Greenfield Intercultural Center

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Greenfield Intercultural Center

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We build community, create a sense of belonging, and foster intercultural understanding. We are a home away from home.

09/30/2026

Today (September 30) is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

The day is federally observed in Canada, established on June 3, 2021, to honor Residential School Survivors, the families and communities.

It is a day of education and conversation, acknowledging the impact of the residential school system and its profoundly devastating consequences for Indigenous Peoples, and the lasting harm that continues today.

The GIC Staff wore orange shirts on September 30 to honor the children who did not return home and to support the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.

07/12/2026

What is it like to work at the GIC?

From our full-time staff to our work-study team, there’s never a dull moment at the GIC! Our days are filled with meaningful conversations, creative collaborations, and plenty of opportunities to learn from one another.

At the heart of our work is relationship-building, caring for our community, and embracing the richness that comes from learning across differences. We’re a diverse, globally minded team that brings unique perspectives,gifts, and talents to the table, challenges each other to grow, and works together to help Penn students find connection, community, and a true sense of belonging.

07/11/2026

Students often wonder what the GIC staff is up to during the summer. Here's a sneak peek!

As part of our summer staff training and team-building activities, we spent the day at The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM), an internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum in Philadelphia.

Founded in 1977, FWM is dedicated to the creation and presentation of innovative works of contemporary art. The museum is especially known for its renowned Artist-in-Residence Program, where artists collaborate with studio staff to experiment with new materials, techniques, and creative processes.

Our visit offered more than just an opportunity to explore inspiring exhibitions; it encouraged us to think creatively, embrace collaboration, and strengthen our team as we prepare for another exciting year with our students. It was a meaningful day of learning, connection, and inspiration, and we're looking forward to bringing that same energy and creativity into the year ahead!

07/10/2026

On June 11, 2026, the SALT Annual Conference brought together Penn staff and faculty for a full day of peer-led learning, professional development, and cross-campus collaboration focused on student affairs.

The conference opened with a welcome and Land Acknowledgment led by Tina Fragoso, Toyce Holmes, and Mary Ann Baricuatro, inviting participants to reflect on and honor the Native peoples whose land Penn occupies, as well as share about their Native identities.

As part of the conference, Ranim Albarwaki facilitated the workshop "SWANA Communities on Campus" in the Golkin Room. The session encouraged colleagues to deepen their understanding of Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) communities and move beyond common misconceptions that can limit effective support for students.

Attendees explored the complexities of SWANA identities, including the region’s ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity, while discussing the importance of accurate terminology and culturally informed engagement. The workshop invited attendees to reflect on their own assumptions and consider how greater awareness can foster more inclusive and effective support for SWANA students across campus.

07/09/2026

On May 17,2026 the Greenfield Intercultural Center welcomed alumni, graduates from the Class of 2026, their families, and friends to the annual GIC Brunch in the Lenape Garden.

Set against the beautiful balloon backdrop of the garden and patio, the gathering offered a joyful opportunity to celebrate the graduating class and the community that supported them throughout their Penn journey. Guests shared a delicious brunch, reconnected with one another, exchanged warm hugs, and celebrated the accomplishments of the graduates with their loved ones.

The celebration was filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and moments of pride as families and friends learned more about the graduates' experiences and achievements. A photo booth captured memories throughout the afternoon, giving attendees a chance to commemorate this special milestone together. This annual alumni brunch was a heartfelt sendoff for the Class of 2026 and a reminder that the Greenfield Intercultural Center remains a place of connection, celebration, and community long after graduation.

07/08/2026

On May 15, 2026 Natives at Penn and the Greenfield Intercultural Center hosted the Celebration of Graduates, honoring four outstanding members of the Class of 2026.

Surrounded by family, friends, classmates, and Penn staff (both in person and via Zoom) the graduates were recognized for their achievements and celebrated through heartfelt reflections, laughter, and words of encouragement from loved ones. The gathering highlighted not only the graduates' accomplishments but also the strong sense of community and belonging they helped cultivate during their time at Penn.

The celebration also featured a memorable meal prepared by Chef Joe Rocchi, a Philadelphia-born chef, educator, and enrolled citizen of the Pamunkey Tribe of Virginia. His thoughtfully curated menu added a meaningful cultural element to the event and helped make the occasion even more special.

The Greenfield Intercultural Center and Natives at Penn were honored to celebrate the graduates' journeys and wish them continued success as they begin the next chapter beyond Penn.

07/07/2026

On April 30, 2026 the Greenfield Intercultural Center hosted its annual "End-of-Semester Picnic" in the Lenape Garden and backyard, bringing together students, staff, and faculty to celebrate the close of the academic year.

Students enjoyed a relaxed afternoon of barbecue, picnic games, and conversation, creating space to unwind, reconnect, and celebrate the community built throughout the semester. The gathering offered an opportunity for participants to reflect on the year’s experiences while spending time together in an informal outdoor setting.

The event also recognized members of the "Class of 2026" for their involvement with the Greenfield Intercultural Center. Graduating seniors were honored for their contributions to the GIC community and received GIC graduation cords in recognition of their engagement and accomplishments during their time at Penn.

This event is co-hosted by Greenfield Intercultural Center (GIC), United Minorities Council (UMC), Natives at Penn (NAP), Penn for Immigrant Rights (PIR), and SWANA Council.

07/06/2026

Congratulations to our own Ranim Albarwaki on receiving a Sachs Program for Arts Innovation Grant this year!

The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation supports artistic production and creative practice through grants, exhibitions, programming, and community initiatives, with a focus on the University of Pennsylvania and the neighboring communities of West Philadelphia. Ranim's award recognizes her creative work and contributions, and we celebrate this well-deserved achievement.

07/05/2026

On April 26, 2026 Natives at Penn and the Greenfield Intercultural Center hosted the 15th Annual Powwow at Penn in Houston Hall’s Hall of Flags, welcoming students, families, and community members for a celebration of Native and Indigenous cultures.

The event featured traditional singing and dancing, cultural performances, Native vendors, and opportunities to support Indigenous community initiatives. Free and open to the public, the Powwow brought together attendees to learn about and celebrate the rich traditions of Native American and First Nations communities while fostering community, cultural exchange, and connection.

As one of Penn’s longstanding cultural traditions, the annual Powwow created a welcoming space for education, celebration, and honoring Indigenous heritage through shared experiences and community gathering.

07/04/2026

On April 23, 2026 the Greenfield Intercultural Center welcomed alumni, students, staff, and faculty for a conversation with Joseph Sun, reflecting on his 31-year career as a Penn administrator and his lasting impact on the university’s Asian American community. This event was hosted by the Penn Asian American Faculty and Staff Association (PAFSA).

During the discussion, Sun shared stories from his career and reflected on the collaborative efforts that helped shape Asian American life at Penn. He spoke about his role in establishing the Asian American Studies Program, the Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH), and Penn’s annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, as well as co-founding one of the university’s first Asian Pacific American staff and faculty groups. He was also director of the Greenfield Intercultural Center at one point!

Drawing from his own journey, from immigrating to the United States from Hong Kong to pursuing graduate studies at Penn and serving in leadership roles across multiple schools and centers, Sun offered insights on leadership, community building, and cross-cultural engagement. He also discussed his work after retiring from Penn in 2015, including leadership positions in higher education and nonprofit organizations around the world.

The event provided attendees with an opportunity to reflect on the history of Asian American advocacy and institutional change at Penn while celebrating Sun’s enduring legacy and contributions to fostering a more inclusive campus community.

Address

Philadelphia, PA

Telephone

+12158983358

Website

https://gic.vpul.upenn.edu/

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