Traditions Through the Eyes of Dragons

Whether you are a first-year just stepping foot on campus or a senior about to say goodbye, college traditions are a great way to connect with your peers and turn campuses into communities. As an alumna of Drexel, some of my fondest memories have been at these events.

Welcome Week

All first-year students will kick off the start to their studies at Drexel during Welcome Week. This event takes place one week before fall classes begin. Students get to connect with their resident assistants, faculty, and fellow first-years. Once you get settled in, the week kicks off with exciting activities such as a trip to the Phillies game, a Night on the Row to meet Greek life organizations, and scavenger hunts around the city. During this week you will get to explore campus and the city of Philadelphia as you prepare for the start of classes. It can feel awkward at first, but remember all of these students are also new to campus and eager to meet new people!

DragonFly

Shortly after students get settled into classes, they can look forward to the DragonFly concert series. This is organized by CAB (the Campus Activities Board) and DCS (Dragon Concert Series). This is one of the largest student-run events on campus. Previous artists include Tinashe, Slayyyter, Chlöe Bailey, COIN, Flo Rida, Aminé, Kehlani, Lil Uzi Vert, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, Walk the Moon, and 2 Chainz! This is free to undergraduate students and $15 for graduate students. Grab those new friends you made during Welcome Week and enjoy the show!

Homecoming

Homecoming is Drexel's winter tradition that brings together students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni. The weekend of events starts with the bonfire held on Lancaster Walk, where students can warm themselves up near the fire and enjoy hot cocoa and music. For my sports fans, come cheer on your Drexel Dragons basketball team during the homecoming game with the DAC Pack, Drexel's student fan section. Each year, one member of the homecoming court is voted as the Royal Dragon and awarded a $500 scholarship. Homecoming is a great way to show off your Dragon pride!

Drexel Drag Show

The Drexel Drag Show calls on seasoned drag artists and new talents to perform in the show as part of Drexel Pride Month celebrations. Students as well as professional staff are invited to showcase their art and celebrate their community and culture. The art of drag is about performance, satire, and challenging social norms and concepts. Held each spring, this event is free to all students with a Drexel ID and $5 for non-students.

Greek Week

Greek Week allows Greek organizations of all councils to come together in the spring for friendly competition, fundraising, and Greek unity. Previous events included flag football, tug of war, and a talent show at the end of the week. During my time at Drexel, I was in Delta Gamma and participated in tug of war. Not only is it fun to cheer for your sorority, but it's fun to cheer on friends in other sororities/fraternities as well. Each organization gets to show their members and values, but we all come together as the Drexel community.

Commencement

With a bittersweet ending to your studies at Drexel, celebrate your graduation during commencement in June. The president's toast takes place in the Great Court in Main as we welcome our seniors to the alumni community. School-specific ceremonies have taken place at the Mann Center, the Miller Theater, and on Drexel's campus. Students from all programs are invited to celebrate commencement — each year, a commencement speaker is invited to address the class as they reflect and celebrate their hard work. Celebrate with your family, friends, and peers, and know that you will always be a Drexel Dragon.