Is There Any Evidence That Donald Trump Attended Classes at the University of Pennsylvania?
Donald Trump frequently highlights his educational institutions, particularly the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), as part of his life narrative. However, the question arises: did anyone ever see Donald Trump attend any classes at UPenn's Wharton School of Finance and Commerce? This article explores the available evidence and anecdotes about Trump's time at UPenn as well as his post-graduation involvement with the institution.
Background on Donald Trump's Educational Background
Donald Trump attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed his undergraduate degree. He started his journey at Fordham University but transferred into the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at UPenn in his third year, graduating in 1968. Despite being known for his connections to UPenn, there is debate about the extent of his academic involvement and success during his time there.
Classmate Accounts and Public Perception
According to Steve Perelman, a 1968 Wharton classmate and former Daily Pennsylvanian news editor, there was not much recollection of Trump as being particularly active or outstanding:
Larry Krohn, another 1968 Wharton graduate, echoed these sentiments in an email to the Daily Pennsylvanian, pointing out that after four years, it would be unusual not to have heard from a classmate, especially given Trump's distinctive name:
Public Records and Biographies
The public record is somewhat murky regarding Trump's actual academic performance at UPenn. The New York Times reported in 1973 and 1976 that Trump had graduated first in his class. However, in a 1985 biography, Jerome Tuccille contradicted this, stating that Trump was not an honor student and had "spent a lot of time on outside business activities."
Another biography by Gwenda Blair, published in 2001, offered a different account. Blair suggested that Trump was admitted to Wharton on a special favor from a "friendly" admissions officer who was know to Trump's older brother, Freddy, indicating unusual circumstances surrounding his admission.
Post-Graduation Involvement and Recognition
Despite the questionable academic legacy, Trump's post-graduation involvement with UPenn has been more prominent. Wharton magazine named him one of their "125 Most Influential People" in 2007, recognizing his contributions and achievements beyond his time at the university. Specifically, the magazine highlighted his business acumen and leadership in the real estate and hospitality industries, which align with the school's tradition of empowering successful business professionals.
Conclusion
While there is some discrepancy in public accounts regarding Donald Trump's academic performance at the University of Pennsylvania, it is clear that his connection to the institution goes beyond mere attendance. His post-graduation success and recognition from Wharton magazine suggest a more complex relationship with the school than the absence of personal anecdotes alone might imply.