Top Drexel Stories of 2019
In 2019, Drexel announced several developments, partnerships and physical changes that will continue to prepare the University for the future. That’s why faculty and staff are conducting cutting-edge research in their fields and commenting on the news developments impacting society as a whole. And that’s why students come here to realize their professional, educational and athletic dreams — and their personal dreams, as a longtime “Wheel of Fortune” fan and a Drexel Spidey would tell you.
Here’s DrexelNow’s annual review of the top Drexel stories from 2019:
An Ever-Evolving Drexel
2019 marked the centennial anniversary of Drexel’s esteemed co-op program, which is being celebrated throughout the 2019–2020 academic year. While recognizing its past, the University is looking ahead to the next 100 years of co-op with new strategic initiatives, like the Drexel Solutions Institute, and partnerships with community employers, as Vice President for Cooperative Education and Career Development Ian Sladen explained.
The bankruptcy and closure of Hahnemann University Hospital over the summer had, and continues to have, a ripple effect on the community. Drexel strengthened its partnership with Tower Health through the acquisition of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in September and a groundbreaking ceremony in June for the Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health site in West Reading. In December, Drexel announced plans for the College of Medicine to join the College of Nursing and Health Professions in a new academic building located at uCity Square, where a ceremonial groundbreaking was held for another building that will host two public schools. The Drexel Collection paid tribute to the community, faculty, staff and students who contributed to the 171-year history of Hahnemann with a special exhibit that opened in November.
The University City Campus map had to be updated this year. Drexel Square opened in May, launching with a night of video games played on the Cira Centre Skyscraper. Athletic bubbles were installed at the Buckley Recreational Field and Vidas Athletic Complex. Students moved into the newly renovated Bentley Hall (formerly Calhoun Hall) at the start of the academic year, and researchers moved into the new Center for Functional Fabrics and the Pennsylvania Fabric Discovery Center. The College of Computing & Informatics has a new home at 3675 Market Street. And the Fox Historic Costume Collection held its first full year of exhibitions (a retrospective look at Nicole Miller’s designs and the history of power suits) in its new gallery space.
The Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship introduced a three-year bachelor’s degree program and held its first Innovation Can’t Wait event.
Research and Expertise for the Good of Society
Drexel researchers made news this year with findings related to:
- Potted plants not actually improving indoor air quality
- A lower-sodium hoagie roll
- A phone app that predicts lapses in diets
- A new drug that could slow skin aging
- Whether we are actually protecting streams and rivers from pollution
- How Instagram, legislation and public health campaigns are increasing vaccinations
- Digital shopping lists leading to impulse buying
- Safety reforms for firefighter departments and violence toward first responders
And Drexel experts also commented on some of the biggest news stories this year, including:
- Ellen Staurowsky, PhD, a professor in the LeBow College of Business, was quoted in media outlets like ESPN on California’s Fair Pay to Play Act and the ensuing NCAA decision to “allow” athletes to benefit from name, image and likeness.
- Stephen Cozen Research Scholar in Marketing and Associate Professor Daniel Korschun, from the LeBow College of Business, commented on how companies can reflect social and political issues, like Equinox’s boycott and employees wanting to work for ethical companies.
- School of Education Dean and Distinguished University Professor Penny Hammrich, PhD, discussed why Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos’ ‘Academic Freedom’ theme didn’t have a home in urban education.
- Tabatha Abu El-Haj, PhD, JD, an associate professor in the Kline School of Law, explained the Supreme Court’s ruling on gerrymandering.
A Banner Year for Student Success
Drexel students made huge strides and accomplishments this year in everything from athletic careers to personal and résumé-building accomplishments.
Zaarah Abdul-Aziz, a fourth-year biological sciences (pre-med) major in the College of Arts and Sciences, won $16,900 and a trip to Belize on “Wheel of Fortune.”
Nora Vaughn, a culinary arts and science major in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, won a Drexel-themed ice cream contest, and her winning flavor was sold at the local ice cream parlor Franklin Fountain in April.
Drexel Spidey took great responsibility this year in bringing cheer to campus.
The Drexel University Paintball Club won the 2019 National Collegiate Paintball Association College National Championships in April.
The students producing Dragons TV, which produces video content showcasing Drexel’s varsity sports, showed off their broadcast skills after NBC Sports signed on to air 10 Drexel sporting events
Men’s basketball ended the College of Charleston’s 22-game home winning streak (which was the second longest in the nation entering the game) at the start of 2019.
Bailey Greenberg, a LeBow College of Business marketing major and forward on women’s basketball, was named CAA Player of the Year in March.
Women’s squash beat Penn at the Howe Cup in February, scoring its first ever win against Penn, to finish seventh in the nation.
The Top Drexel Social Media Posts of 2019
Here are the top posts from Drexel University’s official social media accounts (which you should follow if you’re not already!):
Twitter: Drexel’s top tweet announced the opening of Drexel Square.
Instagram: A friendly picture of a familiar sight — the Drexel bridge on the eastern side of the University City Campus — welcomed new students to campus.
Facebook: Fireworks at the University-wide commencement at the Citizens Bank Park is a Drexel tradition — and the top Facebook post this year.
LinkedIn: Commencement was a huge hit on LinkedIn as well, with a celebratory post about new graduate Kerrivah (Kerri) Heard’s accomplishments bringing in big numbers.