Students in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program find that the coursework empowers them and provides them with scientific credibility for so many of the practices they are already embracing at home and at work. Students apply to the MAPP program looking for an academic experience that will help them gain more knowledge and tools in their pursuit to cultivate well-being.

On Sunday, May 16, Penn’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) welcomed family, friends, and faculty for the Class of 2021 virtual graduation celebration. Of the 285 LPS students honored, 235 graduated with master’s degrees and 50 with undergraduate degrees.

In honor of her efforts to help solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges, Cristina Bicchieri has been elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, one of the oldest learned societies in the United States, founded in 1780 during the American Revolution. Their aim is to work together “to cultivate every art and science which may tend to advance the interest, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent, and virtuous people.”

The College of Liberal and Professional Studies congratulates Leona Brandwene who has been announced as one of the winners of the 2021 awards for distinguished teaching in the School of Arts and Sciences.

Congratulations to College of Liberal and Professional Studies students Emily Davis and Haley Zeliff for being named Dean’s Scholars, an honor presented annually to students who exhibit exceptional academic performance and intellectual promise.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of its ninth annual Campus RainWorks Challenge, including the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) student team who was awarded first place in the demonstration project category. The Campus Rainworks Challenge is a national competition that invites college students to address stormwater pollution by designing green infrastructure solutions for local school or college campuses.

The Free Library of Philadelphia Board of Trustees has elected Folasade (Sade) Olanipekun-Lewis to serve as its new chair starting in June 2021. “The 21st century library is more than a place where you go to check out books,” says Olanipekun-Lewis, who has served as treasurer for the library’s board since 2016, as well as the co-chair of the board’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. “It’s become our neighborhood cultural center. It’s become our neighborhood job placement center. It’s become a place where we feed our children. It’s a nucleus and a safe haven.”