The Office of Campus Activities advances the mission of Drexel University and the Division of Student Life by providing students an enriched collegiate experience through meaningful opportunities to learn and develop leadership, interpersonal, programming, and organizational skills so that they may connect and contribute to the University community.

The OCA staff will serve as student-focused advocates, advisors, educators, and administrators while working collaboratively to support programs that meet the needs and interests of students.

Staff

John Cooke, Interim Assistant Dean for Campus Engagement
John started his career at Drexel University in the Fall of 2003 where he served as an Assistant Director of Residential Living/Resident Director of Myers Hall. In that capacity, he helped establish Learning Communities in the Residence Halls and helped students find their voice on campus. As Director of Campus Activities, he continues to advocate for students by working with student organizations and their recognition, negotiating contracts, spearheading Welcome Back Week, and providing initiatives and vision for the Office of Campus Activities.

John received his B.S in Elementary Education from Millersville University (PA) in 1996 and was a junior high school teacher and athletic coach for five years in Philadelphia before going into higher education. He received his M.A. in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University in 2003.

Ari Seth Hauben, Associate Director

Ari Hauben has worked at Drexel over the past 8 years, overseeing a wide variety areas including: student organization advising; Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee (SAFAC); Alternative Spring Break (ASB); Orientation Leaders (OL’s) and Leadership Assistants (LA’s); and the Creating Excellent Organizations (CEO) leadership development series.

As Associate Director of Campus Activities, Ari currently works mostly with directing the Office of Campus Activities' leadership development and community service initiatives for both student organizations and the entire campus. Ari truly enjoys interacting with, advocating for, and serving our student leaders and organizations, and all students are welcome to visit or contact Ari for assistance with a variety of areas related to your organization.

Ari received his B.A. in International Relations (1993) and M.Ed. in College Counseling and Higher Education Administration (1996) from the University of Delaware.

Jessica Grace, Assistant Director for Commuter and Off-Campus Student Programs and Services
Jessica, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, came to Drexel University in the Fall of 2004 as Assistant Director for Commuter and Off Campus Student Programs and Services. She earned her B.A. in History from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and completed her Masters work in 2004 in Administration in Higher Education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

At Drexel, Jessica has been involved in developing and implementing programs and services for Commuter and Transfer Students, while supervising an amazing staff of Commuter Assistants. In addition, Jessica works diligently to advocate for both undergraduate and graduate students, and advises the Drexel Commuter Organization.

Rebecca A. Dzara , Assistant Director for Campus Programming
Rebecca, a native of the Philadelphia area, came to Drexel in the Fall of 2006. She earned her B.S. in Social Studies Education from Millersville University in 2003 and her M.A. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2006. Previously, Rebecca worked in graduate roles related to campus activities, Greek affairs, orientation, and parent services.

At Drexel, Rebecca works primarily with the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and serves as the point person for student leaders and organizations concerning event planning.

Joe Gonzalez, Budget Coordinator and SAFAC Advisor

Walter Parrish, Coordinator for Leadership and Community Development

Walter, a native of Philadelphia, joined the Drexel community in the Winter of 2007, and he has participated in previous work and training related to leadership, residence life, and diversity. Walter earned his B.A. in Psychology from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and looks forward to completing his M.S. in Higher Education Administration here at Drexel.

At Drexel, Walter primarily manages Creating Excellent Organizations (CEO) Leadership Development Series, Late Night & Weekend Programming, Alternative Spring Break, Space Allocation and Greenawalt Student Development Center initiatives, Star Recognition Awards, and Community Service.

Kia J. Perkins, Administrative Assistant
Kia J. Perkins is the Administrative Assistant for the Office of Campus Activities and Fraternity & Sorority Life at Drexel University. She started at Drexel in May of 2004 with the College of Medicine, Medical Science Programs. Prior to this, she was employed with Friendship House, a non-profit foster care agency. She has done administrative work for the past 12 years and is excited to be a part of the Student Life suite.

She brings her love for people and effervescent personality to our office. She looks forward to an awesome season for the Eagles and becoming acquainted with each of you.