October 25, 2023

The Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry was officially dedicated on December 17, 1891. The first evening classes were held in October of 1892 through Drexel Institute’s Department of Lectures and Evening Classes. What was then the "Evening Diploma School" epitomized the "Industry" side of that Drexel triangle, educating and training adult-learners and helping them to improve their employment opportunities and secure a higher standard of living. 

From the outset, classes held in the evening were taught by the same faculty that taught classes during the day. Over the course of 111 years and several name changes, evening classes for working-class men and women have been taught by both full-time faculty and industry accomplished adjunct faculty and continue to provide an important part of Drexel's service to Philadelphia and its surrounding communities, just as Anthony J. Drexel originally envisioned.

‘Over the years since that first evening in 1892, a number of strong allies of evening studies at Drexel emerged, including owner and publisher of the prominent Philadelphia newspaper, the Public Ledger, George Childs Drexel, the ninth and last child of the founder Anthony J. Drexel. In 1932 he created the Mary S. Irick Drexel award immortalizing his wife with the honor. He decided that the recipient of the award should be chosen from the "Evening Diploma School" alumni. Such was the regard he held for the success of the school and its graduates.

The list of recipients of the prestigious "Irick" award represents an impressive "who's who" among Drexel alumni and dignitaries, including former Evening College Dean Kenneth W. Riddle '29, Samuel J. Korman ’34, Joseph L. Vetter '51, Gerald E. Speitel '63, '67, John G. "Jack" Johnson, Jr. '70, D. Howard Pierce ’71, and C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni '63, '66. Dean Stanley Gwiazda and Richard C. Goodwin were inducted as honorary members.

In 1989, "Evening College" alumni concerned by waning administrative support of the renamed "University College" initiated a meeting that led to the organization of the "Mary S. Irick Drexel Society," comprised entirely of past recipients of the award and charged with replenishing a strong base of advocacy for the historic "Evening College."  These alumni are among the most generous supporters of Goodwin College and Drexel University, donating their experience, time and money.

In support of Drexel University, Irick recipient, C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni took leave from his position as CEO of his engineering firm Pennoni and Associates. He helped stabilize Drexel by serving as interim President until the conclusion of the search, which he led, that resulted in the appointment of President Constantine Papadakis. Since then, Mr. Pennoni has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees along side fellow “Evening College” alumni, John G. "Jack" Johnson, Jr. and D. Howard Pierce ‘71.’*

*Adapted from “The History of the Irick Award & The History of the Irick Society," Joseph L. Vetter

The Goodwin College of Professional Studies has helped maintain founder Anthony J. Drexel’s legacy, keeping his vision alive by offering low tuition, evening/weekend classes and alternative program options.