the past,
SECURE the future
THE DP STORY Established in 1885, The Daily Pennsylvanian, or “The DP,” stands as the University of Pennsylvania’s independent student newspaper, renowned for its comprehensive coverage of campus events, news, and significant issues. The DP serves as an indispensable source of unfiltered information for the Penn community and offers a valuable training ground for aspiring journalists. 1885 The Daily Pennsylvanian was founded and has since been continually published since with a brief hiatus during WWII. 1968 34th Street Magazine, named for the address of the DP office, began weekly publication. 1975 The DP moved from its 34th and Chestnut home to 4015 Walnut St. 1984 The DP became fully independent when it incorporated separately from the University. 1986 The DP Alumni Association (DPAA) was created for alumni to help students and keep in touch with each other. 1995 The DP launched its website theDP.com. 2008 The editors of 34th Street launched a blog called Under the Button to write about anything students might be talking about on campus. 2013 The Board of Directors was established. 2018 The DP launched its first paid subscription newsletter, The Weekly Roundup. 2021 The DP+ app was launched. 2022 34th Street magazine became a monthly publication in high-quality glossy print. 2023 The DP Foundation is established to manage the organization’s assets and long-term planning. 2023 The DP purchased 3721 Chestnut, located near the heart of Penn’s campus.
TODAY’S DP 300+
3k+
100k
Student Staff
Alumni
Copies Printed Yearly
9k
1.3k
90k
Daily Digital Users
Articles per Semester
Social Media Followers
A NEW HOME WHY?
Over the years, our beloved current location at 4015 Walnut Street, a.k.a. the “Pink Palace”, has proven inadequate to meet the needs of today’s students. Thankfully, the DP Development Fund (originally named the Premises Trust Fund), established in the 1980s to secure a new home, has consistently grown, fueled by robust investment returns. Now, due to significant shifts in the news media industry and escalating lease costs from Penn, the time has come to seize full control of our promising future. Independent student journalism plays a pivotal role in upholding the principles of free press and the First Amendment. The budding journalists at The Daily Pennsylvanian, 34th Street Magazine and Under the Button serve as society’s watchdogs, holding those in power accountable and ensuring that the truth is uncovered. By providing an environment where they can freely express their views and investigate critical issues, we are not only nurturing the next generation of professional journalists but also safeguarding the foundation of our democracy.
“A NEW HOME FOR THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN WILL ENCOURAGE A SENSE OF EXPLORATION, COLLABORATION, AND CURIOSITY FOR EVERY STUDENT WHO WILL WALK THROUGH ITS DOORS, PREPARING THEM TO BE THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS AT PENN AND BEYOND. WITH DEDICATED SPACE FOR EVERY STUDENT’S INTERESTS — WHETHER IT BE WRITING, EDITING, MEDIA, BUSINESS, AND MORE — THIS EXCITING PROJECT WILL HELP TO ENSURE THAT THE DP’S STORIED HISTORY OF HIGH-QUALITY JOURNALISM WILL CONTINUE FOR YEARS TO COME.” Allyson Nelson Copy Editor | 139th Board
ENHANCING OPERATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS Upgraded Newsrooms A modern newsroom will facilitate collaborative news gathering & editing. Media Studios Dedicated studios for photography, videography, podcasting, and livestreaming will enable students to produce a wide range of multimedia content. Innovation Lab A space equipped with emerging media technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive storytelling will open doors for students to set their creativity free.
VOL. III
PHILADELPHIA, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
NO. 1
THE DP MEDIA HOUSE EDUCATION | An innovative space for student journalism
Our vision for 3721 Chestnut entails the establishment of a cutting-edge hub for student journalism and media at the University of Pennsylvania. This modern space will inspire a vibrant community where students, faculty, and staff gather to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and engage in meaningful discussions.
The Media House will become a central venue for programs and events on media-related topics. We will seek collaborations with the university’s departments while partnering with external organizations, connecting students to industry professionals and real-world experiences.
TIMELINE & GOALS Fall 2021 ‘Quiet phase’ of Futures Campaign began
August 2023 3721 Chestnut was purchased by the DP
October 2023 Public launch at the 2023 Marquez Conference
Summer 2024 Renovation on 3721 Chestnut begins*
Year 2025 The DP Media House opens to the community
*Prior to renovation, the building is rented to student tenants.
$
“A new home for the DP means an expansion on the collaborative, supportive, and uplifting environment fueled by creativity and passion for journalism. With a new and improved location, we will be able to work more efficiently and continue to produce high quality work.”
total project cost
$1.7m Purchasing 3721 Chestnut
$1.5m Commitments
MOLLY COHEN NEWS EDITOR 139th BOARD
$1.5m Building Renovations
$500k Building Fund
$700k
$2.2m
DP Cash Reserves (to be repaid)
2025 Goal
Our project costs $3.7 million, with $1.7 million for purchasing 3721 Chestnut, $1.5 million for renovations, and $500,000 for the building fund. We purchased the building using $1 million in commitments and $700,000 from our cash reserves. We have raised $1.5 million in commitments, and our goal is to raise the additional $2.2 million by December 31, 2025, totaling our $3.7 million target. Once we reach our funding goal, we'll repay the $700,000 from reserves.
“AFTER 139 YEARS, THE DP IS FINALLY FREE OF THE LAST LINK IN THE CHAIN THAT HAS FOREVER BOUND IT TO THE UNIVERSITY IT COVERS. IF YOU BELIEVE, AS I DO, THAT TRULY INDEPENDENT STUDENT JOURNALISM IS IMPORTANT, YOU WILL OPEN YOUR WALLET AND HELP SUSTAIN THAT INDEPENDENCE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.” -Lee Levine, C’76 | Futures Campaign Chair
DONATE TO THE FUTURE When you give to the The DP Futures Capital Campaign, you play a pivotal role in strengthening the future of journalism, upholding free speech, and ensuring a steadfast source of reliable news and information about the University of Penn community in West Philadelphia and around the globe. Pledges can be paid over 3-5 years, with a minimum of $2,500. All donors will receive a listing on our Wall of Honor. Both individual and group donations (class, publication, multiple names, etc.) are welcome.
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE Generous contributors who make gifts of $100,000 or greater will have the distinct honor of joining our esteemed Founder's Circle. Their names will be prominently displayed on the building's commemorative plaque and featured in all our official listings and publications.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES Our campaign offers special naming opportunities for alumni who wish to create a lasting legacy. By making generous donations, you can name the entire building, specific floors, and important spaces.
• • • • • • •
Building Name Each Floor (1, 2, 3, 4) Board Room DP Newsroom 34th Street HQ Under The Button HQ DP Sports HQ
• • • • • • •
Media & Design Lab Podcast Studio Leadership Offices Event Space Indoor Event Space Outdoor Large Meeting Room Small Meeting Room ...And More!
PLEDGE FORM
Name(s): Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Home Phone: Mobile Phone: Email 1: Email 2:
I am/we are honored to commit $ ___________________ to The DP’s Futures Campaign. This pledge will be fulfilled over:
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
The first payment will be made on: ___________________ I/We will make payments by:
Check or Securities: Please remind me annually / quarterly / monthly (circle/select one). Credit Card: via the DP’s secure online giving page. (Options for recurring payments are available) EFT: Please provide me with the appropriate information needed to make a secure transfer of funds.
Special payment instructions: ______________________________________________________ I/we plan to complete my/our commitment on the following schedule: $_______ by _______ $_______ by _______ $_______ by _______ $_______ by _______ $_______ by _______ $_______ by _______ This gift is being made: In honor of: _________________________________________________________ In memory of: _______________________________________________________ Other: ______________________________________________________________ I/we would like my/our name(s) to appear for donor recognition in the following way: ________________________________________________________________________________________ I/we wish to make this gift anonymously. Please do not publish my/our name(s) or give any public recognition.
My/our pledge is intended to be irrevocable and binding on me/us and my/our estate. I/we understand that this signed pledge form confirms my/our intention to fulfill this commitment to The Daily Pennsylvanian, and The Daily Pennsylvanian will take on financial obligations based upon the understanding that the pledged amount will ultimately be paid.
Donor signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _____________________ Donor signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _____________________ Please email completed forms to Molberger@thedp.com. It is much easier than you might imagine for a contributor to make a commitment to this campaign. A pledge payable over 5 years is often a more manageable amount when reduced to a per day calculation. See the following examples:
5-Year Pledge
Per Year
Per Month
Per Week
Per Day
$100,000
$20,000
$1666.67
$383.56
$54.80
$50,000
$10,000
$833.33
$192.50
$27.40
$25,000
$5,000
$416.67
$96.15
$13.70
$10,000
$2,500
$166.67
$38.50
$5.48
$5,000
$1,000
$83.33
$19.23
$2.74
MORE INFORMATION: Steven Molberger Executive Director, DP Foundation molberger@thedp.com The Daily Pennsylvanian 4015 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 Phone: (215) 422-4640 Fax: (215) 422-4646
Designed by Estelle Kim Advancement Manager, DP Foundation