How to Celebrate This Year’s Family Weekend

Soon, students will share the best of Drexel and their new home in Philadelphia with their families during this year’s annual weekend event.

Drexel’s campus will welcome back parents and family members for Family Weekend, held Nov. 6–8.

“Parents and family members of all ages are invited to campus to reconnect with their student,” said Subir Sahu, PhD, associate vice president and dean of Student Life. “Parents, especially, are important partners to the university and we look forward to welcoming them back to campus to engage in all Drexel has to offer their student and their family as members of our vibrant community.”

Here are some of the fun activities planned for Family Weekend:

Friday, November 6

• Dean’s Welcome Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.: (Landmark Americana, 3333 Market St.)

Parents and families are invited to enjoy a Dean's Happy Hour hosted by the Drexel Family Association and Sahu. This is a great way for parents to network, meet members of the Drexel Family Association and spend time with the deans from the Student Life Leadership Team. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served.

*You must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event.

• Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m. (MacAlister Hall, 3250 Chestnut St., 6th Floor, City View)

Join Drexel Hillel in celebrating Shabbat dinner with a delicious and festive meal. Vegetarian options provided. Free for students, $18 suggested donation per guest.  

Saturday, November 7

• Philadelphia Zoo Trip, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Bus pick-up at Hagerty Library, 33rd and Market streets)

Take the shuttle from campus throughout the day to enjoy America’s first zoo and more than 1,300 rare and endangered animals from around the world in the Philadelphia Zoo’s 43-acre Victorian garden.

Bus pick-up to the zoo at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Return to Drexel at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. You are welcome to arrange your own transportation to come and go at different times.

• Academy of Natural Sciences Trip 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Bus pick-up at Hagerty Library, 33rd and Market streets)

Take the shuttle from campus throughout the day to enjoy the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University, where you can wander among towering dinosaur skeletons or discover an indoor tropical butterfly garden. Explore ecosystems from around the world through the Academy’s historic dioramas or be transported to the great outdoors through the hands-on discover center for children. Visit the Special Exhibits Gallery for the newest exhibit or watch scientists at work in Science Live or our Fossil Prep Lab.

Bus pick-up to the Academy at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Return to Drexel at 1:00 p.m. You are welcome to arrange your own transportation to come and go at different times.

• Eastern State Penitentiary Tour 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. (Bus pick-up at Hagerty Library, 33rd and Market streets)

This general interest tour highlights Eastern State Penitentiary’s fascinating 142-year history, revolutionary architecture, notorious inmates and worldwide influence. Led by a member of their guide staff.

Bus pick-up to the Penitentiary at 12:00 p.m. Return to Drexel at 2:00 p.m.You are welcome to arrange your own transportation to come and go at different times.

• Drexel Family Association Parent’s Panel, 3p.m.– 4:30 p.m. (Mitchell Auditorium, Bossone Research Enterprise Center, 3140 Market Street)

Seasoned students and parents will be on a panel to answer your questions. Let a Drexel family help your family. Door prize tickets will be distributed for a chance to win Drexel swag. Families and students are welcome to attend. 

• Wine and Cheese Reception hosted by the Provost and the Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success, 4:30 p.m.–6 p.m. (Bossone Research Enterprise Center Lobby, 3140 Market St.)

Drexel Provost Brian Blake, PhD, and Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success, Randy Deike, PhD, invite you to a wine and cheese reception to continue networking with parents and families and other members of the Drexel community.

• Casino Night, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. (Great Court, Main Building, 3141 Chestnut St.)

Try your luck on casino-style games including roulette, blackjack and craps.  Family members of all ages are encouraged to participate to win a variety of prizes.

Sunday, November 8

• Annual Hillel Family Weekend Bagel Brunch, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (Paul Peck Alumni Center, 3142 Market St., southeast corner of 32nd and Market streets)

This year’s brunch will feature presentations about Jewish life on campus, updates on the construction of the Raymond G. Perelman Center for Jewish Life as well as opportunities to support Drexel Hillel through Hillel’s Parent Circle. Dietary laws will be observed.

RSVP for this free event by Oct. 29. Please contact Rabbi Isabel de Koninck for more information: 215.895.2531 or idekoninck@drexelhillel.org.