History of Drexel University facts for kids
The history of Drexel University began in 1891. It was founded by Anthony J. Drexel in Philadelphia. The main building was officially opened on December 17, 1891.
The first president was James A. MacAlister (1891-1913). During his time, the institute taught many subjects. These included art, mechanical skills, home economics, and business. It also offered training for teachers and librarians. From 1895 to 1898, a famous painter, Colin Campbell Cooper, taught art classes. Drexel did not give out degrees at first. But it started giving Bachelor of Science degrees in 1914.
In 1936, the school changed its name to Drexel Institute of Technology. Later, in 1970, it became Drexel University. During the time of presidents W. W. Hagerty and James Creese, Drexel grew a lot. They built new classrooms and dorms every year. President Hagerty helped change the school from a technical college into a full university.
After President Hagerty left, fewer students joined. The university also faced money problems. There was even talk of it joining the nearby University of Pennsylvania. But in 1997, a new president, Constantine Papadakis, started a big expansion. He helped the university grow its student numbers and get more money from former students.
In 2009, President Papadakis passed away. Celestino Pennoni became interim president. Then, in August 2010, John Fry became the new president. In 2011, Drexel joined with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
How Drexel University Began
The 1800s
Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry opened in 1891. It was started by Anthony J. Drexel. The main building was dedicated on December 17 of that year. Many important people attended the opening. These included Andrew Carnegie and Thomas Edison. The governor of Pennsylvania and the Vice President of the United States, Levi Morton, were also there.
The first president was James A. MacAlister. He was born in Scotland in 1840. He moved to the U.S. in 1850. During his time (1891–1913), the institute taught many different subjects. These included art, mechanics, home skills, and business. They also trained teachers and librarians. President MacAlister also wanted to share knowledge with everyone. He allowed the public to attend lectures and use the library. He also offered evening classes for people who worked during the day.
From 1895 to 1898, a well-known American painter, Colin Campbell Cooper, taught art classes. In 1905, the art department closed, except for architecture. Around this time, the main building grew bigger. The school also had more graduates. It went from 70 graduates in 1891 to 500 in 1913.
The 1900s
Drexel did not give out degrees when it first opened. But in 1914, it started giving Bachelor of Science degrees. In 1919, Drexel began its cooperative education program. This program lets students work full-time in jobs related to their studies. They switch between studying in class and working. In 1927, Drexel was allowed to give Master of Science degrees.
In 1936, the school changed its name. It became the Drexel Institute of Technology.
During the time of presidents W. W. Hagerty and James Creese, Drexel grew quickly. They built new classroom buildings and dorms every year. President Hagerty helped change Drexel. It went from a college focused on teaching to a full university in 1970. Also in 1970, Drexel Institute of Technology became Drexel University.
In 1983, Drexel was the first U.S. university to require all students to have computers. This was for their schoolwork.
After President Hagerty left, fewer students enrolled. The university also had money problems. There was even talk of it joining the nearby University of Pennsylvania. But then Constantine Papadakis became president.
In 1997, President Constantine Papadakis started a big expansion. He wanted to make the university larger. He also wanted to increase the number of students and get more money from former students. Since 1997, Drexel has built new dorms. It also expanded its research areas. Many campus buildings were updated. Drexel also gained the Queen Lane campus and Hahnemann University Hospital. President Papadakis also started a School of Law. He also got millions of dollars in donations from former students.
The 2000s
New plans for building projects were announced in 2006. These plans would make big changes to the campus. They were expected to cost around $350 million.
Some of the planned changes included:
- Adding a new center for medical research.
- Building a new skyscraper.
- Replacing old buildings with new ones, like the Papadakis Integrated Science Building.
- Building a new residence hall called Millennium Hall.
- Adding a new recreation center.
- Expanding the dining center at Kelly Hall.
In 2000, Drexel became the first university to have a fully wireless campus. This meant students could connect to the internet from almost anywhere on campus. In 2006, Drexel opened a new law school.
In April 2009, Celestino Pennoni became the temporary president. This was because President Papadakis was on medical leave. President Papadakis passed away on April 5, 2009. In August 2010, John Fry became the new president.
In 2011, Drexel joined with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. It was renamed the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
