Limitless Philanthropy

Sibby Merkel Brasler ’60 Bestows a Lifetime of Support to Drexel On her 41st birthday, Sibby Merkel Brasler’s husband surprised her with a gift that has truly kept on giving: an endowed fund named in her honor to support her beloved alma mater. “The education I gained at Drexel was unmatched,” says Brasler ’60 without hesitation. “While at Drexel, I gained the confidence to pursue any new opportunity without fear. I wanted to give students access to the same quality education that I enjoyed and that enabled me to succeed in any endeavor and serve my community.”

Since 1979, the Sibby Merkel Brasler Design Fund has contributed to various aspects of the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design (CoMAD) including scholarships, guest speakers, faculty advancement, and now the Sibby Merkel Brasler Lecture Series, which brings widely celebrated leaders in design, media, and the performing arts to Drexel. In collaboration with former Interim CoMAD Dean David Raizman, Brasler created the lecture series in order to maximize the impact of the fund and benefit the greatest number of students. “It’s extremely rewarding to witness the community, alumni, and students gather to learn from some of the foremost thinkers in the arts and design,” says Brasler. “I hope that the lecture series will encourage other alumni to fund similar initiatives in their respective areas of interest. It’s excellent for the students, colleges, and the University. It’s a win-win!”

Just as there are no limitations in design, Brasler’s inspiring commitment and generosity to Drexel demonstrate that the possibilities in philanthropy are endless. For over 40 years, Brasler has faithfully donated to initiatives across the University including the Drexel Fund, which allows Drexel to combine the donations of alumni and friends to make critical investments in areas where they are needed most. She has also served on the Board of Trustees as well as the Alumnae Planning Board and continues to sit on strategic advisory committees. “I am proud to give back and continue to give,” affirms Brasler. “Well after graduation, I have continued to learn from fellow alumni, students, faculty, and visiting scholars. Drexel has enriched my life tremendously!”