March 31, 2020

Each year, Drexel Magazine highlights the achievements of 40 of their most successful alumni under the age of 40. These alumni are living proof that Drexel’s unique co-op education system gives students the tools necessary to become leaders and innovators in their chosen fields, and constantly adapt to their ever evolving professional environments. This year, five Westphal College of Media Arts and Design alumni were highlighted on the list. Their full profiles, along with that of 35 other notable alumni, can be found on the Drexel Magazine website.

Lenard Skolkin, also known as Yung Spielburg, graduated from Drexel University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Industry. Since earning his degree, Skolkin has worked on Grammy award-winning and RIAA certified records, and has worked closely with philanthropist and actor Miyavi on a number of albums. Skolkin cites the connections he made with Drexel faculty and alumni as a major reason for his success, and actively works to continue this legacy by mentoring Drexel’s co-op students every summer.

Carly Rapaport-Stein graduated from Drexel in 2015 with a Master of Science degree in Arts Administration. Following her time at Drexel, Rapaport-Stein lead non-profit performance organization Intercultural Journeys “through a time of major programmatic, audience, funding and board growth.” Rapaport-Stein stated that the most beneficial aspect of her Drexel education was the mix of “practical experience, in-depth learning and forging deep connections to the arts community.”

Ethan Geltzer graduated from Drexel University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Industry. Since leaving Drexel, Geltzer has become the senior director of media marketing at Arista Records, owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Geltzer notes the importance of Drexel’s Music Industry program’s professors in helping him to create his own management company, which has only grown since his graduation.

Mark Hurley graduated from Drexel University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Game Design & Production. Hurley met now Drexel alums Jeffery Mostyn and Michael Heffner, as well as current Drexel student Joseph Brown, in the Game Design and Production program’s Game Workshop I course. The group eventually created Sons of Ra, a competitive tower defense game which won the 2019 E3 College Game Competition. The team credits Drexel’s Entrepreneurial Game Studio as a reason for their success, as it allowed them to connect with students and faculty mentors to aid in the development of their game. Sons of Ra is scheduled to be released this summer.