Wharton Stories

A professional video camera set up in a dimly lit environment with blue and purple lighting, likely at a concert or event.
“Entertainment, at its core, is about connection and community. It’s what drew me to this industry as a kid moving between countries, looking for a common language. Building these treks was, in a small way, the same thing: creating a space where people could find each other, share something real, and leave a little more ready for what comes next.” — Ami Higuchi, WG’26

Beyond Hollywood: Wharton’s Media & Entertainment Trek Builds Something Bigger

A commercial kitchen workspace with various baking ingredients, including butter, chocolate chips, nuts, flour, spices, and measuring tools, arranged on a cutting board.
“I was so overwhelmed by the possibilities, in the best way,” says Emmy Keogh, C’26, of Venture Lab’s Food Innovation Lab.

Butter Business at Venture Lab’s Food Innovation Lab

A group of hikers with backpacks and trekking poles climbs a steep, rocky mountainside, with a rugged valley landscape stretching out below.
“Being a venture fellow means allowing mistakes to happen. … Our training stresses that we learn the most when we try and fail.” — Alan Li, W’28

Venture Fellows: Guiding by Letting Go

A large group of smiling people poses together at Venture Lab, with some individuals holding awards or plaques from the 2026 Startup Challenge.
“Creatives need a way to proactively protect their work. By protecting authors, we’re protecting innovation.” — Rishi Ambavanekar, ENG’29, W’29, 2026 Startup Challenge Grand Prize Winner

Top Winners at Venture Lab 2026 Startup Challenge

Margaret Zhu smiles and wears professional attire, standing outside Huntsman Hall.
“Margaret [Zhu] aims to increase safety in one of the most dangerous jobs in our country,” says Penn President J. Larry Jameson. “Her use of cutting edge-technology together with human insight is quintessentially Penn and will help protect arborists while improving the industry.”

Wharton Undergrad Margaret Zhu Receives 2026 President’s Innovation Prize

A person stands on steps with three children in front of a sign for Wharton University of Pennsylvania. The background features a bridge and palm trees.
“Juggling everything is hard, but it’s completely doable. And it’s absolutely worth it,” says Lauren Gonzalez, WG’26.

No Pause Button: One Mother’s Wharton EMBA Journey

Kampton Kam wearing reflective sunglasses and a red-and-blue ‘PENN’ uniform shouts while gripping the front of his jersey, standing in Franklin Field
Wharton opened every door. Now, high-jump champion Kampton Kam, W’26, must decide which one to walk through.

A Wharton Athlete Already Won, Now He Has to Choose

Wharton's 50th class of the EMBA program. (Image Credit: Diane Sharp)
“From the outset, EMBA has been specifically designed and delivered for working professionals of diverse backgrounds, job experiences, and career aspirations. The program is as relevant nowadays as it was 50 years ago,” says Vice Dean Mauro Guillén.

50 Years of Wharton’s Executive MBA Program

Two side-by-side headshot portraits show smiling students dressed in professional attire.
As Thouron Scholars, Andrew Schmidt and Sriya Teerdhala — both Wharton undergraduates in the Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management (LSM) — will receive graduate support for study in the U.K.

Wharton LSM Undergraduates Named 2026 Thouron Scholars

Students pose for an outdoor photo against green pastures and a blue sky at Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Gaborone, Botswana.
The Lauder Institute leads students on short-term academic immersions in destinations around the world through Lauder Intercultural Ventures (LIVs). Site visits, expert discussions, and cultural engagement allow students to examine how history, policy, and economic forces shape conditions on the ground.

Lauder Intercultural Ventures Immerse Students in Global Learning