Dear Alumni,

As we move into 2008 in this Winter issue, the season for sharing continues with our call for greater financial participation.

How You Can Make a Difference Now

On October 20, 2007, the School launched its most visionary campaign in Wharton’s history—Innovation and Leadership: The Campaign for Wharton—to sustain its excellence and confirm its position as the preeminent business school in the world. As part of the University of Pennsylvania’s Making History capital campaign goal of $3.5 billion, The Campaign for Wharton has a fundraising goal of $550 million. The Campaign for Wharton is focused on the following three areas.

1. Driving Innovation through research and programs and the
creating of three new institutions:  The Global Leadership Institute,
The Entrepreneurship Institute, and The Business Institute for
Global Good to promote social, environmental, and economic
change for the betterment of society.

2. Educating Leaders through increased student financial
aid and faculty support

3. Sustaining Excellence through curriculum development,
enhancements to facilities and technology. For more
information on the campaign and its priorities, go to www.wharton.upenn.edu/TheCampaignForWharton/campaign.html

The Need to Give More…and Consistently

Quite simply, as alumni of the world’s oldest and best business school, we need to do more. Compared with peer institutions, Wharton does not enjoy the same levels of alumni participation in the annual fund. Our alumni community must give in greater numbers and sustain their support on an annual basis. It is only through alumni support that Wharton can continue to claim its world-class position and, in so doing, strengthen the currency of your Wharton degree. We encourage you to make a gift to The Wharton Fund in this fiscal year, ending June 30, 2008, and to continue to do so on an annual basis.

How Has Wharton Made a Difference in Your Life —Share Your Story

We know that Wharton has made a difference in your life and now you have a chance to make a difference in the lives of students, faculty members, and the world. We want to hear how Wharton has influenced or changed your life. As I speak with many alumni around the world, it is clear that their Wharton experience has been instrumental in shaping their careers, global perspective, and relationships. As a result of these conversations, we have created a new series, Wharton Connections in Action, that will feature some of your stories in future magazine issues—all you have to do is email your personal story to magazine@wharton.upenn.edu. The sharing starts now! To make a financial contribution, go to “Make A Gift” at www.wharton.upenn.edu/alumni.

Until,

Tama L. Smith, WG’90
Board Chairwoman,
WhartonAlumni Association
President, Tama Smith & Associates, Inc.
E-mail: tsmith@tsassociates.com