During a University-wide Commencement ceremony held June 12 at Citizens Bank Park, Drexel University graduated its Class of 2025 and welcomed another group of Forever Dragons into its worldwide family of more than 185,000 alumni.
During a year of change and transition, the Dragons prevailed in the tradition of coming together at the ballpark, turning the tassels on their mortarboards and taking in a spectacular fireworks show in front of the city skyline. Once again, Drexel parent and voice of the Philadelphia Phillies Dan Baker served as the Master of Ceremonies and the Phillies’ anthem “High Hopes” and the ringing of the Liberty Bell replica played students off to the new start of their lives.
For one Drexel graduate, this year’s ceremony was extra special. The University-wide Commencement speaker, Olympic gold medalist and investment banker Justin Best, graduated from Drexel with a degree in business and engineering in December 2019 — but his year’s planned graduation at Citizens Bank Park was made virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Five years later, Best not only attended a ceremony at the stadium but spoke on stage wearing his Drexel regalia — which he paired with his Olympic gold medal hanging around his neck with a blue ribbon, for extra blue and gold.
Another Drexel alumnus also experienced a meaningful Commencement this year: Drexel University Interim President Denis O’Brien, MBA ‘87. He led the University during this 2024–2025 academic year before the July 1 start of Incoming President Antonio Merlo, PhD, who attended this year’s ceremony
“If you told me 40 years ago — when I was taking night classes at LeBow, chugging along in my full-time job while taking an MBA at night — that I would be up here today, I would never have believed you. Take it from me: With a Drexel degree in hand, the future is limitless,” he said.
