August 17, 2016

The Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry’s founder Tony Drexel unexpectedly dies of a heart attack on June 30, 1893, just 18 months after the school’s opening. The death of the 67-year-old banker and philanthropist shocks the Drexel community, who had become used to seeing Tony during his daily stops to Drexel on his walks to and from his office in Old City. The world mourns as well: News of Tony’s unexpected passing made the front page of international newspapers and even The New York Times. Tony’s funeral service is held in Drexel’s Main Auditorium on Jan. 20, 1894. Over 2,000 guests attend, including many of the same leaders who had assembled for Drexel’s founding and an elected delegation of 275 students and 70 teachers representing Drexel.