Graduates bid Drexel farewell
Ashley Peskoe
Issue date: 6/27/08 Section: News
Drexel University held its 121st commencement in the John A. Daskalakis Athletic Center June 14 in four different ceremonies throughout the day, with a distinct speaker for each graduation session.
More than 4,600 students received degrees this year, according to Niki Gianakaris, a University spokeswoman.
"It's good to be out," Ryan Bednar, who received a degree in Digital Media, said.
However, some said the commencements felt crammed for space.
"They could have had it [commencement] somewhere that wasn't the gym. That way we could have more people," Sean Gardner, a senior receiving a Bachelor of Chemistry, said.
For those who could not attend the ceremonies, the commencements were also broadcasted on a live Webcast.
Carl Icahn, founder of Icahn & Co., kicked off first commencement of the day with the LeBow College of Business students at 8:30 a.m.
Following LeBow's commencement at noon, Rear Admiral Steven Galson, Acting U.S. Surgeon General since 2007, spoke to graduates of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the School of Public Health, and the Goodwin College of Professional Studies.
Then, at 4 p.m., the College of Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering and Science and Health Systems held their commencement with speaker and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.
Finally, in the last ceremony at 8 p.m., Lisa Scottoline, a New York Times bestselling author of 14 novels, spoke at the commencement for Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, College of Information Science and Technology, and College of Arts and Sciences.
All four speakers received honorary degrees from Drexel.
More than 4,600 students received degrees this year, according to Niki Gianakaris, a University spokeswoman.
"It's good to be out," Ryan Bednar, who received a degree in Digital Media, said.
However, some said the commencements felt crammed for space.
"They could have had it [commencement] somewhere that wasn't the gym. That way we could have more people," Sean Gardner, a senior receiving a Bachelor of Chemistry, said.
For those who could not attend the ceremonies, the commencements were also broadcasted on a live Webcast.
Carl Icahn, founder of Icahn & Co., kicked off first commencement of the day with the LeBow College of Business students at 8:30 a.m.
Following LeBow's commencement at noon, Rear Admiral Steven Galson, Acting U.S. Surgeon General since 2007, spoke to graduates of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the School of Public Health, and the Goodwin College of Professional Studies.
Then, at 4 p.m., the College of Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering and Science and Health Systems held their commencement with speaker and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.
Finally, in the last ceremony at 8 p.m., Lisa Scottoline, a New York Times bestselling author of 14 novels, spoke at the commencement for Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, College of Information Science and Technology, and College of Arts and Sciences.
All four speakers received honorary degrees from Drexel.
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