In March we celebrate Women’s History Month with events that highlight the achievements and contributions of women worldwide. This observance is appropriate because, since its founding, the University has educated women to make a difference in a variety of fields.

Today, through special academic and extracurricular programs, Drexel continues its commitment to women’s education. For example, the College of Medicine’s Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership (IWHL), directed by Lynn Yeakel, is a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health. The IWHL addresses issues of importance to women and promotes medical education and research. The Women’s Health Education Program in the IWHL works to improve the health care of all women by teaching medical students, post-graduate physician trainees and other caregivers how to maintain women’s health through disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The IWHL’s Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Program for Women prepares senior female medical and dental faculty for institutional leadership positions.

Drexel offers opportunities for its women students outside of the classroom as well. Through organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers, students can explore their chosen fields and meet classmates who share similar interests. Drexel has also been recognized by U.S.News & World Report as the nation’s leader in athletic gender equity.

Our commitment to women extends beyond campus boundaries, to the community at large. The University is part of the Campus Community Consortium, which last fall received a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to combat violent crimes against women on campuses. And Drexel’s Stop Smoking Program for Women is the only smoking cessation program specifically for women funded by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The University is proud of its tradition of preparing successful women leaders. I encourage all members of the Drexel community to participate in our Women’s History Month programs as we celebrate the accomplishments of women all over the world and the success of our distinguished alumnae.

C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni Interim President