September 22, 2022

Dear Members of the Drexel Community,

At approximately 12:30 this morning a man was fatally shot in front of an apartment building on the 400 block of N. 35th Street near Baring Street. The Philadelphia Police are investigating the crime but have not yet released a description of the suspect. Although the victim was not a student, a death in our surrounding community affects us all. Our deep sympathies go out to the family of this young man and to those affected by this senseless act of violence. 

We are all acutely aware that gun violence has increased throughout the city of Philadelphia over the past year. In recent months we have taken the following steps to invest in keeping our campus community safe:

• Increased the number of dispatchers and are adding more officers to Drexel Police.
• Expanded patrols and increased training of Drexel Police and security officers.
• Increased SEPTA Police patrols in areas affected by increased crime. 

We know that experiencing or witnessing gun violence has a direct impact on mental well-being. Our Student Counseling Center (counsel@drexel.edu) and Employee Assistance Program (888.881.5462) are always available and have many resources to help us cope with difficult experiences.

Drexel Public Safety has advised that members of the community should be on heightened awareness of their surroundings, walk in groups and well-lit public areas. Make sure that vehicles and residences are locked and secured and that no personal belongings of value are visible. Public Safety security officers provide walking escorts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 215.895.2222. The Drexel Guardian app can also connect students directly to the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center in the event of an emergency.

Please do not hesitate to use these resources and draw on the support of your immediate community.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President

Helen Bowman
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer

Robert Lis
Interim Vice President of Public Safety