College Voices

In this episode of College Voices, Glynn builds on her earlier conversation with Dean of the College Peter Struck, exploring the first of his four key points of undergraduate education at Penn: joining new conversations. Glynn speaks with professors Kevin Platt and Masao Sacco, who developed the Kite and Key courses as part of the pilot "College Foundations" program. Through this interview, Glynn hears about their experience in joining the conversation with other university members in the evolution and future of liberal arts education at Penn. Glynn then explores the historical context and conversations around the development of liberal arts education at Penn through conversations with John Pollack and Jim Duffin from Penn Libraries. Lastly, Glynn speaks with Brighid Dwyer, Vice Dean for Academic Excellence and Engagement who shares some resources for current students on how they can engage with dialogue at the University. 

Special Thanks To:

In this special season premiere of College Voices, Glynn introduces an exciting new direction for the podcast. Building on a conversation with Dean of the College Peter Struck, this semester will explore the four key points of undergraduate education at Penn: joining new conversations, finding your voice, engaging the community, and diving deep. Glynn reflects on their own journey through these stages and previews upcoming episodes featuring the College's new curriculum changes, Kite and Key programs, first-year seminars, and community engagement opportunities. This season uncovers how the College of Arts and Sciences prepares students for conversations and contributions that extend far beyond campus.

Special Thanks To:

• Glynn Boltman, Show Host & Writer
• Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
• Gwen Cohen, Show Producer

In this special season finale of College Voices, Glynn sits down with Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Peter Struck, to explore what shapes undergraduate education at Penn. As the final First Friday Focus of the semester, this episode goes behind the scenes to understand how administrators coordinate with students, faculty, and staff to create an educational environment that values exploration and knowledge for its own sake. Dean Struck shares insights into the purpose behind the college's interdisciplinary approach and how the seemingly winding paths students take are actually part of a deliberate design to foster deep thinking and broad exploration. The conversation reveals that beyond all the busyness of classes, activities, and jobs, what truly makes the College what it is are the vibrant, creative, and intellectually engaged people who make up its community.

In this episode of College Voices, Glynn talks to student leaders how they shape their education. Students on advisory boards, deliberative organizations, and in student government share different ways to get involved in all aspects of the College experience. Whether advocating for clubs and campus organizations, representing their classmates, or fielding surveys to learn what their peers think about new educational initiatives, the student leaders in this episode show that having a say goes far beyond student body president. 

Special Thanks To:

• Glynn Boltman, Show Host & Writer
• Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
• Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
• Max Annunziata, CAS '26
• Leo Solga, CAS '26
• Anna Bellows, CAS '26

For this semester's First Friday Focus, we follow a day in the life of Seyoon Chun, a student in the College double majoring in History and East Asian Studies. Just in time for Advanced Registration Glynn and Seyoon talk about balancing a packed schedule with a range of interests: from work at the Center for East Asian Studies, to classes as like Gender and Sexuality in Religion or even Arabic drumming. Seyoon highlights how following his passions has helped him find community and mentorship, tailoring his Penn experience to his interests without sacrificing exploration. 

Special Thanks To:

• Glynn Boltman, Show Host & Writer
• Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
• Gwen Cohen, Show Producer

In this episode of College Voices, Glynn explores the diverse maker spaces available to students across Penn's campus where creativity and innovation come to life. Hear from Sebastian Jaramillo at Venture Labs about how students can transform their entrepreneurial dreams into reality with funding and community support, and Jessica and Ira from Penn Common Press, where students use historic printing equipment to create artistic projects. The episode also features David from the Vitale Media Lab discussing digital resources in Van Pelt, and Christine and Tex from Weigle Education Commons near Franklin Field, who share how students can access free tools and equipment for their projects. Glynn highlights how these spaces foster a culture of making and turn Penn's spirit of innovation into vibrant communities where students can pursue their passions.

Special Thanks To:

• Glynn Boltman, Show Host & Writer
• Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
• Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
• David Toccafondi, Vitale Media Lab Manager
• Christine Kemp, Education Commons Program Coordinator of Technology and Play
• Tex Kang, Education Commons Program Coordinator of Technology and Play
• Jessica Peterson, Common Press Manager
• Ira Romero, Penn Common Press Student Worker
• Sebastian Jaramillo, Tangen Hall Director

For this semester's First Friday Focus, we follow a day in the life of Ashwin Laksumanage, a Junior at Penn studying Economics and Philosophy. Glynn and Ashwin talk about finding experiences that make each person's Penn journey unique, and the winding road to understanding your passions in a seemingly infinite world of options. With a busy schedule of classes, clubs, and research, Ashwin shares how he creates balance in his life, showing that being a self-starter can coexist with self-care.  

In this first, full episode of our new season, our host Glynn focuses on how College students can find their home away from home as they start the new semester. Hear from a College House Director, Resident Assistant (RA), as well as a College student as they share their advice on how College Houses and Academic Service programs can be great starting points for students to find their community at Penn. 

Special Thanks To:

• Glynn Boltman, Show Host & Writer
• Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
• Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
• Dr. Cam Grey, Professor of Classical Studies, College House Faculty Director  
• Tanisha A. Political Science Major, C'28
• Griffin P., Environmental Studies & Urban Studies Double Major, C'26

College Voices is BACK for Season 5! After having an exciting summer conducting research, podcast host Glynn is excited to return to the studio to interview members of the Penn community. In this short trailer, Glynn gives a brief overview of what is to come in future episodes this fall and also chats with several students during move-in week to hear what they are looking forward to in the new academic year.  

Special Thanks To:

• Glynn Boltman, Show Host & Writer
• Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
• Gwen Cohen, Show Producer

Join us for this special season finale as Glynn interviews our graduating podcast host, Anusha. Their interview takes us on a journey through Anusha's four transformative years at Penn. From her first days on campus eager to explore all the resources the College has to offer, to becoming a confident Podcaster sharing diverse student stories, Anusha reflects on the memorable episodes, inspiring guests, and personal growth that shaped her College experience.

Special Thanks To:

• Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
• Glynn Boltman, Show Host & Writer
• Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
• Gwen Cohen, Show Producer