Harnwell is named for Penn's famous president, Gaylord P. Harnwell, who guided Penn from 1953 to 1970 during one of its greatest periods of expansion. Today, the House continues that expansive spirit through the Probasco Society, six distinctive and long standing Residential Programs, and its support of the arts—particularly dance and music.

Welcome to the Harnwell College House! Harnwell houses and supports 7 Program Communities: Ancient Studies, Arts House, Biosciences, Eco-House, Latin American Residential Program, East-Asia House, and International Program. Enjoy our family-style, Monday night, Probasco dinners, House-wide programs, and community engagement events. Harnwellians will benefit from the opportunities given by alumni, faculty, staff, and students to build a greater good.

The House motto "Monstrat Sol Viam", which is Latin for "The sun shows us the way", comes to life in the beautiful ceiling-to-floor student room windows that let in maximum light.