by Katelyn Wolfrom

Attention, students of Art, Japanese Studies and World History! Drexel's Japanese art book collection now ready for viewing in the Drexel University Archives!

Early in the previous century, the Drexel Institute received the generous gift of a collection of handmade Japanese art books, number over one hundred in total. These books are written entirely in Japanese and feature many full-page illustrations, along with sketches and diagrams of traditional Japanese costuming, ranging from ceremonial garb to battle armor and everyday wear. The focus of these texts appears to be a study of the history of Japanese art, beginning around 300 A.D. and ending with the introduction of Western influence.

These books have just been processed by the Drexel Archives and are now available to be viewed by interested researchers. Interested persons wishing to view the books should contact archivist Rob Sieczkiewicz at 215-895-1757, or via e-mail at archives@drexel.edu.

Posted by Rob Sieczkiewicz at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

by Katelyn Wolfrom

On April 19, 2008, the Drexel University men’s crew team came in 1st place at the 51st annual Kerr Cup, a regatta with special ties to Drexel, as it is named in honor of the founder of the university’s crew team, Dr. Thomas Kerr. To commemorate his efforts and the fiftieth anniversary of the team he founded, the Drexel University archives takes a look back at Dr. Thomas Kerr.

Though it is considered one of the “classic” collegiate sports, Drexel University did not have an intercollegiate crew team until 1958, when it came into existence under the guidance of Drexel athletic physician Dr. Thomas Kerr. Dr. Kerr’s history proves a great passion for the sport, having rowed for his alma mater, Syracuse University, where he found a highly regarded mentor in Hall of Fame coach Jim Ten Eyck. After graduating, Kerr was an active member of the Penn AC rowing team in the thirties, and part of a national-championship winning 8-man team with this club.

Prior to coming to Drexel, Dr. Kerr coached freshmen crew for three years at Syracuse, and also spent a year coaching at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1967, his efforts were honored with the creation of the Dr. Thomas Kerr Regatta, which is held each year on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. In more recent years, this has been extended to include the Lela H. Kerr Cup, a competition for female crew teams.

Posted by Rob Sieczkiewicz at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

by Katelyn Wolfrom

Despite a predominant focus on science and industry, Drexel has long had a vibrant writer’s community. To celebrate Drexel's Week of Writing, the Drexel University Archives takes a look at the history of Maya, Drexel’s long-running literary magazine.

Maya, which launched in the spring of 1967, served as a replacement for Drexel’s previous creative writing magazine, the Gargoyle. It expanded the types of creative writing accepted for publication in the interest of serving a wider variety of talents, including essays and even written music. Maya also served as the first Drexel vehicle with a real interest in allowing students to publish artwork.

In an opening essay perhaps somewhat indicative of its late-60’s inception, Maya’s editorial staff tried to explain it in these words: “The…lesson in Maya is to enjoy what you like in Maya; after all, it is for you, created for you, to do with as you like, whether for amusement or serious study. Remember, Maya is essentially a part of and an envelopment of you, me, and Dhayana (meditation).”

Maya continues to be a creative outlet for Drexel’s students, and its longevity probably has much to do with the freedom of all on both sides of the pages to do with Maya “as they like.”

Posted by Rob Sieczkiewicz at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)