Three facilities managed by the Division of Business Services have been recognized as MetroPhilly’s Best of 2025—a testament to their teams' dedication and commitment to serving the Penn and Philadelphia communities. 

• Best Public Garden: Morris Arboretum & Gardens, a magical place that inspires visitors and nature lovers year after year.
• Best Daycare: Penn Children’s Center, providing exceptional early childhood education and care for families across our community.
• Best Ice Rink: Class of 1923 Ice Skating Rink (Penn Ice Rink) a beloved venue for students, athletes, and neighbors—named the city’s best for the second year running.

"I’m deeply proud of the staff who make these achievements possible," said BSD Vice President Michael D. Scales. "Their creativity and commitment reflect the very best of Penn." Congratulations to all three teams on this well-deserved recognition.

The Penn Ice Rink will host American Gold Live, a holiday figure-skating extravaganza, on Saturday, December 13, with shows at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

NBC10 will film and broadcast the spectacle, headlined by Ilia Malinin and Alysa Liu, the reigning men’s and women’s world champions and top U.S. Olympic contenders. Joining them will be world silver medalist and Philadelphia native Isabeau Levito, along with an array of stars of the skating world, mere weeks before they take the ice at the Winter Games in Milano Cortina.

As a bonus, Penn students, faculty, staff, and alumni can access a limited number of seats at a significant exclusive discount. To purchase these first-come, first-served tickets, click here and choose the show you’d like to attend. Then, at the top of the ticketing column, click “Password-protected tickets” and enter code PENNGOLD25 to unlock the “University of Pennsylvania Experience” button. 

Please show a valid PennCard at the rink on the day of the show to confirm your Penn discount eligibility. Note that the discount code will be deactivated once Penn’s ticket allotment is sold out; limited tickets are available.

For real-time updates, follow @PennIceRink on Instagram and Facebook.

Save the date to Sale-a-Brate! Join the Penn Bookstore on Wednesday, December 3, and Thursday, December 4, for the annual Winter Sale-a-Bration event. This festive occasion is the perfect time to find something special for yourself or to give as a gift, all while enjoying 20% off store-wide*.

While you shop, celebrate the season with in-store festivities on both days, including:

• Free gift-wrapping from 12-6 PM
• Free professional photo-op in a winter-themed photobooth (props provided!) from 2-6 PM
• A holiday-themed performance by the Penn Glee Club from 3-4 PM
• Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, from 4-6 PM...while the goodies last!

For more information leading up to the sale, follow the Penn Bookstore on Instagram and Facebook. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

*In store only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid for the purchase of gift cards, textbooks, electronics, and specialty items. Other limits may apply.