The David and Lyn Silfen University Professor of Ethics II

David and Lyn SilfenThis Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professorship was created in 2005 by David and Lyn Silfen. David Silfen (1945–2015) was a University Trustee for over 17 years, serving as Vice Chair from 2010 to 2015.

In addition to two Penn Integrates Knowledge professorships, the Silfens endowed the annual David and Lyn Silfen University Forum in which Penn faculty join experts from around the world to discuss the most challenging questions confronting our society. Their philanthropy also supported educational innovation in the School of Arts and Sciences and created the Silfen Student Study Center in Perelman Quadrangle.

A graduate of the School of Arts and Sciences, Mr. Silfen was Chairman of Mayfair Management/Silfen Investment Partners LP and Senior Director of The Goldman Sachs Group. In addition to his positions on the University’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Silfen served as Chair of the School of Arts and Sciences Board of Overseers.

The Penn Integrates Knowledge (PIK) Program was launched by President Gutmann in 2005 as a University-wide initiative to recruit exceptional faculty members whose research and teaching exemplify the integration of knowledge across disciplines and who are appointed in at least two Schools at Penn.

 

Current Chairholder

The David and Lyn Silfen University Professor of Ethics II is currently open.

Previous Chairholder

  • Jonathan D. Moreno, PhD 2007–2024