Wharton Stories

An aerial view of a wooden desk with someone's hands at a laptop alongside ear buds and other tech accessories.
“Wharton gives you an unusually safe environment to test things: classmates who will give real feedback, professors who will pressure-test your assumptions, and programs like VIP-X that simulate real investor scrutiny.” — Ojú Junaid, WG’26

Inside VIP-X Philadelphia: How Wharton MBA Founders Are Scaling Startups

A small group of people smiling and holding framed certificates in front of a black curtain.
“These projects began as the visions of passionate Penn students, now alumni, who embody the University at its finest: creative and extraordinarily committed to making a measurable difference in the world,” says Penn President J. Larry Jameson.

President’s Prize Recipients Nirby and Nourish to Flourish Include Wharton Alumni

Silhouettes of several people walking along a brick-paved street at sunset, backlit by warm golden light that casts long shadows.
Three Wharton alumni previously profiled as undergraduates reflect on life and work after graduation.

Their Stories Then, Their Careers Now

Sam Fuld, WG'26 (Image Credit: Miles Kennedy)
“If you want to ascend in a sports organization, broad business knowledge is essential,” says Sam Fuld, WG’26, who was promoted from Phillies general manager to president of business operations.

From the Dugout to the C-Suite: How This Student Expanded His Playbook at Wharton

Kristen Denzer, WG’26, (middle) in front of a Tierra Encantada location. (Image Credit: Robert Thesing)
“I’m leaving Wharton a stronger operator, leader, and decision maker thanks to what I learned here,” says Kristen Denzer, WG’26.

How Wharton Is Helping This Founder Scale and Lead a Childcare Brand

Graduating students in cap and gown approach a stage with Wharton logo on a blue backdrop.
“At Wharton, I gained skills in finance and leadership,” says Michael Greer, WG’21, CEO of ArtsFund. “But, just as importantly, I built a network of people across industries: tech, aerospace, venture capital, government.”

From Dancer to CEO: The Impact Journey of a Wharton MBA

Several people standing in front of a large scientific poster display at an exhibition or conference.
“Research is often a nondeterministic path, but receiving this award is a meaningful signal to myself and my family that I’m on the right track,” says Sophia Tang, ENG’27, W’27.

Wharton Student Wins CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award

Mrugesh Desai, WG’25, with Global cohort students during a Block Week in Seoul, Korea. (Image Credit: Erica Laycock)
“Whether virtual or in person, networking is proactive,” says Mrugesh Desai, WG’25. “You need to make the effort, but the effort always pays off.”

How Students in Wharton’s EMBA Global Cohort Build Community

A vintage ballroom with high ceilings, decorated with garlands and chandeliers. There's a central fountain and arched windows lining the walls.
“Strategy and finance matter, but alignment around a common goal is the secret sauce — especially for an organization that’s as dynamic as PHS,” says Matt Rader, WG’11, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS).

Inside the Philadelphia Flower Show With a Wharton Alumnus

A small group of people dressed in formal attire posing on a staircase.
CarboWells is the recipient of this year’s Y-Prize competition, cosponsored by the Mack Institute for Innovation Management and Venture Lab in partnership with Penn Engineering and the Penn Center for Innovation. The team includes Wharton undergraduates Yash Iyer, W’29, and Bhuranyu Mahajan W’29.

CarboWells Wins 2026 Y-Prize