Watch the recording of the ceremony that occurred on June 11, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.

The University-wide Commencement Ceremony

Drexel’s University-wide Commencement ceremony at Citizens Bank Park was a momentous occasion. Forever Dragons, as a culmination of your entire academic career thus far — you should be proud and excited to have reached this moment. As you take time to reflect on the many experiences you have gone through during your time here, know that you have now joined the ranks of alumni who are making an impact in the world.

Keynote Speaker: Elijah Anderson

This year’s keynote speaker at the University-wide Commencement ceremony is Sterling Professor of Sociology and of African American Studies at Yale University Elijah Anderson.

Known as one of the nation’s most influential scholars in the field of urban inequality, Anderson is widely recognized as a ground-breaking ethnographer of urban life. He has also served as a consultant to a variety of government agencies, including the White House, the United States Congress, the National Academy of Science, and the National Science Foundation. Anderson has served on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, is a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, and is a former vice-president of the American Sociological Association. We are honored to hear from this prolific sociologist and author, Elijah Anderson.

Drexel's 2021 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 2021 degree recipients. Download the program booklet now [PDF].

Last updated August 12, 2021

Greetings from the Graduate Class of 2021

Graduate Student Association Vice President of Student Life Saurajyoti Kar addresses our graduating Dragons and shares words of encouragement to his fellow classmates.

Welcome, Drexel Graduates

As the voice of baseball in Philly, and on behalf of the Philadelphia Phillies, Dan Baker welcomes all 2020 and 2021 Drexel graduates and their families to Citizen’s Bank Park for our special University-wide Commencement on Friday, June 11!

Because the Celebration Can’t Wait

At Drexel University, we want to celebrate our graduating Dragons who are a true inspiration. We know you have worked hard, made meaningful memories, and pushed beyond the limits of what’s expected to reach this memorable milestone. Remember that as our #ForeverDragons, you're not alone.

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 with us. As you take this step in your Drexel journey, we know that you will continue to make an impact on the world, and we can't wait to see what you will do. Now, it’s time for you to celebrate.

College and School Ceremonies

Drexel’s virtual college- and school-specific ceremonies will be held from June 7 to June 10 and honor the Class of 2021. To view the schedule of these special celebrations, visit our College and School Ceremonies page.

A Look Back: Drexel’s 2020 City-wide Tribute

Last June, we lit up Drexel’s Main Building and the iconic Mario statue, as Philly’s Boathouse Row and other beloved landmarks highlighted their pride in, and unwavering support for, the Class of 2020. Watch this video recap and see how Drexel University honored the resilient Class of 2020 by turning the lights in Philadelphia blue and gold to celebrate our #ForeverDragons. And in 2021, we will be lighting up Boathouse Row once again!

The William S. Pittman Ceremony

On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, the Center for Black Culture hosted a powerful virtual William S. Pittman ceremony. This cherished annual Drexel tradition recognizes all graduates of the African diaspora whose legacy and contributions to their respective fields have paved the way for the success of others in their educational, personal, and professional endeavors. And this is all in honor of William S. Pittman, the first African American graduate at Drexel. If you missed this year's ceremony, you are encouraged to visit the website and view the recap video.

Learn More

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.

Drexel Alumnus Achille Vallorani ’46 illustrates how his experiential education prepared him for success, spanning from his original co-op to his service in World War II, his career, and much more. He is a #ForeverDragon, just like you.

What It Means To Be a Drexel Dragon

We asked our alumni what being a Drexel Dragon means to them, and here’s what they said!

Drexel Dragons are driven, ambitious, and resilient. They take on challenges with an innovative eye and a real-world approach. They are involved and invested in the future of their communities, professions, University, and world.

Jeff Spence '09,
General Studies

Drexel is all about ambition — and that's why we're here! We work hard within a short period of time, allowing our ambition and drive to be showcased.

Brooke Spang '17,
Animation and Visual Effects

Drexel students are resilient and adaptable. We use our outstanding Drexel education to create value for ourselves, our families, our communities, our country, and the world — regardless of where our career may take us.

Paul Gondek '74,
Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology

From getting research experience my very first year to my past co-op becoming my first full-time job and getting over one and a half years of work experience in my field before graduation — Drexel has provided me countless opportunities to lead, learn, and grow.

Danielle Schroeder '17,
Civil Engineering

From the founding with A.J. Drexel to today — civic engagement, diversity and inclusion, and challenging the status quo are cornerstones. When fellow Dragons meet, they share a common bond and journey that will continue for a lifetime.

Rich Blumberg '84,
Marketing

Being a Dragon means never being satisfied with the status quo and the way things are. It means being, bold, creative, and curious. Being a Dragon means having the ability to make a long-lasting impact towards the people and the community around you.

Orcel Kounga '17,
Computer Engineering

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!

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 10 for the chance to win Drexel swag. You must use both #DrexelCapContest and #ForeverDragons in your post. Class of 2020 and 2021 graduates are both encouraged to join!

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!

Mario at the Ballpark

#ForeverDragons, follow Drexel on TikTok and continue celebrating your Dragon pride with Mario the Magnificent and friends!

Follow @drexeluniv on TikTok

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]