Writer Archives

Beth Ann Downey

Staff Writer, University Communications

Beth Ann Downey is the staff writer for DrexelNow and also contributes to such publications as Drexel Magazine. She joined the University Communications team in March 2018 bringing a variety of work experience in journalism, public relations and marketing.

Beth Ann received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State University in University Park. She has previously held editorial positions with the Altoona Mirror as a lifestyle reporter and JUMP Philly magazine as a managing editor. In her free time, you can find Beth Ann enjoying the local music scene as well as everything her East Passyunk neighborhood has to offer. Follow Beth Ann at @bethanndowney on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:

ead332@drexel.edu

215.895.0379

Preparation and the presentation of her social initiative and talent won Elaine Ficarra the right to be called Miss Philadelphia in the competition’s centennial year, as well as scholarship funding and a chance to compete in the Miss Pennsylvania competition last month, in which she placed third runner up.

Drexel Student Named Miss Philadelphia 2021

Elaine Ficarra, a rising third-year biology major and Pennoni Honors College student, earned the title of Miss Philadelphia after competition was postponed due to the pandemic last year, and placed third runner up at the Miss Pennsylvania competition in June.

Students associated with the Climate and Sustainability Working Group helped put on Earthfest on April 22. Photo courtesy of Grace Zaborski.

Eco-Passionate Students Find Outlet, Experience Through Climate and Sustainability Working Group

As plans for a centralized sustainability office at Drexel continue to formulate, students seeking climate and sustainability impact opportunities have found a home working with Drexel’s cross-functional and interdisciplinary working group started last spring in conjunction with the University’s “Climate Year” initiative.

Esta Jacob, a rising second-year finance and legal studies major, speaking with campus tour group outside the Korman Center.

Becoming a Drexel Student Ambassador

DrexelNow followed rising second-year student Esta Jacob through her month-long training process to become a student ambassador, a paid campus position which helps the University grow and thrive through ambassador-led campus tours and their sharing of knowledge and personal experiences with prospective students.

The Maker's Market events, like the one seen here, will be held at the Gateway Garden at Drexel University this summer. Photo credit: Beth Ann Downey.

Updated Campus Amenities for Summer 2021

For the summer term, Drexel’s on-campus operations related to dining, recreation and on-campus spaces have changed to reflect current guidance and very low rates of COVID-19 infection on campus.

But We Keep Going, the Paul Robeson High School senior portrait series, was celebrated on the evening of June 17 with a projection event on Drexel's University City campus produced by Welsh, Writers Room Assistant Director Patrice Worthy, Pearlstein Gallery Exhibitions and Programs Coordinator Leah Appleton, and Greenhouse Media.

Drexel Writers Room Collaboration Shines 7-Story Spotlight on Local High School Graduates

As part of its TRIPOD initiative, the university-community literary arts program Writers Room helped celebrate and share stories of the Paul Robeson High School senior class and their resiliency during the pandemic — culminating in the projection of the students’ portraits on the side of the University City Campus’ Nesbitt Hall on the evening of June 17.

Eighteen-year-old Paul Robeson High School grad Lyric Wise won a $50,000 scholarship live on national television explains her existing ties to the University, as well as her excitement and plans for starting at Drexel this fall.

‘Good Morning America’ Scholarship Recipient Lyric Wise Can’t Wait to Be a Dragon

The 18-year-old Paul Robeson High School grad who won a $50,000 scholarship live on national television explains her existing ties to the University, as well as her excitement and plans for starting at Drexel this fall.

Watch Your Professors Give TEDx Talks During a Student-Curated Virtual Event This Week

TEDxDrexelU, a student organization whose mission it is to bring the spirit of TED to the Drexel community, will present a two-day virtual conference featuring Drexel faculty and alumni speakers June 26–27.

The commencement set-up in Mandell Theater where non-semester-based college and school ceremonies were livestreamed from June 7–10.

Drexel Virtually Celebrates 2021 Graduates of Colleges, Schools, Heritage Groups

Before the University-wide ceremony at Citizen’s Bank Park on June 11, commencement for Drexel’s colleges, schools and students of the African diaspora were held virtually though celebrated wholeheartedly.

Sheena Coleman, 40, of Powelton Village, received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at a walk-up clinic at the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships on May 27.

Dragons Unite to Bring Vaccines, Resources to the Surrounding West Philadelphia Community

Drexel University faculty, staff, students and community partners, along with Sunray Pharmacy, have come together to put on weekly COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships in Powelton Village.

Renowned urban ethnographer Elijah Anderson, PhD, who has focused much of his work in Philadelphia, shared in this Q&A a preview of his June 11 commencement speech, career advice and his favorite local memories and eatery.

10 Questions with University-wide Commencement Speaker Elijah Anderson, PhD

The renowned urban ethnographer who has focused much of his work in Philadelphia shared in this Q&A a preview of his June 11 commencement speech, career advice and his favorite local memories and eatery.

Jake Baron on a recent trip to California, where he will move and take a job with a major electronics company following graduation next month.

Advance Your Career (AYC) Helps Pandemic Co-op Students Take Professional Control

Created by the Steinbright Career Development Center and launched in June 2020, the AYC module’s focus on professional development and meaningful networking helped students turn lost or delayed co-ops due to the pandemic into both credit and opportunity.

Drexel basketball and wrestling student athletes, coaches and staff recount the 2020–2021 season’s differences, delays, setbacks and triumphs.

One and Done: How ‘High Risk’ Drexel Sports Teams Made it Through a Pandemic Season

In their own words, Drexel basketball and wrestling student athletes, coaches and staff recount the 2020–2021 season’s differences, delays, setbacks and triumphs.