Visiting scholars and lecturers bring diverse perspectives and industry-specific expertise to Westphal, enhancing the college's reputation as a leader in media arts and design education. Westphal hosts visiting scholars in many different ways throughout the academic year. Their presence facilitates collaborative research, innovative projects, and cross-disciplinary dialogue that enriches the intellectual, problem-solving, and creative atmosphere for both students and faculty for the evolving challenges in today's creative industries. The following are our signature initiatives:

Arfaa Lecture Series

Drexel University's endowed Farajollah and Maryam Badie Arfaa Lecture Series, which is hosted by the Westphal College Department of Architecture, Design & Urbanism, brings design professionals and scholars of the built environment to campus several times per year. Public presentations consider contemporary, historic, professional, and theoretical aspects of architecture, interior design, and urbanism, introducing the Drexel community and greater Philadelphia audience to issues of local, national, and global relevance. The Arfaa Lecture Series was established in 1992 by Peter F. Arfaa, FAIA, (1935–2020), who joined the Drexel Architecture faculty in 1972 and served for 39 years, including 9 years as Department Head (1976-1985). Distinguished as the first endowed lecture series at Drexel University, has hosted more than 90 industry-leading speakers from around the globe over the past 30+ years.

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DIGM Colloquium Series

The Digital Media (DIGM) Colloquium Series is a platform for students, faculty, and industry professionals to explore the latest trends, research, and advancements in digital media. The Series festures lectures and demonstrations from experts across diverse fields, fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration in digital storytelling, design, and technology. The DIGM Colloquium Series is sponsored by the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design's Department of Digital Media.

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Rankin Scholars-in-Residence

The Rankin Scholars-in-Residence Series, named in honor of former Dean Marjorie Rankin and established through the continuing donations of her friends and colleagues, seeks to bring noted individuals to campus who excel in the multidisciplinary education championed by the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. The goal of the Series is to inspire students, stimulate research, invigorate professional networks, and aid in the continuing development of the Drexel community.

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