William Walsh Hagerty served as Drexel's president for 21 years, 1963-1984. It was during Hagerty's tenure that Drexel Institute of Technology became Drexel University .

Drexel's Library is named after William W. Hagerty. Hagerty Library opened in October 1983. The portrait, displayed below and painted by Martha Erlebacher, was commissioned to be displayed in the Library and was dedicated in 1984.

Mary E. Hagerty , wife of the late William Walsh Hagerty, received an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at Drexel's 1999 Commencement. She is pictured here during a recent library visit.