About the Fontaine Society

In 1970 an endowment was established posthumously in honor of Dr. William Fontaine, Professor of Philosophy, the first African-American appointed to the Standing Faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. From its inception, the endowment, known as the “Fontaine Fellowship” has been used to advance the University’s goals related to fostering a vibrant and welcoming intellectual environment. Originally restricted to students from groups “traditionally and historically underrepresented” in higher education, the Fellowship is now more broadly defined to include exceptional doctoral students from a variety of backgrounds whose background, research and experiences demonstrate the potential to contribute to the richness of their academic programs and chosen fields. 

Fontaine Fellows receive graduate funding identical to the standard fellowship package awarded to students in their respective doctoral programs and fulfil the same academic requirements. The Fontaine Society provides members with opportunities to come together throughout the year to support one another’s academic progress and enhance the University campus as a whole, through their contributions to the scholarly community.

Students are nominated for membership in the Fontaine Society by their home school at the time they are admitted to Penn. Prospective Fontaine Fellows are invited to the Fontaine Society Annual Dinner in March, to meet current Fontaine Fellows and learn more about the opportunities membership provides. Nominated fellows are welcomed into the Fontaine Society when they matriculate.

Today, the Fontaine Society is comprised of nearly 400 current PhD students spanning a wide range of disciplines. Fontaine fellows in the biomedical fields have founded the “EE Just Society” honoring the pioneering African American scientist. Penn is proud of the 651 Fontaine Alumni who have earned their PhDs in the past three decades.

The Fontaine Coordinating Committee (FCC) serves as the student representative body for members of the Fontaine Society. The FCC holds regular happy hours and social events for peer connection. They sponsor travel awards and organize conferences and workshops to support personal and professional development. The FCC partners with other student groups throughout the year and many volunteer in service projects, such as the “Science Education Academy” for grade school students in West Philadelphia.

Centralized programming, resources, and advising for Fontaine Fellows is coordinated by the Graduate Student Center in collaboration with relevant student centers, faculty, and staff throughout the University. The annual Fontaine Dinner, for current and prospective Fontaine Fellows, and “Celebration of Progress” brunch are major highlights of the year. Be sure to check your inbox for a monthly email with upcoming programming, resources and opportunities. 

Members of the Fontaine Society are encouraged to explore the many resources and opportunities for current fellows and find ways to engage with the broader Fontaine and Penn communities. Additionally, the Fontaine Society is part of the Ivy Plus Scholars Network, which provides fellows with access to opportunities for professional development and connection with other member programs at peer Ivy Plus universities. 

Meet our current fellows

The Fontaine Coordinating Committee (FCC) serves as the student governing body for members of the Fontaine Society. Members serve on a voluntary basis to advocate on behalf of fellows and to organize and implement a wide range of events during the year, in partnership with the Office of the Vice Provost for Education departments and staff. The FCC also administers the Fontaine Travel Grant competition, which helps support student travel to present research at conferences in their fields of study.

To contact the Fontaine Coordinating Committee, e-mail fontaine-cc@pobox.upenn.edu 

Fontaine Coordinating Committee (FCC) Leadership

• 2023-24

  • Co-Presidents 

    • Sonresa Ochoa-Vidales, Cell & Molecular Biology (BGS-PSOM)

    • Andre Roots, Bioengineering (SEAS)

  • Secretary:

    • Codi Smith, Social Welfare (SP2)

  • Treasurer:

    • Kiara Rodriguez-Acevedo, Cell & Molecular Biology (BGS-PSOM)

  • Community Engagement Chair:

    • Jennifer Paulino, Cell & Molecular Biology (BGS-PSOM)

• 2022-23

  • Co-presidents 

    • Jay Arzu, City & Regional Planning

    • VanJessica Gladney, History

  • Treasurer

  • Secretary

  • Community Engagement Chair 

    • Chris Quattro, City & Regional Planning 

• 2021-22

  • Co-Presidents 

    • Emily Cribas, Cellular & Molecular Biology 

    • VanJessica Gladney, History 

  • Treasurer: Keri Davenport

  • Secretary: Jay Arzu, City & Regional Planning     

• 2020-21

  • Co-Presidents

    • VanJessica Gladney, History 

    • McKenzie Preston, Management

  • Treasurer: Chrissy Quattro 

  • Secretary: Taylor Heath

• 2019-20 

  • Co-Presidents

    • María Glikin, Hispanic & Portuguese Studies

    • McKenzie Preston, Management 

• 2018-19

  • Co-Presidents

    • David Kirui, Sociology 

    • José Loya, Sociology

For general questions about the Fontaine Society:

Julie Lyzinski Nettleton, Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Office of the Provost, 120 College Hall, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Phone: 215-898-1842 or email lyzinski@upenn.edu.

Programming, Resources, and Advising 
Centralized programming, resources, and advising for Fontaine Fellows is coordinated by the Graduate Student Center in collaboration with relevant student centers, faculty, and staff throughout the University.

Current Fellows can request an individual appointment with Dr. Meredith Wooten here. 

For more information or to suggest future programs, contact: 

Meredith Wooten, PhD, Executive Director, Graduate Student Center 
3615 Locust Walk, University of Pennsylvania 
email: mwooten@upenn.edu 

Student Leadership and Engagement
The Fontaine Coordinating Committee (FCC) serves as the student governing body for members of the Fontaine Society.  Members serve on a voluntary basis to organize and implement a wide range of events during the year, in partnership with the Office of the Vice Provost for Education departments and staff. The FCC also administers the Fontaine Travel Fellowship competition, which helps support student travel to present research at conferences in their fields of study.

To contact the Fontaine Coordinating Committee, e-mail fontaine-cc@pobox.upenn.edu.

Additional resources, information, and opportunities for fellows can be found here (PennKey login required).