Gregory College House is a close-knit, welcoming community where students truly get to know each other and the people who support them. Thanks to its small size and cozy layout, it's easy to form real connections with peers, faculty, and staff. Many of our upperclassmen are returners who first joined as freshmen and chose to stay often taking on leadership roles as House Managers, Resident Assistants, or in other student-driven positions that help shape the community. Our senior staff made up of dedicated Penn faculty, our House Director, and House Coordinator is deeply involved in daily life at Gregory. They’re not just working behind the scenes; they’re present, approachable, and genuinely invested in student success. Whether you're joining a house event, seeking guidance, or simply catching up in the hallway, it’s easy to connect with the people who help make Gregory feel like home.
Emily Lovira Gregory, botanist
(1840-1897)
Gregory History
Gregory College House is one of Penn’s most historic and unique residential communities, rooted in innovation and cross-cultural unity. Formed in 1998 from the merger of Van Pelt College House and Modern Languages College House, Gregory played a foundational role in shaping Penn’s college house system. Named after Emily Lovira Gregory—the first woman to teach at Penn—the house maintains a strong tradition of faculty engagement, cultural programming, and vibrant community life. With private bedrooms in two small, four-story buildings (Van Pelt Manor and Class of 1925), Gregory balances personal space with a dynamic calendar of events, from weekly traditions like BYOM and Language House gatherings to film screenings, international dinners, and city outings. Its motto, "Multis e Gentibus Vires" ("From many peoples, strength"), reflects its deep commitment to diversity, culture, and connection.