Wharton Executive MBA second year Kathryn Parten died earlier this month.
Vice Provost for University Life Karu Kozuma and Wharton School Dean Erika James notified members of the WEMBA program of Parten’s death in a March 13 email. Parten was 43 years old at the time of her passing and is survived by her parents.
“During this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences to Kathryn’s family, friends, peers, and all those whose lives she touched,” the email read. “Grief affects each of us differently, and Penn stands with you in support now and always.”
William Parten, Kathryn’s father, described her as “a hard worker and a brilliant mind” in the email. He added that she was “full of wisdom” and “kind and generous with her time.”
Parten began her time at Penn in 2023 in the San Francisco cohort of the WEMBA program after receiving an undergraduate degree in economics from Stanford University. As a child, Parten lived in the United Kingdom for four years, took Russian ballet lessons, and worked as a singer in Los Angeles after high school.
Parten worked in private equity with Anacapa Partners in California, where she collaborated with entrepreneurs and business owners to help them acquire, run, or exit their companies. She previously worked for SAP in Palo Alto — a Fortune 500 corporation — on their Corporate Development team and served as an entrepreneurial leader of a team of musicians to write songs, record, and perform throughout California.
At Stanford, she participated in activities including Smart Women Securities, the school’s New Student Orientation program, and the Stanford Light Opera Theater Company.
According to the email, support resources were available for WEMBA program members on March 14 at the Steinberg Conference Center. Wharton will soon announce additional plans for virtual support sessions and ways to honor Parten’s memory.
CAMPUS RESOURCES
Student Health and Counseling (If you have a personal or academic concern and want to talk to someone at Penn): 215-746-WELL/215-746-9355
The University Chaplain’s Office: 215-898-8456
Penn’s Employee Assistance Program: EAPinfo@healthadvocate.com and/or 1-866-799-2329
Student Intervention Services: vpul-sisteam@pobox.upenn.edu and/or 215-898-6081
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