Three alumni pose for a photo

ALUMNI EVENTS

At SP2, we offer our alumni a slate of events that provide opportunities for networking, personal development, and professional enrichment.

These events allow SP2 graduates to interact with each other but also to get to know current students, faculty, and staff. We hope these events will create spaces for alumni to feel connected with SP2’s present and invested in the School’s future.

Nomination requirements, due by 2/1/2025:

The nominees should have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields, disciplines, positions and/or occupations. Contributions may include, but are not limited to: development of new programs, procedures, models, teaching, writing, research, service, or by other outstanding records of consistent advancement in their chosen profession.

Guidelines:

  • Nominations may be received from any member of the SP2 community, including faculty, staff, alumni, and students
  • Alumni can self-nominate
  • Nominations must be received by February 1st deadline
  • Nominations and supporting documents may be submitted online or through other approved forms when electronic submission is not possible

Nominations must include:

  • Nomination form (available here)
  • If the nomination is accepted, nominee must submit two letters of support and current resume or curriculum vitae for consideration 

Eligibility:

  • Nominees to the SP2 Alumni Hall of Fame must have graduated at least five years prior to their nomination
  • Nominees must have contributed in a significant way to the mission and vision of SP2
  • Nominations and awards are not contingent upon a graduate’s giving record or potential for giving.

SP2 Fridays

A chance for alumni to return to Caster for relaxed evening of food and refreshments with current students and faculty. Held throughout the semester.

SP2 Minute

This event allows SP2 graduates to share their expertise with the rest of the School’s community and engage in thought provoking discussions on a wide range of relevant topics. Held throughout the semester.

SP2 Speaker Series

The Speaker Series features leading scholars and activists from within the SP2 community and beyond in conversation with renowned leader Ben Jealous. Held throughout the semester.

 

Alumni Weekend

SP2 Alumni Hall of Fame, May 16th; 4-5:30pm

SP2 Alumni Reception, May 16th; 5:30-8pm

SP2 Commencement Pre-Reception, May 17th; 2-5:30pm

Commencement Ceremony, May 17th, 6:30-8:30pm

SP2 Jazz Brunch, May 18th: 12-2pm

All alumni are welcomed back to campus to celebrate the completion of another academic year with food, drink, and live music. 

In addition, each semester, special one-off events are held to highlight alumni from each program, events to create networking opportunities for alumni, and events that feature current faculty discussing their work. 

Please make sure to check your email for details on all upcoming events as well as the SP2 Calendar.

Upcoming Alumni Events

SP2 Fridays

Come out and network with current students and alumni. Refreshments will be served. SP2 Fridays is presented by the Offices of Institutional Advancement & Student Affairs.

Power, Politics and Territory in the ‘New Northern Ireland”

Dr. Elizabeth DeYoung, a research scientist at SP2’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research, is the author of the book “Power, Politics and Territory in the ‘New Northern Ireland’: Girdwood Barracks […]

Slow Burn: The Hidden Costs of a Warming World

A conversation with Dr. R. Jisung Park, author of Slow Burn: The Hidden Costs of a Warming World and Kat Rosqueta, WG’01.   From lower test scores to higher crime rates, what are the costs […]

SP2 Hall of Fame Induction

SP2 Alumni Hall of Fame, May 16th; 4-5:30pm | Inn at Penn – 3600 Sansom Street Inductees for the Class of 2025 will be announced 4/1. This event will give priority […]

SP2 Alumni Reception

SP2 Alumni Reception, May 16th; 5:30-8pm | Caster Courtyard – 3701 Locust Walk Spend the evening with friends and family catching up with fellow alumni while enjoying the live band, […]

Events

03/19

Promotional graphic for the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice virtual speaker series titled 'Climate's influence on health, politics, and the labor economy -- a look at the US and the Global South'. Features the event date and time, 'Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 12 - 1 p.m. ET', and images of three speakers: Ben Jealous, Dr. Ioana Marinescu, and Dr. Alice Xu.

SP2 Speaker Series – Climate

This is a virtual event and open to all. Join SP2 on 3/19 at 12 p.m. ET for a virtual conversation about climate’s influence on health, politics, and the labor […]

Events

03/19

Social Work Month Student Appreciation: Chair Massages

Celebrate Social Work Month with Relaxation! Take a well-deserved break and recharge! As part of Social Work Month, we’re hosting a Chair Massage Event to show appreciation for all your […]

News

A person adds a note to a colorful board with the question

Groundbreaking experiments with guaranteed income for formerly incarcerated individuals show promising results

Research from the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) reveals the profound potential of guaranteed income for individuals reentering communities after incarceration.