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

New sorority members celebrate on Bid Day on Oct. 10. Photo by Charles Shan Cerrone.

The Right Fit: Formal Fall Recruitment for Drexel Sororities and Fraternities Goes Hybrid

After a fully virtual recruitment process in 2020, the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils moved forward with a hybrid model this year which allowed students interested in joining Greek life to find their new home away from home in person.

Do You FERPA? Gain Access to Student Info Through the Drexel Family Portal

Dragon families can gain access to student information like financial aid requirements, course schedule and current GPA through the Drexel Family Portal. All you need is a FERPA authorization on file.

The men's lacrosse team upon defeating Hofstra and winning the CAA Championship in May 2021. The team then appearing in the NCAA tournament as one of five teams from Drexel who appeared in their respective tournaments last winter and spring seasons.

Drexel Athletics in the Running for 2021 John Wanamaker Athletic Award

Recognizing the five sports teams that made it to their NCAA tournaments last winter and spring seasons, voting is now open for Drexel Athletics to receive prestigious local athletics commendation.

Crews from University and Student Services (USS) move student belongings into Millennium Hall on Sept. 10. Photo by Jeff Fusco.

On Historic Move-in Weekend at Drexel University, First-Years’ Excitement Doesn’t Stray From the College Norm

More than 2,200 first-year students moved into campus housing from Sept. 10–13 in the first key indication of Drexel’s return to campus this fall, and their thoughts and feelings were reminiscent of pre-pandemic norms despite remaining health and safety protocols.

Six Questions on Pandemic Personal Responsibility With Drexel’s Student Body President

Incoming Undergraduate Student Government Association President Jarod Watson explains how and why students should take it slow during their return to campus and practice safe habits, respect for others and putting the Dragon community first.

A Larger, More Diverse, Highly Anticipated New Dragon Class

The incoming class of 2021 has already exceeded a number of expectations — in academics, diversity and in their resiliency displayed in becoming Dragons despite the ongoing pandemic — before ever stepping foot on campus.

Nhat Nguyen working in the Nanobiomaterials and Cell Engineering Laboratory at Drexel University.

STAR Scholars 2021: A “Closer to Normal” Experience Despite Ongoing Pandemic

One hundred and forty second- and third-year Dragons completed their faculty-mentored STAR research experience last month, and partook in a range of opportunities spanning remote, hybrid and in-person modalities, as well as six-month part-time and three-month full-time timeframes.

Move-in crews help Drexel University students move into Race Hall on Sept. 10, 2021.

In Advance of Fall Move-in, Drexel University Leaders Hold Student, Parent Town Hall

More than 850 participants joined presenters at 6 p.m. on Sept. 8 to hear a run-down of information regarding policies and procedures put in place to ensure the safety of the Dragon community during the return to campus this fall.

10 New Dragons Discuss Starting at Drexel This Fall

DrexelNow checked in with the new students joining our campus community this fall about their past experiences, future plans, and their hopes and worries about starting their Drexel careers amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Revelry at the Welcome Week Kick-off Event at The Franklin Institute in 2019 (pre-pandemic photo).

Back on Campus, Welcome Week 2021 Set to be Bigger and Better Than Ever

After a year and a half of decreased in-person activity and a fully remote 2020 offering due to the pandemic, this year’s Welcome Week will offer more events and will be open to both 2020 and 2021 incoming classes to help students acclimate, meet each other and get excited for the new academic year.

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.