History

Penn President Amy Gutmann presents the trophy to the School of Arts & Sciences team, which won the Head2Head school competition at GradFest09.
Interim Provost Vincent Price referees the Sumo matches at GradFest09
Grad students have fun at GradFest!

President Gutmann poses with the GradFest planning committee
Enjoying GradFest at Penn!
Penn President Amy Gutmann joins students for GradFest09

Student leaders relaxing at GradFest.
Riding the mechanical bull at GradFest.

GradFest is a unique annual celebration of graduate and professional student life at the University of Pennsylvania. Started by GAPSA in May 2007, Gradfest has attracted students from across the University and vendors from within and beyond the Philadelphia community to share in a day-long family-friendly festival where students can relax, network, enjoy food, music, games and showcase their academic strengths.

At the University of Pennsylvania, a number of traditions, both old and new, characterize the overall undergraduate experience and build good will toward the University community. Over the years, these events have evolved into annual rites of passage for the undergraduate students. Such occasions provide some of the most memorable moments of their undergraduate careers.

At the graduate and professional level, however, student life is markedly different for many reasons. The diversity of program structures (e.g. degree type and attainment duration period, full-time/part-time, etc.) and the individual characteristics of graduate and professional students (e.g. age, family dynamics, living distance from campus, limited graduate housing options, etc.) make the development of traditions that foster loyalty and a sense of belonging at the University-wide level more challenging. At the same time, the needs of graduate and professional students differ greatly from those of undergraduates.

While this diversity is a defining strength and asset of the graduate and professional student body and provides opportunity for celebration and shared pride, one of the most commonly expressed wishes of graduate and professional students is to connect with the larger Penn community beyond their particular program areas. With a robust student body and a wealth of resources and experience in hosting student events, the Graduate And Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA), with invaluable help from all members of the graduate and professional student community, is organizing an annual celebration and appreciation of what the graduate and professional student life at Penn is all about.

Contact gradfest@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.