News and Events

Alumni join in the discussion at the Opening Reception

January brought football to the Libraries for two Dragons on the Gridiron events on Wednesday, January 18th and Saturday, January 28th. This exhibition, tracing the history of football at Drexel University, was unveiled at 4 p.m. at the Opening Reception on January 18th to an audience of students, staff, and football alumni. Materials and memorabilia from the University Archives were used in the exhibit.

The opening reception featured a dynamic conversation about the evolving role and increased emphasis of athletics in higher education, and current Drexel director of athletics, Dr. Eric Zilmer, helped to add an insider perspective to the discussion.

In total, thirty-six people attended the opening event, including alumni from the class of 1955, the year of Drexel football's historic undefeated season. Conversations ranged from the changing campus ("campus was a single building when we were here") to the change in the student population (“Drexel was really a commuting school while I attended").

On Saturday, January 28th, over twenty-five guests attended another Dragons on the Gridiron event, for Homecoming Weekend. Football fans, football alumni and friends gathered to reminisce about the program and celebrate Drexel. Guests watched game films from the football program, viewed the exhibit and went on a tour of the University Archives.

The exhibit, on display through early April, showcases the duration of the football program from its beginning in 1919 to its end in 1973. It includes programs, photographs, notes and letters, rosters, and football jerseys, a cheerleading jacket and shoes on loan from alumni.

Individuals interested in contributing materials that chronicle Drexel's history are invited to contact University Archivist, Rob Sieczkiewicz.

For images from the events, and a sneak peak of the exhibit, click here.