New to campus and not sure who people are, where things are located or what’s going on? This Q&A will provide you with necessary knowledge to start off your Drexel career right.
Semesters? Quarters?
After years of deliberation on the subject, in April of 2024, it was announced that Drexel would be transitioning from a quarter-based system to a semester program. Our previous president, John Fry, believed that the change would arrive in three school years, affecting students graduating in the year 2027 forward. Questions remain regarding alterations in the structure of co-op, although John Fry has made it clear that retaining connections to employers is a priority.
What’s the deal with John Fry?
John Fry was our 14th President, entering the office in 2010. In July of 2024, it was formally announced to the student body that Fry would be leaving his Drexel office and taking on the position of President at Temple University in 2025.
Fry stands among the most consequential presidents in Drexel’s history. At the time of his arrival, the university was struggling financially and with enrollment. During his 14 years, the situation stabilized, and he oversaw major university initiatives. These included the renovations of Korman Quad and Kelly Hall, the demolition of Myers Hall, the arrival of the Arlen Specter U.S. Squash Center, the opening of Gerri C. Lebow Hall and development of American Campus Communities properties including The Summit and Chestnut Square. Further, his tenure saw mergers with the Academy of Natural Sciences and Salus University, and the Schuylkill Yards redevelopment initiative that he helped to mastermind is currently reshaping West Philadelphia on and off campus.
Who is interim president Dennis O’Brien?
In July of 2024, Dennis O’Brien, a Drexel Board of Trustees member and Drexel alumnus was announced as the Interim President of Drexel University after John Fry’s departure from the position was announced. He was formerly the CEO of PECO Energy and the Senior Vice President of Exelon. At this time, a university committee is actively searching for Fry’s successor, with O’Brien contributing to the effort. Drexel Trustee Mike Lawrie is serving as the chair of the committee.
What are those giant orbs scattered around Lancaster Walk?
In 2022, contemporary Polish-German artist Alicja Kwade’s piece titled Pars Pro Toto was introduced to Drexel’s Lancaster Walk. Scattered throughout the park, the artist intended the spherical structures to invoke questions of time and reality, while their installation was meant to invite interaction between those who reside near them. The sculptures were loaned to Drexel by the Forman Arts Initiative, a Philadelphia-based organization that prioritizes connections between artists. Drexel’s temporary ownership expires in approximately one year.
What is West Philly / University City / Powelton Village / UPenn? (brief rundown on surrounding neighborhoods)
The majority of the City of Philadelphia lies between the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. Over time, the city gradually expanded, eventually sprawling across the Schuylkill River. Generally speaking, anywhere in the city south and west of the Schuylkill is today considered West Philadelphia.
West Philly is home to many distinct neighborhoods. The newest of these is University City. Home to Drexel campus and the University of Pennsylvania, the name is a marketing effort that has attracted investment and talent to the area. Formerly the Black Bottom, a working-class Black neighborhood, urban redevelopment beginning in the 1950s turned over land to the universities for expansion.
University expansion has continued to this day. Under outgoing president John Fry, Drexel’s own campus has seen dramatic recent redevelopment as part of the Schuylkill Yards initiative, which is vying to become West Philly’s next neighborhood. Centered on William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, multiple towers of housing, offices and life science space have been built since its 2016 announcement, and more are planned.
North of Drexel’s campus lies Powelton Village, a once upper-middle-class neighborhood that was among the earliest developed in West Philly. While it has some small businesses, it is largely residential, with many of its large homes and tree-lined streets now home to students.
While Market Street and Drexel campus have their share of activity, Drexel is often overshadowed by its larger neighbor to the south. UPenn campus abuts the neighborhoods of Spruce Hill and Squirrel Hill. Between the large student body, dense housing and transit access, the area holds restaurants, bars, museums and venues within easy reach.
Venture east of the Schuylkill River for Center City, the modern center of Philadelphia. It is home to skyscrapers, food, drink, bars, museums, transportation and more. Center City is unique among many American downtowns for its high number of residents, many of them young: approximately 200,000 within its broad boundaries. Loosely including Rittenhouse Square, Chinatown, South Street, Old City, the Gayborhood and the Ben Franklin Parkway, there is no shortage of attractions.
Things to look out for during your time at Drexel.
This fall, expect to see a number of developments on campus. The opening of green space at the former site of Myers Hall on the Residential Quad is planned for fall term. The planned lawn will include native plantings, new and existing trees and approximately 40,000 square feet of open space.
This year, Resident Assistants at Drexel petitioned to form a union under OPEIU Local 153. Since successfully voting to unionize in April, the Drexel RA Union has been engaged with the university in collective bargaining for their first contract. Negotiations are ongoing.
Since the sudden closure of the University of the Arts in Center City, Drexel has made efforts to enroll many of its former students. This fall will be the first at Drexel for many of these UArts transfer students.
There is also likely to be an update from the Presidential Search Committee before the end of 2024.
In the city, be on the lookout for preparations for the 2026 United States Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence here in Philadelphia. That same year, Philly plans to host six matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the near term, city officials may reach a decision on the proposal for a Philadelphia 76ers arena in Center City near Chinatown. The plan has been a hot-button issue, with many critics warning of gentrification or preferring the team remain in the South Philadelphia Sport Complex.