Celebrating Our 2026 Graduates and Future Incoming Class

Dear Members of the Drexel Community,

As we approach Commencement and the close of another academic year, I want to take a moment to congratulate the more than 6,200 undergraduate and graduate students who comprise Drexel’s Class of 2026. I know our entire University community joins me in celebrating this important milestone alongside them. Their achievements reflect years of hard work and determination, and I look forward to sending the class off at Citizens Bank Park next week in my first University-wide commencement ceremony as Drexel’s president.

This graduating class exemplifies the very best of Drexel. Our students embraced rigorous academic work, engaged in thoughtful discussions grounded in critical reasoning and mutual respect, and applied their knowledge through the hands-on experiences that define a Drexel education. Whether through co-op, research, fellowships, lab and field work, athletic achievements, community engagement or creative scholarship, they developed the skills, confidence and adaptability that will continue to serve them long after they leave our campus.

The strength of a Drexel education is reflected in the success of our graduates. Historically, 96% of Drexel graduates are employed or pursuing additional education within one year of graduation, and nearly half of our students receive job offers from their co-op employers. These outcomes speak not only to the talent and drive of our students, but also to the dedication of our faculty, professional staff, alumni and employer partners who help prepare them for meaningful careers.

Members of the Class of 2026 distinguished themselves on so many levels. In fact, the graduating class submitted 158 applications for prestigious fellowships and scholarships, earning 49 recognitions overall, including 34 recipients and 8 alternates. The class includes recipients of some of the world’s most competitive awards: 3 Fulbright Scholars, a Boren Scholar, a Goldwater Scholar, an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, a NOAA Hollings Scholar and 16 Gilman Scholars. These accomplishments are a source of tremendous pride for Drexel and reflect the culture of mentorship and opportunity that defines our University.

As we prepare to celebrate and send off this exceptional class, we are equally heartened that so many new students are excited to join our ranks and become Dragons. In fact, we have seen a 16% rise in those indicating that they will be joining us in the fall. This incoming class reflects the strength and promise of Drexel’s future, bringing exceptional academic achievement, curiosity and enthusiasm as they prepare to begin their journeys here. We are excited to welcome this new generation of Dragons.

This incoming class, together with our current Dragons, will experience the full vision of Academic Transformation as a defining part of their education. For years, faculty and professional staff across the institution have worked thoughtfully and tirelessly to shape the future of our academic experience. As we prepare to launch our renewed curriculum, core competencies, semester calendar and expanded opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, I am filled with optimism about what lies ahead for our students and our institution.

As we conclude another academic year, I want to thank each member of the Drexel community, students, faculty, professional staff, alumni and supporters, for the role you play in advancing our mission. Together, we continue to strengthen Drexel’s reputation as a university defined by innovation, experiential learning and a commitment to student success.

Sincerely,

Antonio Merlo, PhD
President