Top DrexelNOW Stories of 2023
What were some of the biggest stories read by Drexel University students, faculty, professional staff and parents and families in a University-wide e-newsletter?
Well, there were a lot of lists. And a lot of campus updates. Some even were lists about campus updates! But for the most part, those DrexelNOW readers wanted to know what was happening at Drexel, and they wanted to know about it, well, NOW.
DrexelNOW sent 96 emails sent to faculty and professional staff, 48 emails to undergraduate students, 14 emails to graduate students and 13 emails to parents and families. For a rough estimate, that includes … approximately more than 900 stories, for some back-of-envelope, ballpark guessing. No matter what, there’s a lot to read and a lot to choose to read!
Here’s what those Dragons clicked on the most in the DrexelNOW emails in 2023:
10. Finding Spring in Philadelphia: Drexel Staff Members Share Their Favorite Warm-Weather Spots
The small but mighty team of two DrexelNOW professional staff members highlighted their favorite outdoor spots and activities, from lounging at a secret cat garden off campus to shopping at nearby farmers markets.
9. 23 Things for the Class of 2023 to Know Before Commencement
This guide for graduating Dragons had all the information they needed to know for their last big hurrah on campus, like where to go and what to expect.
8. Drexel Ranked on Forbes Best-in-State Employers Second Year in a Row
The University was named one of the best places to work in all of Pennsylvania. Clearly, this story was written for Drexel faculty and professional staff — and read by them, too!
7. Catch Drexel in Ray Romano's 'Somewhere In Queens' Movie
Drexel played a role in the new movie when a character tries out for a basketball scholarship here. The film was co-written and directed by the “Everyone Loves Raymond” star, who also appeared in the film.
6. What’s New on Campus: Fall 2023 Updates from Real Estate and Facilities
Dragons read about the newly reopened Kelly Hall, the phased demolition of Myers Hall (more on that later!) and partnership projects like Schuylkill Yards and UCity Square.
5. Four Paths to $400 In Your Paycheck!
Hopefully some of the faculty and professional staff who read this article went on to earn additional payouts by participating in Drexel's Wellness Incentive Program!
4. Meet Drexel’s 2023 Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients
The Commencement speakers and recipients — including seven alumni! — were announced in this roundup. Speakers addressed the class of 2023 at college and school ceremonies and the honorary degree recipients were honored at the University-wide ceremony.
3. What’s It Like in Drexel's City View Lounge?
Another big story from the faculty/professional staff DrexelNOW edition! Drexel employees wanted to learn more about the new space on the sixth floor of MacAlister Hall that’s just for them. It’s a quiet space to enjoy (and even purchase) food and beverages on-site and relax with the scenic views of University City.
2. Summer Campus Construction and Renewal Update
Dragons were hungry to know about some of the projects that were happening, like why the elevator in Main Building was temporarily out of order and why the Korman Quad benches looked different. This was the first in a series of quarterly updates, and it certainly made its mark!
1. Former Myers Hall Site Planned to be ‘A Front Lawn for Students’
The site of the former residence hall on 33rd Street will open in 2024 as a multipurpose green space created in part with sustainability-focused and student-requested features.