25 Memorable Thomas Jefferson University Moments for 2025
Members of the Jefferson community who helped shape 2025 include (clockwise from top left) Basketball Coach Tom Shirley; the Sidney Kimmel Medical College Class of 2025; the fashion design technology program, which among other Jefferson programs, is harnessing AI to meet the needs of an evolving industry; student Hannah Baronsky, part of the incoming undergraduate class; the College of Pharmacy Class of 2029 and new Dean Dr. Anandi Law; and Occupational Therapy Professor Dr. Amanda Parezo. (Photos by ©Thomas Jefferson University Photography Services)
From Jefferson milestones to groundbreaking research to transformative student projects, take a look back at some of the biggest University stories of 2025.
Podcast: How Jefferson Is Embracing AI Across the Enterprise
As artificial intelligence embeds itself in our daily lives, leaders seek to harness its power ethically and responsibly.
Jefferson Students Set Up for Success
The University’s First Destination Report shows that 98% of the Class of 2024 are employed, enrolled in graduate school or taking a gap year.
Students Adapt Motorized Toy Cars for Children With Disabilities
The physical therapy, occupational therapy and industrial design programs worked with Easterseals on the transdisciplinary project.
Bright Future of Jefferson’s Fashion Students Showcased
The work of 18 seniors glided down the runway at the University’s Fashion Design Show. Read more in Fashionista. Also, see how fashion design students envision the wedding day looks of Taylor and Travis in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Next Chapter Begins for Medical Students at Match Day
The Class of 2025 found out where they will complete their residencies in a jubilant ceremony.
Jefferson Climbs in 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Ranking
The University also jumps 26 spots in the social mobility category. In addition, U.S. News names Jefferson graduate programs and the College of Nursing online programs among the top in the nation.
Celebrating the Class of 2025
They all entered Jefferson with different dreams and career goals, but they now share a common bond: Class of 2025 graduates. Hear more from Sidney Kimmel Medical College grads and former NFL star D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who graduated from the College of Nursing.
Jefferson Appoints Dr. Joseph Bavaria as Executive Director of Heart and Vascular Institute
“Dr. Bavaria’s groundbreaking contributions to cardiovascular medicine will undoubtedly inspire and shape future generations of surgeons, elevating cardiac surgery instruction to new heights of excellence,” said University President Dr. Susan Aldridge.
Jefferson Launches Four Innovative Programs to Prepare Students for Careers of the Future
They focus on the intersections of AI, health data and analytics.
Sidney Kimmel Medical College’s Class of 2029 Honored at White Coat Ceremony
Future healthcare leaders begin their journey at Jefferson.
Gaining Valuable Real-World Experience, Six Students Recount Their Summer Internships
Design, engineering and business students worked at a farm, theme park, luxury fragrance brand and more.
Largest Incoming Class Ever Joins Jefferson Family
The University community welcomes new Rams at Convocation.
Jefferson Demonstrates a Model of Success Amid Significant Change
New University leadership, industry connections and a focus on jobs of the future led to a record year.
Using Origami to Design More Sustainable Structures
Computational design and folding techniques transform architecture to save costs and cut carbon emissions.
Jefferson and Japan’s Kobe University Sign Academic Exchange Agreement
The Memorandum of Understanding envisions a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including student and faculty exchanges, joint research, co-hosted symposia and shared educational programs.
College of Pharmacy Class of 2029 and New Dean Welcomed at White Coat Ceremony
Students also promoted the profession around Philly as part of American Pharmacists Month.
Jefferson Student Pens University Alma Mater
Inspired by jazz, R&B and gospel greats, Elizabeth Avril Barden wrote “Jefferson, How We Adore Thee” to honor the University’s legacy. Read more on WHYY.
College of Rehab Students Build Real-World Skills Through New Adaptive Paddleboard Program
At the Jefferson Recreation and Fitness Center Pool, occupational and physical therapy students support people with disabilities.
Seeing the Sounds of Nature
Multisensory design can enhance our digital experiences and bring us closer to the natural world.
Occupational Therapy-Industrial Design Collaboration Improves Quality of Life for Area Senior Citizens
Students solve real-world challenges through a longstanding transdisciplinary university project.
Sidney Kimmel Medical College Launches Clinical and Translational Sciences Center to Accelerate Discoveries Into Patient Care
The center will bridge the gap between science and society by making research more collaborative, efficient and impactful.
Jefferson Secures Major P01 Grant to Advance Asthma Research
The $12 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will support Dr. Raymond Penn’s project on exploiting emerging ideas in G protein-coupled receptor biology and pharmacology to treat asthma. Read more in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Interior Design and Psychology Students Collaborate to Create Stress-Reduction Spaces
The wellness project explores the connection between the built environment and mental health. Read about another transdisciplinary project that turns unwanted clothing into new products.
CNN Showcases Dr. Wendy Ross and the Neurodiverse-Friendly Efforts at the Honickman Center
She works to ensure that neurodivergent patients receive the medical care they need and deserve.
Tom Shirley Reaches 900 Career Wins
With this achievement, the Rams women’s basketball head coach joins the top-10 all-time victories list. Other Jefferson athletics highlights include:
- Baseball made the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season and was the top seed in the East Region for the first time in school history. Also, a walk-off home run made Pat Horvath the winningest coach in program history.
- Women’s cross country earned its 15th CACC title and made the NCAA Championships for the first time in school history.
- Women’s tennis started the year 13-0 and advanced to the CACC title game for the third time in four seasons.
- Women’s soccer returned to the NCAA East Region Final for the second straight year. Plus, student Julia Benneckenstein played for Liechtenstein in the UEFA women’s Nations League, becoming the first Jefferson athlete to compete on a national team.
- Jefferson received 12 CACC yearly awards for its teams and four CACC Coach of the Year awards.
- And the University earned the NCAA Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence for the 11th straight year.