The University of Pennsylvania has a long and storied history with the city of Philadelphia that has involved investing in community projects, innovative businesses, and economic development. To assess the university’s socioeconomic impact on the city, Penn historically prepared data heavy economic impact reports to convey its positive relationship to Philadelphia. However, statistical impact was missing a humanizing approach and Penn needed a new way to unpack the big numbers to characterize its impact through stories and narratives, which are less quantifiable but no less important. The result is Penn & Philly a robust communication strategy conveying why university community partnerships, and their mutual results, are an imperative for framing the anchor narrative. Sorrentino will walk participants through the process of advocating internally among Penn executive leaders as to why a new style approach to calculating impact was of great importance to the anchor strategy.
Current Anchor Learning Network participants: REGISTER HERE
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Tony Sorrentino, University of Pennsylvania
Tony Sorrentino is the associate vice president in Penn’s Office of the Executive Vice President, serving as a strategist and senior advisor to the university’s chief business and administration officer. He focuses on Penn’s anchor institution strategy, including community and economic development, and leads a public affairs strategy across a diverse portfolio.