The University of Pennsylvania has received a generous $10 million gift from alumnus Alp Ercil to establish the Penn Climate Sustainability Initiative. This initiative aims to leverage Penn’s interdisciplinary teaching and research strengths to address climate change and sustainability from multiple perspectives. Penn Interim President J. Larry Jameson expressed gratitude for Ercil’s commitment, highlighting the importance of tackling climate change, which he considers one of the greatest challenges of our time.
The Climate Sustainability Initiative will bring together all 12 Schools on campus, as well as interdisciplinary programs such as the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, the Environmental Innovations Initiative, and the Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media. By fostering collaboration across academic disciplines, Penn aims to accelerate its efforts in understanding climate challenges and finding solutions that can make a global impact.
In line with Penn’s strategic framework, In Principle and Practice, leading on climate change is a key priority for the university. This commitment extends from energy science and policy to the design and maintenance of the built environment. The Penn Climate Sustainability Initiative will support and recruit top talent in the field, fuel initiatives that drive innovation and solutions, and adopt best practices to secure the future of the planet.
Alp Ercil’s generous contribution will serve as a catalyst for advancing this critical work. The funds provided by Ercil will support priority initiatives determined in partnership with the Interim President, Provost John L. Jackson Jr., and a soon-to-be appointed Vice Provost for Climate Science, Policy, and Action. This support comes at a crucial time as Penn implements its strategic framework and prepares to enhance its strengths in climate science and policy.
Alp Ercil, a 1995 graduate of Penn’s Management & Technology Program, is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Asia Research and Capital Management, Ltd. His past contributions to Penn have supported initiatives such as the Ercil Endowed Scholarship, the M&T Integration Lab, and the UFLC Challenge Fund. Ercil’s commitment to advancing climate sustainability at Penn demonstrates his dedication to making a positive impact on the environment and society.
In conclusion, the Penn Climate Sustainability Initiative, made possible by Alp Ercil’s generous gift, will play a crucial role in advancing Penn’s leadership in addressing climate change and sustainability. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and supporting innovative solutions, Penn is poised to make a significant contribution to the global effort to combat climate change.