in the Ivy League conference and offer a range of varsity sports. With 33 varsity teams, Penn provides ample opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest level in collegiate sports. Penn’s football team has a storied history, with Franklin Field serving as its home turf since the 19th century. In addition to football, Penn has a strong tradition in rowing, track and field, and basketball.
Student life at Penn is vibrant and diverse, with numerous student organizations, cultural clubs, and societies. Penn’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all students is evident in its support for international clubs, cultural centers, and affinity groups that cater to various interests and backgrounds.
Contributions to Science and Technology
Penn’s contributions to science and technology are substantial, with many breakthroughs and discoveries attributed to its researchers and faculty. The development of the mRNA technology that underpins modern COVID-19 vaccines was pioneered by Penn scientists, highlighting the university’s influence on public health. In the field of gene therapy, Penn researchers have been at the forefront of innovations that have the potential to cure genetic diseases.
The university’s engineering school has also made strides in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and bioengineering. Penn’s research in cognitive science and psychology, led by faculty like Martin Seligman, known for his work on positive psychology, has also had a profound impact on the study of human behavior.
Global Reach and Alumni Network
Penn’s alumni network spans over 120 international alumni clubs, with strong representation in cities worldwide. These clubs provide opportunities for alumni to stay connected, engage in networking events, and collaborate on projects.
In New York City, the Penn Club serves as a social and professional hub for alumni, embodying Penn’s commitment to fostering lifelong connections within its community.
The Penn Club of New York Building at 30-32 West 44th Street in Manhattan, New York
Penn’s Lasting Legacy
The University of Pennsylvania’s history is marked by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to public service. Franklin’s vision of an institution that combines intellectual rigor with practical skills continues to shape the university’s mission.
Today, Penn is recognized not only for its academic excellence but also for its dedication to producing graduates who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to society. Its influence in fields as varied as business, law, medicine, and the arts underscores Penn’s role as a foundational institution in American education and a global leader in higher learning.
Bronze Statue of Benjamin Franklin
The Statue of Benjamin Franklin in front of College Hall on Penn’s main campus
The bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin, sculpted by John J. Boyle, sits at the University of Pennsylvania, in front of College Hall on Locust Walk.
Commissioned by Justus C. Strawbridge and cast by Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company, the statue was installed in 1899 outside Philadelphia’s Main Post Office to honor Franklin, the first U.S. Postmaster General.
After the Post Office’s demolition in 1938, the statue was moved to Penn, Franklin’s co-founded institution, and rededicated in 1939. Its granite pedestal bears an inscription from George Washington‘s eulogy, celebrating Franklin’s virtues.
Coat of arms of the university
The University of Pennsylvania’s coat of arms, officially adopted in 1933, honors its founders, Benjamin Franklin and the Penn family. It displays elements from both family crests: three silver plates from the Penn family and Franklin’s dolphin, symbolizing their shared legacy. The motto, Quid leges sine moribus vanae proficiunt (“What laws without morals are empty”), reflects the university’s commitment to moral integrity alongside intellectual pursuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
An illustration from around 1815 shows the University of Pennsylvania’s Ninth Street campus, featuring the medical department on the left and college building on the right.
What is the University of Pennsylvania (Penn or UPenn), and where is it located?
Penn is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Who founded the University of Pennsylvania, and what was his vision for it?
Benjamin Franklin founded Penn with the vision of creating an institution that would train leaders in academia, commerce, and public service.
How does Penn rank in terms of its historical founding among U.S. universities?
Penn is often recognized as the fourth-oldest university in the United States, though some argue it is the fifth-oldest, due to its board convening in 1749.
What are Penn’s four undergraduate schools?
The four undergraduate schools are the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Wharton School, and the School of Nursing.
What notable achievements are associated with Penn’s law and medical schools?
Penn’s law school had James Wilson, a drafter of the U.S. Constitution, as its first professor. Its medical school was the first established in North America.
What are some prominent landmarks on Penn’s campus?
Key landmarks include College Hall, Houston Hall (the first modern student union in the U.S.), and Franklin Field (the oldest continuously operating NCAA Division I football stadium).
How extensive is Penn’s influence in the U.S. government and judiciary?
Penn alumni include U.S. Supreme Court justices like William J. Brennan, Owen J. Roberts, and James Wilson, as well as 32 U.S. senators and 163 House members.
William Joseph Brennan Jr. – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Which notable figures in finance are Penn alumni?
Influential figures like Warren Buffett and Elon Musk are Penn alumni, and Penn has the largest number of billionaire undergraduate alumni among U.S. institutions.
What impact have Penn alumni had on the arts and media?
Penn alumni have won 53 Tony Awards, 17 Grammys, 25 Emmys, and 13 Oscars, with John Legend achieving an EGOT.
How has Penn contributed to U.S. military history?
Penn alumni include Samuel Nicholas, founder of the U.S. Marine Corps, and William A. Newell, influential in early Coast Guard history.
How many Nobel laureates and Olympic medalists are associated with Penn?
Penn has been affiliated with 38 Nobel laureates, and Penn alumni have collectively earned 81 Olympic medals, including 26 gold.
Which cultural icons are Penn alumni?
Penn alumni include poets Ezra Pound and William Carlos Williams, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., architect Louis Kahn, and linguist Noam Chomsky.
Penn is a major academic institution with a profound impact across government, finance, law, science, and arts, rooted in American history and with a global reach. Image: A 1876 pocket guide illustration of Penn’s College Hall for the Centennial Exhibition.
