Drexel University Toasts to the Class of 2023 at Graduation Celebration

Students head into the Art Museum for drinks and dinner.

In 2023, the Graduation Celebration looked a bit different than in previous year, but as Drexel University President John Fry said in his toast to the class of 2023, these are no ordinary times, and they are no ordinary class.

The annual celebration took place at the Philadelphia Museum of Art rather than Drexel’s Main Building this year, and thousands of graduates made their way up the famous Rocky steps to toast to their achievements on June 13.

After cheering their collective success, students headed inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art for drinks, dinner, music and the chance to wander through the galleries. Inside, they posed for more photos and gathered more memories.

Graduate Student Association President Rutuja Karkhanis and Undergraduate Student Government Association Vice President Carlie Relyea both addressed their fellow graduates and acknowledged and thanked the support systems that helped guide them to this day.

“We celebrate not only the achievements of our students, but also the strength and dedication of their families and friends,” Karkhanis said. “As you venture forth, remember that the Drexel spirit has been instilled within you. Be bold in your pursuits, unafraid to take risks, challenge the status quo and embrace the diversity that surrounds you.”

Subir Sahu and President John Fry toast to Drexel students. 

Relyea spoke about the challenges the graduates have faced, including, of course, the pandemic.

"In college, it can feel like all that matters is your GPA or what fancy co-op you got, and when leaving college, it can feel that all that is important is if you accepted your dream job or got into a prestigious program for your next degree,” Relyea said. “Though these accomplishments are wonderful and deserve to be celebrated, they are not what define us. What defines us is the relationships with those we love, the hobbies that fill up our cups and the impression that we leave on people as we move forward into a world that can feel very unkind. I urge all of you to remain focused on who you are, not what your achievements are.”

Fry closed the remarks for the evening by referring to the Class of 2023 as “the best of Philly,” saying their accomplishments have been extraordinary given the challenges of the pandemic and they have enriched the civic and cultural life of Philadelphia as it has enriched them.

“For me, among the greatest joys of serving this University is seeing our students in action while they are here and following their accomplishments after they graduate the way sports fans follow their favorite teams and athletes,” Fry said. “As you join our global family of more than 150,000 Drexel alumni, I hope you will stay closely connected to your alma mater ... No matter what your plans are for the moment, the future holds limitless possibilities for you to shape it and for you to flourish in it.”

DrexelNow caught up with a few new Forever Dragons to reflect on their time at Drexel and the world ahead.

Nat Laborde

Nat Laborde, BS mechanical engineering ‘23

What I’ll miss most about Drexel: The community in my major, and the friends I learned and commiserated with.

What I’m looking forward to after graduation: Making money!

What I would tell my first-year self: You’re about to learn a lot about yourself and life, and you’re going to grow and change more than you could ever understand.

Ryan Hadfield and Austin Keares

Ryan Hadfield, BS computer engineering ‘23

What I’ll miss most about Drexel: Learning in classes every day. I had great classes and professors, like Christopher Peters (PhD, teaching professor in electrical and computer engineering) and Prawat Nagvajara (PhD, associate professor in electrical and computer engineering).

What I’m looking forward to after graduation: Joining the workforce and contributing to space exploration with a job at Lockheed Martin.

What I would tell my first-year self: Enjoy it while you can and enjoy the people around you.

Austin Keares, BS computer science ‘23

What I’ll miss most about Drexel: School activities and sports I played, like soccer and volleyball, plus professors like Brian Stuart (PhD, associate teaching professor in computer science).

What I’m looking forward to after graduation: Using what the College of Computing &Informatics and Drexel taught me.

What I would tell my first-year self: Don’t stress so much, it’s all going to work out so you should enjoy it. Also, it goes by really fast.

Tenéyah Dorsey

Tenéyah Dorsey, BS engineering ‘23

What I’ll miss most about Drexel: My friends.

What I’m looking forward to after graduation: More time to myself, especially in the summer.

What I would tell my first-year self: Be grateful for experiences you get to have.

Ashley Bhasin, MFA creative writing ‘23

What I’ll miss most about Drexel: The community I’ve built while I’ve been here.

What I’m looking forward to after graduation: Hopefully publishing a novel.

What I would tell my first-year self: I’m not competing with anyone but myself.

The art museum was lit up in blue and gold.

Grace Zaborski, BS environmental studies ‘23

What I’ll miss most about Drexel: The ability to learn something new every day in class and the structure of being in a learning environment.

What I’m looking forward to after graduation: Continuing to put my skills to use. I got my feet wet in co-op and in my future job I know I can make an impact on Philly and the global community.

What I would tell my first-year self: Take a second to step back and appreciate it. Also, you don’t need to take 20 credits every term. Take a second to step back and focus on yourself as an adult.

Anna Gussenhoven, BS civil engineering ‘23

What I’ll miss most about Drexel: The people in my classes. They’ve been such fun people to work with.

What I’m looking forward to after graduation: I’m excited for what my career path is going to be. I’ve learned how wild that ride can be and I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do.