May 12, 2021

Story updated May 12, 2021

After 15 years at the helm of the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Dean Allen Sabinson retired from his role on August 31, 2020. During his tenure, the College evolved from a design-centered hidden gem of Drexel University to a powerhouse of creativity and invention that is continuing to be at the forefront of education in media, design arts and digital innovation. Because of his leadership, 15 of the programs at the College have received national accolades and awards. In recognition of his service, Drexel University is endeavoring to raise $1 million to establish a permanent legacy of the impact Allen Sabinson had on the College.

Inspired by Dean Sabinson's commitment and leadership, Jeff and Jenifer Westphal, son and daughter-in-law of our College's namesake, have challenged our community to raise $250,000 for the Allen Sabinson Technology Innovation & Enhancement Fund! They have committed to match dollar for dollar every gift made to this fund through June 31, 2020. As of May 2021, the College has raised $142,841.84 toward the challenge. A sincere thank you to the Westphal family for their continued support of our College.

The academic world of design and media is one of the most technology-driven that Drexel offers. Westphal College maintains 35 specialized computer labs, a variety of maker spaces, a television studio, and interactive research labs. Westphal uses 3D printers, specialized animations software and licenses, laser cutters, motion capture systems, and advance camera systems.

Some of the industry-specific programs and equipment include Revit and AutoCAD licensing, Shima Seiki garment fabricators, and Adobe Creative Cloud for design, film and music editing programs. We also maintain over 900 computers on campus that are in constant need of maintenance and upgrades.

New technologies and software are constantly being introduced at an unprecedented pace, and students must be able to enter the workforce with mastery of these technologies. In addition, due to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, technology-facilitated remote learning became even more vital as the College and University moved to a hybrid approach to teaching and research. As a result, Westphal is establishing this dedicated funding source to enable the College to renew and recycle much of the critical equipment at least once every three years and maintain up-to-date software and licenses.

An ongoing investment in maintaining, upgrading and recycling our critical applied-learning infrastructure will demonstrate our digital media leadership to student prospects, industry partners and federal agencies that sponsor research.

If you are interested in supporting the Allen Sabinson Technology Innovation & Enhancement Endowment, visit this page or contact:

Nik Kozel ’12
Executive Director of Development
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
kozel@drexel.edu
215.895.0268

Kate Bianco
Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Development
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
bianco@drexel.edu