Our Mission and Vision
In his 2010 convocation address, President John A. Fry unveiled his vision for Drexel University as the “most civically engaged university in the United States,” enriching its urban environment through the full array of its resources, “academic, student and employee voluntarism, and institutionally supported neighborhood investment.” He outlined what he called the beginning of a comprehensive engagement strategy for Drexel and its surrounding communities of Powelton and Mantua, a first step in what would be a “broad-based, flexible, long-term and sustainable partnership with our University City community.” Through initial investments in public safety and security, homeownership, retail and economic development, community enrichment, health and wellness and education, President Fry laid the groundwork for a transformational commitment on the part of Drexel’s faculty, students, trustees and administration to their West Philadelphia neighborhood. Drexel's future and the future of its community are inexorably linked.