Photos by Shira Yudkoff Photography
Antonio Merlo, sporting his “Chain of Office” – an ornate medallion customized for each Drexel leader to wear with their academic dress.
The investiture’s academic procession includes students, faculty, administrators and honorary guests.
As tradition goes, the Drexel University ROTC Color Guard leads the academic procession on stage.
Philadelphia’s mayor, the Honorable Cherelle Parker, provides remarks at the investiture ceremony, noting “Drexel University plays an integral role in our city.”
The leaders of Drexel’s Undergraduate Student Government Association and Graduate Student Association attest to Merlo’s commitment to students during their speeches at the ceremony. Pictured here: Sanjna Srinivasan, USGA president.
Rebecca Siler, vocal faculty at the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, performs “Quando m’en vo’” from “La Bohème” by Giacomo Puccini for the occasion.
Denis P. O’Brien, vice chair of Drexel’s Board of Trustees, and immediate past interim president, presents the chain of office to President Merlo, Drexel’s 16th president.
President Merlo addresses attendees: “At this moment, higher education in America needs wayfarers and path finders, schools and universities willing and able to travel in new directions and find new destinations. Today I believe Drexel University is poised to do just that.”
President Merlo’s April 16, 2026, investiture ceremony was held in the Daskalakis Athletic Center at 33rd and Market streets. That’s been the site of presidential inaugurations of years past, more or less.
Immediately after the investiture ceremony, a community-wide reception was held outdoors on Lancaster Walk.
Mingling at the reception, President Merlo stops for a selfie.
