October 7, 2026

The Construction Management program at Drexel University recently brought together students, faculty, alumni, and industry leaders for the annual Dragon Exemplar Award Banquet, an evening celebrating leadership, professional excellence, student success, and the strong connection between construction education and industry.

This year, the Construction Management program was proud to present the Dragon Exemplar Award to Anthony F. Naccarato, PE, SE, F. ASCE, Chairman and CEO of O’Donnell & Naccarato. The award recognizes Naccarato’s distinguished leadership and contributions to the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, as well as the example his career provides for the next generation of professionals in the built environment.

The banquet also highlighted the extraordinary level of industry engagement that supports Drexel Construction Management students. More than 25 regional company sponsors participated in this year’s event, representing some of the most respected construction, engineering, and development organizations in the region.

Their involvement reflects one of the defining strengths of Drexel’s Construction Management program: a close and continuing relationship with industry. Through mentorship, co-op opportunities, professional networking, sponsorship, and philanthropy, industry partners help students connect their academic experiences with professional practice while building relationships that can shape their future careers.

“The Dragon Exemplar Award Banquet is an opportunity to recognize exceptional leadership in our industry while bringing together the community that supports our students,” said Xi Wang, PhD, Program Director of Construction Management. “We are especially honored to recognize Anthony Naccarato this year. His professional accomplishments and leadership represent the qualities we hope our students will carry with them as they develop into the next generation of leaders in the construction industry.”

For students, the evening offered more than a celebration. It provided an opportunity to meet and engage with industry leaders, alumni, employers, and other professionals from across the region. These connections are an important part of the Construction Management experience at Drexel, where industry engagement complements classroom learning and Drexel’s signature co-op education.

The Construction Management program extends its congratulations to Anthony F. Naccarato and its sincere appreciation to the industry partners, company sponsors, alumni, faculty, students, and supporters who made the evening possible.

Through the Dragon Exemplar Award Banquet and continued collaboration with the region’s construction community, Drexel Construction Management is strengthening the bridge between education and industry and creating transformative opportunities for students as they prepare to shape the future of the built environment.