University of Pennsylvania Establishes Groundbreaking Philanthropy Professorship with $5 Million Endowment
The University of Pennsylvania has announced the creation of the Wieler Family Professorship, a pioneering academic position dedicated to philanthropy. This initiative is made possible by a generous $5 million gift from alumni Scott A. Wieler, WG’87, and Mary Baily Wieler. The professorship will bridge the disciplines of social policy and business, with dual appointments in Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) and the Wharton School.
Interim President J. Larry Jameson remarked on the significance of this initiative, stating, “The Wieler Family Professorship will strengthen Penn’s ability to equip business leaders with the interdisciplinary skills and understanding necessary to address our world’s problems.” The initiative aligns with Penn’s strategic framework, In Principle and Practice, which aims to foster service-minded leadership.
The search for the inaugural professor will be spearheaded by SP2 in collaboration with Wharton. The selected faculty member will focus their research on philanthropy, contributing to both schools’ academic and practical pursuits.
Dean Sara S. Bachman of SP2 highlighted the impact of this initiative, noting, “This visionary professorship builds upon SP2’s deep commitment to the study of philanthropy and the School’s interdisciplinary collaborations across the University.” The position is expected to inspire students to connect business principles with philanthropic efforts, emphasizing the role of philanthropy in shaping social policies.
The professorship is set to enhance existing programs at SP2, such as the Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership, while also integrating philanthropic research within Wharton’s business education framework. Erika H. James, Dean of the Wharton School, expressed gratitude for the Wielers’ support, stating, “With their support, we will ever more encourage exceptional faculty and the students who benefit from their teaching to apply insights beyond the academy and campus, ultimately achieving holistic progress.”
Scott A. Wieler is not only a Wharton MBA graduate but also a longstanding contributor to the School, having received the Distinguished Service Award and chaired the Wharton Graduate Executive Board. Meanwhile, Mary Baily Wieler has been an advocate for arts philanthropy, holding leadership roles in various cultural institutions.
“I see leadership at the 21st century university as not merely about cultivating sharp minds, but also about nurturing compassionate hearts,” said Scott A. Wieler. He emphasized the potential of integrating capitalism with philanthropy to drive social progress, affirming the professorship’s role in shaping future leaders who blend entrepreneurship with empathy.
The initiative builds on the collaborative efforts of SP2 and Wharton, such as the Center for High Impact Philanthropy (CHIP), which provides applied research to philanthropists. Dean Bachman’s tenure at SP2 has been marked by successful faculty recruitment across diverse areas, including social work and climate inequality.
The Wielers’ latest gift reinforces their ongoing support for Penn’s mission, following their previous contributions to the Penn Museum and other university initiatives.
About the School of Social Policy & Practice
Founded in 1908, the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is committed to social innovation, impact, and justice. SP2 offers transdisciplinary research and education through five degree programs and multiple certificate options, preparing leaders to enhance human services.
About the University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania, established in 1740, is a renowned Ivy League institution located in Philadelphia. The university is distinguished for its excellence in graduate and professional education, serving a diverse student body of over 20,000 from around the globe.
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