The first medical school in the country—Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine­— turns 250 this year and it kicked off the celebration on College Green last Monday. Ray Perelman—the benefactor who three years ago, with his late wife, Ruth, gave the largest naming gift to a medical school in the United States (Almanac May 24, 2011)—was on hand for the festivities which included cakes, cupcakes and the Penn Band. 

The celebration continues with Penn’s “Year of Health” and with regional alumni events, and will conclude in approximately 250 days during Alumni Weekend with the ribbon cutting for the Henry A. Jordan M’62 Medical Education Center.

The school’s first home in West Philadelphia was located in what is now known as Claudia Cohen Hall.

CEO of UPHS Ralph Muller (left), President Amy Gutmann (center) and Dean J. Larry Jameson (right) stand behind Ray Perelman at the 250th Celebration Cake Party. Photo by Marguerite Miller.