The University-wide Commencement Ceremony

Watch the recording of the University-wide ceremony that occurred June 9, 2022 at 6 P.M. ET.

Keynote Speaker: Freeman A. Hrabowski III

This year’s keynote speaker at the University-wide Commencement ceremony is American educator, author, civil rights advocate, and mathematician — Freeman A. Hrabowski III, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Nationally recognized as a transformative educator and thought leader in high education, Hrabowski co-founded a national model for advancing high-achieving underrepresented minority students interested in pursuing advanced degrees and research careers in science and engineering, known as the Meyerhoff Scholars Program. As a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, Hrabowski's research and publications on science and math education have identified numerous pathways for improving minority participation and performance, which led to President Obama naming him to chair the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Leaders,” we are honored to have such a respected and accomplished speaker address this year's graduates and look forward to the inspiring words that he will share with the Drexel community.

Q&A With Freeman A. Hrabowski III

Drexel's 2022 Commencement Program

This printable program booklet includes details for our college and school ceremonies as well as the University-wide Commencement ceremony and lists the 2022 degree recipients. Download the program booklet now [PDF].

Last updated June 14, 2022

Your Time Is Now: Class of 2022

While the last few years have brought unique challenges, our #ForeverDragons are ready to move us forward.

Class of 2022, we can’t wait to honor your years at Drexel as you turn your tassels to the left and join the ranks of Drexel alumni who are making an impact in the world. As you take this step in your Drexel journey, we can't wait to see what you will do. Wherever you go in life, personally or professionally, Drexel will always be a home for you and our expansive alumni network will help you stay engaged along the way. Because the future can’t wait.

College and School Ceremonies

Drexel’s in-person college- and school-specific ceremonies will be held on Wednesday, June 8 and Thursday, June 9 and honor the Class of 2022. To view a complete schedule of all college and school celebrations, visit our College and School Ceremonies page.

Special Commencement Events

Commencement season is when we have the honor of celebrating the many successes of our impressive graduating students. We are excited to feature the unique Commencement events that Drexel holds each year. From celebrating graduating students of the Latin American and Spanish Caribbean diasporas at Drexel’s La Ultima Noche Del Año (LUNA) Graduation Ceremony to recognizing graduates of the African diaspora at the William S. Pittman Ceremony and many more unique events, we hope that you will join us in honoring our Forever Dragons.

View All Events

Cap Contest: Win Drexel Swag!

Are you a graduating Drexel Dragon? Before you turn your tassel, decorate your cap and enter the Drexel Cap Contest! Post a photo of your decorated cap on Instagram by June 8 for the chance to win Drexel swag. You must use both #DrexelCapContest and #ForeverDragons in your post!

Celebrate on Social

We are excited to see what you will do with your passion, commitment, and ambition. And we want you to tell the world how proud you are to become #ForeverDragons on social media. We encourage you to check out our commencement downloads and Celebrate on Social!

Downloadable #ForeverDragons Lawn Sign

Celebrate your Drexel graduate and let the neighborhood know how proud you are of your Forever Dragon with a downloadable graduation sign!

Just follow these three easy steps:

   1. Download the lawn sign PDF of your choice.
   2. Follow your local printer’s instructions, such as FedEx or the UPS Store.
   3. Order your lawn sign and put your excitement on display when it’s ready!

Photogenic Philly Locations for Graduation Photos

Are you considering your options for graduation photos around the photogenic city of Philadelphia? Here are just a few recommendations that you may want to take advantage of!

Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Boathouse Row
Fairmount Park, 1 Boathouse Row
Swann Memorial Fountain at Logan Circle
Logan Square, Between Race and 19th Streets
Dilworth Park at City Hall
1 South 15th Street

Love Statue at Love Park
Arch Street Between 15th and 16th Streets
Avenue of the Arts
S. Broad and Walnut Streets
Independence Hall
520 Chestnut Street
Elfreth’s Alley
124–126 Elfreth’s Alley Between N. 2nd and N. Front Streets

Head House Square
2nd and Lombard Streets
Cira Green
129 S 30th Street, Atop Cira Centre South Garage
Drexel Park
Drexel University, 3100 Powelton Ave

Ambitious Alumni Stories

Take a closer look at how some of our Forever Dragons are making the most of their opportunities, tackling societal challenges, and making a difference in the world. What will your legacy be?

Community Can't Wait

Evan Ehlers, an alum from the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, built Sharing Excess, a nonprofit organization with a mission to address food insecurity in Philadelphia and around the country. Dragons are extraordinary and making a difference in this changing world. Because community can't wait.

Creativity Can’t Wait

Hannah Beier, a Drexel photography major from the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design, led the creation of TIME Magazine's June cover story about the 2020 graduating class during COVID. Beier collaborated with her classmate via FaceTime and art directed the compelling cover shot virtually that had an emotional impact felt by people around the world. Nothing, even social distancing, can stop this generation. Because creativity can’t wait.

Family Can't Wait

Inspired by his mother’s diagnosis, and with the help of his Biomedical Engineering colleagues and student co-ops at Drexel, Engineering alum Mihir Shah invented a handheld breast cancer detection device that will provide access for millions of women around the world who have very little access to health care. These are the stories worth telling. Because family can't wait.

Philly, Drexel, and You

In 1891, Drexel University opened in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation. Home to national symbols such as the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and Independence Hall — Philadelphia is brimming with artifacts from many of the nation's most significant milestones. You are now a piece of Philly’s history as you graduate from Drexel and venture out into the world as a Forever Dragon.

A City of Brotherly Love: Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love and home of Drexel University, Philadelphia is known for its cultural diversity, rich history, and passionate residents. At the heart of Philly is the idea that there is always room for change, innovation, and expanding the boundaries of what we can achieve. As you graduate from Drexel, we know you, too, are ready to live out those ideas.

Building Drexel: Celebrating 125 Years

This short video documentary celebrating the 125th anniversary of Drexel University highlights some of the major events, people, and eras of Drexel history (celebrated in 2016). The video is narrated by Scott Gabriel Knowles, co-editor of the book "Building Drexel: The University and Its City, 1891-2016." You are now part of this historical legacy as alumni.

Construct Your Own Ambitious Main Building

We know that our Dragons in the Drexel Architecture Program can build impressive structures, but how about you? This is your chance to craft your own model of Drexel’s historical Main Building — the very first building on our campus.

Download Instructions [PDF]

View in BrickLink Studio and Purchase Parts

LEGO® and BrickLink are trademarks of the LEGO Group of companies, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this site. Drexel University has no affiliation with the LEGO Group. Some LEGO sets contain small parts that are not suitable for and may pose a hazard to children under 3 years of age.

Share your Dragon Pride on Animal Crossing^™

Now, you can start wearing a Drexel cap and gown (and more!) to celebrate your pride in Animal Crossing! Simply download your official Drexel swag in Animal Crossing from the download codes below, and you'll be on your way. A paid subscription to Nintendo^® Switch^™ Online is required to access this feature.

For detailed instructions, visit Nintendo's website.

Special Items from the Custom Designs Portal

Simply search for these Design IDs on the Custom Design Portal in the Able Sisters Shop to download.

Item Number: MO-1281-XDNJ-6WD8

Item Number: MO-MVXF-X03K-YHB6

Item Number: MO-31HF-K985-TC3F

Drexel Swag from NookLink

Scan these QR codes with NookLink in the Nintendo Switch Online app on your mobile device to get each outfit.

Drexel Fight Song

The original Drexel Fight Song was written by Gay V. Piercy (Class of 1939) and Todd Groo (Class of 1941) and appeared for the first time in the October 1938 edition of the Drexel Athletic News. We encourage you to listen to this track whenever you’re feeling a little nostalgic about your time at Drexel!

Download MP3 [ZIP] | Fight Song Lyrics [PDF]

Source: Drexel Libraries E-Repository and Archives.

Pomp and Circumstance Performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra

First heard at American graduations in the early 1900s, it’s a tradition to play this song as graduates walk across the stage. You’re encouraged to listen to this track as you think back to some of your favorite Drexel Memories.

Download MP3 [ZIP]