Student Success Stories

Ari Winkleman

On behalf of Drexel University, thank you for your past giving. I also am personally grateful to you because your donations helped make my Drexel education possible. I’m a five-year co-op student at the Bennett S. LeBow College of Business, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship.

Why did I choose Drexel? When I was in middle school in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, I launched my own DJ business. I worked at all kinds of parties and events—birthdays, bar mitzvahs, graduations, you name it. By the middle of high school, I had a staff of 12. My parents said I was an entrepreneur, but back then, I didn’t know what that meant. I just knew I liked music and making money. So when I started looking for colleges, I looked into schools with highly ranked entrepreneurship programs. I decided on Drexel, and I’m glad I did.  

I think I would have gone crazy at a traditional school because I like to learn, but I also like to apply my knowledge. The co-op program makes it possible.  I have had opportunities at Drexel that wouldn’t have been possible at other schools.

As a member of the Drexel Traditions Program, I have been able to do some incredible things. We plan major events that get students excited about Drexel. For example, by leveraging all the resources at the University, we raised $50,000, and with the support of alumni, we drew thousands of students to Homecoming.   President Papadakis, who was a master entrepreneur himself, was so impressed by our strategic plan that he made a contribution to our efforts. That experience helped us as students see the importance of giving back to the University.

As Drexel begins a new fiscal year, I hope you’ll consider renewing your support with a gift or pledge. Your donations help students like me live our dreams. Tuition does not cover the entire cost of matriculation, and I would not have been able to continue my studies here without annual scholarships. I’m living proof that your dollars really do make a difference.

The earlier in the fiscal year you donate, the sooner your dollars will go to work. Click here to make a  donation online or call the Annual Fund office at 215.895.2612.  I plan to be a Drexel donor someday. I hope you’ll choose to be one today. Thank you!

Ari Winkleman
Bennett S. LeBow College of Business, ’12