College Voices

Joining the Conversation

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: * Glynn Boltman, Show Host & Writer * Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist * Gwen Cohen, Show Producer * Masao Sako, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, The College of Arts & Sciences * Kevin Platt, Professor of Russian and East European, The College of Arts & Sciences * John Pollack, Curator of Research Services (Kislak Center), Penn Libraries * Jim Duffin, Assistant University Archivist, Penn Libraries  * Brighid Dwyer, Vice Dean for Academic Excellence and Engagement, The School of Arts & Sciences

Charting the Journey

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

A Day in the Life of A Dean

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.

Your College, Your Voice: Student Leadership

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

First Friday Focus: Interview with Seyoon Chun

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