New Dragons Welcomed to Drexel University

Students visited the Franklin Institute as part of the kickoff event of Welcome Week. 

Incoming Dragons had a whirlwind of a week as they were welcomed to Drexel University from Sept. 16–21. Between moving in to getting ready for the first day of classes, there were hundreds of events all geared towards creating community on campus and getting ready for life at Drexel and in Philadelphia.

Monday, Sept. 16

Students got to explore campus and learn more about resources and organizations open to them. Events on Race Lawn and Lancaster Walk offered opportunities for students to stop and learn more; at the Drexel University Student Nurses Association’s table, students learned about organs while munching on donuts.

Later, the incoming class traveled to Center City, maybe for the first time ever, to meet at Philadelphia’s science museum, the Franklin Institute, for the iconic kick-off event, where they could explore the Institute’s exhibits, including the giant heart. Blue and gold banners flew from the columns, and inside, Dragons got to explore and learn more at this annual event. 

Tuesday, Sept. 17

The next day of Welcome Week was all about getting to know your college, school or department, so Dragons got acquainted with the people and professors they’ll be spending their academic careers learning alongside. Parties galore popped up around the University City Campus, and at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, students celebrated the start of the new year with a block party.

On Wednesday, students tried out different forms of dance. 

Wednesday, Sept. 18

Despite drizzle during the day, Dragons took plenty of opportunities to learn about campus and find their new communities. Students shared breakfast with Dean of Student Life Katie Zamulinsky, EdD, who leads the team that organizes co-curricular events and the development of life on campus at a morning event before moving on to other parties and celebrations throughout the day, like a block party at Bentley Hall for the Pennoni Honors College and open houses at the W.W. Hagerty Library and Center for Black Culture.

Meanwhile, in Mandell Theater, students also sampled styles of dance like ballet and hip-hop on the stage and in the studio. Some tried out a new style for the first time, and isn’t that what Welcome Week is all about?

Students celebrated A.J. Drexel's 198th birthday. 

Thursday, Sept. 19

On Thursday, students partied like it was 1891 at the A.J. Drexel Birthday Party in Main Building — our esteemed founder turned 198 earlier this month — with party decor and plenty of cake and treats.

All around campus, students got active with yoga and Pilates outside of the Rec Center, a walking tour with Drexel Grounds and a Welcome Hike with the Weekend Warriors. It was also a jam-packed day for games, with giant versions of Jenga and Sorry on Race Lawn, a board game bonanza in MacAlister Hall and a meet-and-greet with Drexel’s championship-winning esports team.

In the Gateway Garden, students took home new plants.

Friday, Sept. 20

Students had more opportunities to explore campus and its resources, like at a Cookies for Cops event on Lancaster Walk. Students and Drexel University Police Department officers mingled over refreshments as students learned about the Guardian app. Students also “wandered and wondered” at a few different events, including off campus with a wander down the Schuylkill River Trail, a tour of Chinatown and back on campus, a walking tour to learn where classes are.

Earlier in the day, students got to take in the sunshine and take home some plants to brighten up their new spaces. At the Gateway Garden, dozens of tiny potted plants were available for students to repot and bring home — what better way to get to know new friends than over a bucket of dirt?