Growing up in Canada, Gary Swidler, W’92, set his sights on an Ivy League education. His Penn experience did not disappoint.
“Coming from a different country, the diversity of people and viewpoints I found at Penn was instrumental in my personal life and career,” Swidler says. “It really opened my world up.”
As he built his career—first as a lawyer, then an investment banker, and now as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Match Group—Swidler always remembered the impact of being part of a diverse campus community. In 2017, he and his wife, Jennifer, created the Swidler Family Endowed Scholarship in celebration of his 25th reunion. Swidler remained connected to Penn’s financial aid program, recognizing that the life-changing quality of a Penn education goes beyond classroom achievements.
Penn provides so many opportunities to get involved, learn something new, and meet interesting people. It’s crucial for donors to not only open doors, but also help eliminate the hidden inequalities first-generation and/or lower-income students may face, like lacking access to technology or being unable to travel and have enriching study abroad experiences.”Gary Swidler, W’92
The COVID pandemic has brought many of these inequalities to light, which inspired Swidler to expand his commitment to student aid with a leadership gift for the Penn First Plus program. Penn First Plus is designed to provide general and targeted support to help first-generation and/or lower-income students enjoy the full benefits and opportunities of a Penn education.
Many of Penn’s first-generation and/or lower-income students who relied on access to resources at Penn are facing greater needs during this period of remote instruction. Penn First Plus and emergency funds help Penn extend crucial support during this challenging time.
“For some students, if they aren’t on campus, they don’t have access to high-speed internet or amazing libraries like Van Pelt,” Swidler says. “This pandemic has shown us, in real time, just how important it is to have funds available to help all Penn students overcome unforeseen difficulties.”
Financial aid is a top priority of The Power of Penn Campaign. The University has committed to raising new funds for scholarships and Penn First Plus support that includes providing educational technology, study abroad experiences, and stipends for summer research and internships opportunities. Donors like Swidler are vital partners in helping us ensure that talented students of all backgrounds are empowered to fully participate as members of Penn’s community.
“It is important to keep opening the funnel of opportunity wider,” says Swidler. “It makes society stronger, and it makes an institution stronger, too. I’m happy that Penn is doing its part to help smooth the journeys these students are facing.”
