Student Life Scholarship Awards
Help us celebrate the Drexel Dragons who go above and beyond. This fall, we will present endowed and donor scholarship awards to deserving students who meet the corresponding award criteria.
Brought to you by Student Life, the Student Life Scholarship Awards recognize Drexel Dragons who go above and beyond in the classroom and make significant contributions to our University community.
Help us celebrate these special members of our community by nominating them for the 2026 Student Life Scholarship Awards!
Nominations will be accepted through October 19, 2026. All Drexel students, faculty, and professional staff are invited to submit candidates to be considered. Self–nominations are also accepted.
Awards
Note: Monetary award amounts are contingent on student financial need, as determined by Drexel University's Office of Financial Aid.
Alana Maddox Endowed Student Friendship Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $1,000)
This award is dedicated to the memory of Alana Maddox (1993–2017), a committed and active Drexel student who was a friend to all. It is presented to a Drexel undergraduate student who exemplifies the true meaning of being a "good friend" by lifting spirits, providing optimism, and inspiring people around them. To be considered for this award, applicants and nominees must have been a member of at least one student organization, where their core responsibilities include encouraging other students to participate in student life. This recognition includes a monetary scholarship award of up to $1,000.
Alden D. Hoke Endowed Memorial Scholarship (Scholarship award: amount up to $4,750)
The Alden D. Hoke Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established by the family of Drexel student Alden D. Hoke (1998–2020). Alden was a bright and compassionate student with a contagious smile who had a passion for higher learning and an enthusiasm for greatness. The scholarship will be awarded annually to undergraduate students who are enrolled at the College of Engineering with financial need and a GPA of at least 3.8. Includes an award up to $4,750.
Alexander Van Rensselaer Service Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $15,000)
This award is presented to a student of worthy character who demonstrates service to the student body of Drexel. This award may require the nominated students to submit additional letters of recommendation, references, and/or participate in an interview process.
Alexander–Williamson Memorial Scholarship (Scholarship award: amount up to $2,000)
The Alexander–Williamson Memorial Scholarship was established with gifts from friends and loved ones to honor the memory of Alpha Chi Rho Brothers Ian Alexander and John Williamson. The award is presented to an undergraduate student who captures the spirit of the award's namesakes. To be considered for this award, applicants must demonstrate involvement in the community and a potential for leadership on campus.
Anthony and Antoinette T. Caneris Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $15,000)
This award is presented to junior or senior students enrolled in any Drexel college or school, with preference and consideration for those who demonstrate a high commitment to academics while being actively involved with on–campus activities at the University. Eligible students must also demonstrate financial need as necessary to complete their studies at Drexel. (Undergraduate only)
The Carl Buchholz Award for Civic Engagement (Scholarship award: amount up to $1,500)
In memory of Carl Buchholz and on behalf of the Buchholz Family, the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement will select a full–time graduating senior enrolled in any college or school at Drexel University who has exemplified Carl Buchholz's spirit of civic engagement. Each fall, the Lindy Center will invite student nominations for the award, which will be presented during Drexel's Scholarship Awards banquet. Selection criteria will include an application letter detailing the nominee's civic involvement, co–op placements, leadership experiences, and other qualifications, as well as an essay or other statement from the nominee outlining their career aspirations.
Charles E. Etting Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $3,000)
This award is presented to students of worthy character and capacity who have excelled extensively in student activities.
Chuck Vincent Servant Leader Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $500)
This award is dedicated in honor of Chuck Vincent COE '57, founding member of the Drexel Veterans Alumni Network and supportive alumnus of the Office of Veteran Student Services and Drexel Veterans Association. This award is given to a Drexel undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates exceptional leadership, participation, advocacy and commitment to cultivating a military-friendly campus community. The recognition may be awarded to a student-veteran, military family member/dependent or nonmilitary-affiliated supporter. This recognition includes a scholarship amount of up to $500.
Dean J. Peterson Ryder Award for Senior Men (Scholarship award: amount up to $3,000)
Presented to a man in engineering in his senior year who is proficient in studies undertaken and who has participated in extracurricular activities. (Undergraduate only)
Dean J. Peterson Ryder Award for Senior Women (Scholarship award: amount up to $3,000)
This award is presented to a woman in her senior year who is proficient in studies undertaken and who has participated in extracurricular activities. (Undergraduate only)
Drexel University Black Alumni Council (DUBAC) Scholarship (Scholarship award: amount up to $2,500)
The DUBAC Scholarship shall provide financial support for student leaders demonstrating academic excellence and involvement in one or more University-recognized student organizations including but not limited to: Drexel University Black Student Union, LeBow BRIDGE, National Society of Black Engineers and National Organization of Minority Architecture Students. The student shall possess a strong personal commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful UNIVERSITY community as well as excellence in academic performance. To be considered for this award, applicants shall be undergraduate students who maintain a 3.2 cumulative GPA. This recognition includes a scholarship amount of up to $2,500.
¡HOLA! Scholarship (Scholarship award: amount up to $500)
The HOLA Scholarship provides academic financial support in the form of scholarships awards for undergraduate student leaders who have achieved excellence in academic performance and who are involved in one or more UNIVERSITY- recognized student organizations, including but not limited to Latinos for a United Campus and the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). To be considered for this award, applicants must have a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA. This recognition includes a monetary scholarship of up to $500.
Josiah P. Ryder General Scholarship (Scholarship award: amount up to $5,000)
This award is presented to an engineering student who is proficient in studies undertaken and who has participated in extracurricular activities. (Undergraduate only)
Marilyn A. Burshtin Memorial Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $2,500)
This award is presented to a woman in the College of Engineering or the College of Arts and Sciences who has demonstrated academic success and who has participated extensively in student activities. It is expected that the recipient demonstrate academic success with a GPA of 3.0 or above, but exceptions may be made if an individual has made exceptional contributions to student activities and/or campus life. Nominations are accepted for this award, but each nominee must also submit a self–nomination/application to be considered.
Stephanie L. Ross Memorial Scholarship Award (Scholarship award: amount up to $1,000)
This award is presented to an undergraduate student who possesses the generous spirit of the award's namesake. To be considered for this award, applicants must have been a member of a Drexel fraternity or sorority for at least one academic year. The recipient must be in good academic standing as demonstrated by a minimum 3.0 grade point average. (Undergraduate only)
The Steven Irby Scholarship Fund (Scholarship award: amount up to $1,000)
The Steven Irby Scholarship Fund: This award is presented to an undergraduate student who is studying engineering or information technology and have demonstrated financial need. Scholarship recipients shall be graduates from Philadelphia area high schools and shall be involved in one or more UNIVERSITY-approved/recognized student organizations, including but not limited to: a) Black Student Union; or b) National Society of Black Engineers. This recognition includes a monetary scholarship award of $2500 and no student may receive more than one award from the fund.
The Colonel Franklin H. Coursen and Mrs. Sidney W. Coursen Family Scholarship (Scholarship award: amount up to $5,000)
The Colonel Franklin H. Coursen and Mrs. Sidney W. Coursen Family Scholarship at Drexel University is named in honor of Franklin and Sidney Coursen, Robert L Wright (Sidney’s father) and Robert L Wright Jr. (Sidney’s brother). Through the generosity of the Coursen family and their commitment to recognizing and honoring the service of our country’s veterans, Drexel will annually award a scholarship to a student-veteran enrolled at Drexel’s LeBow College of Business and/or the Howley Finance Academy with preference given to Air Force Veterans. This recognition includes a monetary scholarship award of up to $5,000.
2025 Award Recipients
- Phillip Kinoti – Alana Maddox Endowed Student Friendship Award
- Ariela Sinani – Alden D. Hoke Endowed Memorial Scholarship
- Adekunmi Lala and Faisal Baig – Alexander Van Rensselaer Service Award
- Reshain Hall – Alexander–Williamson Memorial Scholarship
- Gwendoline Twiford and Aaron Pitt, Jr. – Anthony and Antoinette T. Caneris
- Lydia Barker – The Carl Buchholz Award for Civic Engagement
- Amina Ibrahim – Charles E. Etting Award
- Christopher Bahr – Dean J. Peterson Ryder Award for Senior Men
- Brenda Krishnawongso – Dean J. Peterson Ryder Award for Senior Women
- Regina McLean – Josiah P. Ryder General Scholarship
- Prastuti Upadhyay – Marilyn A. Burshtin Memorial Award
- Jake Larimer – Stephanie L. Ross Memorial Scholarship Award
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