While not offering credited degrees on par with other colleges and universities until 1915, the Drexel Institute granted diplomas and certificates to 103 students in its first graduating class (1893).  By the time V.C. Castleman completed the library course in 1899 that number had increased to 230.  Castleman was one of 16 who received certificates from the Library School in 1899.

Handwritten on front: "The President's Office"

Back: "Pres. James MacAlister by his office table at the Drexel Inst."

In portions of Castleman's diary she provides some insight into the accessibility of Drexel's first president.  Photographs like this one, even with its distant composition, also indicate the MacAlister was open to student interaction.  

Front: "Among the daily sights of my alma mater, none interest me more than the art student(s)"

Back: "Art Department of the D.I."

Students pictured here are unidentified.  Among the distinguished students who attended classes in the Art Department at Drexel were Violet Oakley, Maxfield Parrish, Jesse Wilcox Smith, and Frank Schoonover.  Howard Pyle directed the School of Illustration from 1895 to 1900.

Back: "'MacGowan,' D.I. official"

Man seen here is likely Robert J. McGowan - listed as a janitor under the superintendent of buildings in the 1901 Drexel Institute Register.

Front: "Our usual work is cataloguing of books"

Back: "Miss Cattell's alcove, where the Standish collection is shelved."

Sarah W. Cattell is listed in the 1901 Drexel Institute Register as assistant librarian and instructor in the Library School