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

10 Burning Questions Drexel Students Have Right Now

Here are several student questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and Drexel’s plans for winter term answered by University administrators and experts.

WOLF Financial took top prize in the Baiada Incubator Competition, receiving $12,500 in capital to grow their business, office space in the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship once campus opens up more widely, and free legal and accounting services.

Pandemic FinTech Project Takes Top Prize at First Virtual Startup Fest

WOLF Financial and their WOLF app was imagined before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but became all the more needed and was rushed into production back in March. A mere eight months later, student entrepreneurs behind the app took top prize in the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship’s first virtual Startup Fest and Baiada Incubator Competition.

Introducing Dragon Network: Your One-Stop Shop to Build Your Network

Current students can now easily explore, connect and network with thousands of Drexel alumni through this new offering. Find out how to set up a profile, explore ways to connect, and learn tips for using Dragon Network.

Meet Drexel’s Incoming Class Through Stats

Though we couldn’t welcome them to Drexel University’s physical campus this term, here are some facts and figures behind the incoming class of 2020 to help get to know them before seeing them in person.

Voting Questions Answered by Drexel’s 2020 CEEP Fellows

Drexel’s 2020 Campus Election Engagement Project (CEEP) fellows and your fellow Dragons are only a DM or a Zoom call away if you need help navigating the upcoming election. Here are some of the biggest roadblocks to voting on or before Nov. 3 that they believe face their classmates.

Wake Up to Information and Change with “Good Morning, Neighbors"

In its sixth season, the morning radio show on WKDU is tackling interviews and education related to Black Lives Matter while staying true to its root goal of connecting Drexel to the surrounding community.

Dragonfly 2020 to Bring Six Performances for the Price of Free to Drexel Students

Though the annual student-run concert event will look a little different this year due to COVID-19, Dragonfly 2020 has grown into a six-part virtual performance series still aimed at bringing Dragons together.

The “Mario the Magnificent” statue on Drexel’s University City Campus was recently outfitted with a face mask.

Graduate Student Town Hall Reinforces Campus Community Resources and Responsibilities

On Sept. 18, graduate students conducting on-campus classes or research this fall were invited to learn more about the University’s health and safety measures and student resources in the continued wake of COVID-19 as well as have their pre-submitted questions answered by campus leadership.

Drexel student activist Tianna Williams posing outside of the Rush Building, which will soon be the home of the University's Center for Black Culture.

Face of Change: Tianna Williams and the Undergraduate Student Push for an Anti-Racist Drexel

As the sole undergraduate student co-chair of Drexel University’s Anti-Racism Task Force established in June, fourth-year engineering student Tianna Williams is making her voice heard and creating the change she wants to see on campus.

Jazmean Williams, a 2020 graduate with a BS in biomedical engineering, in the lab during her six-month co-op in Wellington, New Zealand funded partially by Drexel-LSAMP.

Changing STEM Representation Trends Through the Philadelphia AMP Alliance

The Greater Philadelphia Region Alliance for Minority Participation (Philadelphia AMP) was started in 1994 through National Science Foundation funding and a Drexel alum’s efforts. As host institution for the alliance for over 20 years, Drexel continues to support Dragons and spearhead regional STEM representation change through programming, funding, opportunities and mentorship.

Socially distant seating in the Hahnemann Library on Drexel's Center City Campus.

How Drexel Campus Amenities Will Operate This Fall

Though fall term classes and programming will be held mostly online, these student-oriented campus amenities will be up and running to assist you whether you’re living on or near campus or would like to access them remotely.

After launching late last month, the Drexel University Family Portal already boasts over 2,500 active members and helps families access streamlined information, alerts and events to bolster their Dragon’s success at Drexel.

Drexel University Family Portal: Everything For Dragon Families, Now in One Place

After launching late last month, this new University resource already boasts over 2,500 active members and helps families access streamlined information, alerts and events to bolster their Dragon’s success at Drexel.