Honors and Awards
Drexel Alumni honors exceptional graduates and students each year for their accomplishments in their profession, community, and within the University. All are welcome to submit a nomination and participate in the awards process by sharing the achievements of fellow alumni, colleagues, and friends with the Board of Governors’ Honors and Awards Committee. All members of the Drexel community, including those from our legacy institutions Hahnemann and Women’s Medical College, the Evening College and graduates of online degree programs can be considered for any of the alumni awards listed below.
The Honors and Awards Committee celebrates the diversity of the Drexel community and welcomes nominations of candidates of all races, ethnicities, religions, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and/or status as a veteran.
The nomination period for the 2025 awards is closed.
Meet the 2024 Awardees
Alumni Awards
Alumni Entrepreneur Award
Up to two awards may be given in this category and will be distinguished by revenues generated (under $1M or $1M and greater) as a result of their entrepreneurial idea.
Conferred upon a graduate who through the application of his/her/their Drexel education, initiative and innovation created a new business, non-profit, or venture or expanded an existing business that reflects credit on Drexel.
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Initiative: The entrepreneur took the initiative to bring together the economic resources of labor and capital to produce a commodity (whether a goods or service) with the hope that such production will create a profitable business venture.
- Decision-making: The entrepreneur makes the basic business policy decisions for the business, thereby setting the course of the enterprise.
- Innovation: The entrepreneur is an innovator, attempting to introduce new products and new ways of doing things.
- Risk-taker: The entrepreneur risks his/her/their time, effort, business reputation and invested funds in the entrepreneurial venture.
- Tenacity: The entrepreneur persists in his/her/their pursuits to succeed, in spite of barriers, which may include the unconscious biases resulting from systemic inequities against women and members of BIPOC communities from realizing their entrepreneurial goals.
Golden Dragon Society Award
Conferred upon an individual who graduated 50 or more years ago for distinguished service to the University, profession and/or community.
Harriet E. Worrell Society Award
In 1969, the Harriet E. Worrell Society Award was established in memory of Harriet Worrell, an exceptional Drexel alumna of the Classes of 1909 and 1915 who created the Drexel University Alumni Association. This award is presented to an alumna whose contributions and service to Drexel exemplify the commitment and integrity of Harriet E. Worrell. Eligible alumnae must have graduated 5 or more years ago. Key considerations for selection include an alumna who has advanced Drexel’s mission, participates in Drexel-sponsored activities, serves on boards or committees, and demonstrates professional accomplishments and civic and community engagement.
Mary S. Irick Drexel Society Award for Civic Engagement
The Mary S. Irick Drexel Award — Drexel’s oldest, continually awarded alumni honor — recognizes alumni who have significantly contributed to civic and/or community life. Award recipients embody Mary S. Irick Drexel’s commitment to charity and humanitarian work and make contributions of measurable benefit to the communities in which they live and/or work.
Recent Alumni And Student Awards
Outstanding Recent Alumni Award
This award honors a graduate from the past ten years, regardless of age or degree, who has demonstrated exceptional personal and professional achievements. It recognizes emerging leaders who have made a significant impact by advancing the University's mission and contributing meaningfully to their community, profession, and Drexel itself.
Outstanding Student Awards
This award honors an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement along with active involvement and leadership in university activities and community organizations. Nominees should exemplify dedication through impactful contributions on campus and within the community, while also showcasing significant academic accomplishments. These may include, but are not limited to, research contributions, success in academic competitions, receipt of honors and awards, publications, and noteworthy co-op or internship experiences.
University Alumni Awards
Various other colleges, schools, and departments across campus recognize notable alumni in many ways. Nominations for these awards will be accepted later this year. Check out the criteria below and we will notify you when the nomination period begins.
College of Medicine Alumni Association Awards
The Drexel University College of Medicine presents their annual Alumni Association awards each spring.
Outstanding Alumni Educator Award
Presented by the School of Education Alumni Association
The Outstanding Alumni Educator Award is presented to a graduate of the Drexel School of Education, or an education-related program offered through Drexel, who has demonstrated exceptional skill and ability as an educator as well as a commitment to the profession of education.
Rankin-Epstein Distinguished Alumni Award
Presented by the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
The Rankin-Epstein Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the achievements of a graduate of the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design based on excellence in work, dedication to high ideals, and a consistent commitment to citizenship.