The University of Pennsylvania, or Penn as it’s affectionately known, is the breeding ground for future world-changers, tech moguls, political masterminds, and wildly entertaining artists. The alumni of Penn are doing everything from running countries to launching billion-dollar tech empires. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout alumni who prove that your legacy can live on through your formidable career at Penn.

Well Known University of Pennsylvania Alums

1. Amna Nawaz 

Amna Nawaz, the award-winning journalist and anchor for PBS NewsHour, is one of the most prominent faces in broadcast journalism today. Her impressive career includes coverage of major national and international events, and she’s garnered recognition for her in-depth reporting and insightful commentary. Nawaz is living proof that the university’s strong foundation in communication can lead you to influence and inform the world. If you’re wondering how to balance intellect with poise, Nawaz is the perfect role model.

2. Dr. Jill Biden

Dr. Jill Biden, the former First Lady of the United States, is known for her advocacy and work on behalf of military families and education. She earned her Ed.D. from Penn’s Graduate School of Education, and her deep passion for teaching is central to her identity. Dr. Biden continues to inspire future generations, blending her academic achievements with her renown to push for education reform and support for students. If you need proof that Penn graduates are changing the world for the better, look no further than Dr. Biden’s ongoing work.

3. Sundar Pichai 

Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet (Google’s parent company), may be one of the most well-known tech leaders in the world today. Pichai graduated from Penn’s Wharton School with an MBA. Still, his journey to becoming the head of Google was built on a foundation of curiosity, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of technology. Under Pichai’s leadership, Google has expanded into new areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. His work at Google is shaping the future of technology, and it all began at Penn.

4. Angela Duckworth 

Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and researcher, is best known for her work on the concept of “grit” — a combination of passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Duckworth graduated from Penn with a Ph.D. in psychology, where she developed her groundbreaking research on how grit influences success in academics, business, and life. Her book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, has inspired millions to approach challenges with a mindset focused on persistence rather than talent alone. Duckworth’s work has not only influenced education and psychology but has helped reshape how we think about success.

5. Judith Rodin 

Dr. Judith Rodin, who earned her BA from Penn’s former College for Women, was the first woman to serve as the president of an Ivy League institution — the University of Pennsylvania itself. Under her leadership, Penn saw remarkable growth, expanding its reputation as a global education, research, and innovation leader. After leaving Penn, she became the president of the Rockefeller Foundation, where she focused on international development initiatives. Rodin’s leadership in academia and philanthropy showcases how Penn alumni are advancing knowledge and making a tangible impact on the world.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance With Penn Admission

Bo knows baseball. Ivy Coach knows how to get students into Penn. In fact, 83% of our package clients who applied to Penn have done just that over the last five years. If you’ve seen Ivy Coach’s Jayson Weingarten, a former University of Pennsylvania admissions officer, discussing college admissions in the news or a magazine, you’ll understand that at Ivy Coach, we don’t just go through the motions. We’ve been pushing the needle of college counseling forward and consider helping students optimize their odds of admission to Penn a personal mission. We’re here to guide you through the process, providing personalized advice and support every step of the way. 

To get started with us, simply fill out our complimentary consultation form and we’ll be in touch with an outline of our services.