Drexel is fortunate to have many philanthropic alumni and friends who share the University’s commitment to our academic excellence. A walk across our campuses will reveal the extent of our donors’ support. For example, we have the Pearlstein Business Learning Center, named for former trustee Leonard Pearlstein; the Bossone Research Enterprise Center, named for Edmund D. Bossone ’53; the Daskalakis Athletic Center, named for John A. Daskalakis ’63; Ross Commons, named for Trustee George M. Ross ’55, Hon. ’99 and his wife, Lyn; and the Paul Peck Alumni Center, named for Paul Peck ’64; and Behrakis Grand Hall, named for Drexel friend George D. Behrakis.

There are also many named and chair professorships, such as the Nyheim Endowed Chair of Engineering, established by Trustee John Nyheim, and the Stratakis Endowed Chair in Corporate Governance and Accountability, established by Christopher Stratakis ’51 and his wife, Mary. The Steinbright Career Development Center is named for Harold D. Steinbright ’19; the Laurence A. Baiada Center for Entrepreneurship in Technology, is named for the father of Trustee Mel C. Baiada ’82, ’85; the George and Lois Krall Center for Corporate and Executive Education, is named for Trustee George Krall ’58 and his wife; and the Greenawalt Student Development Center is named for Trustee Richard A. Greenawalt ’66, his wife Peggy and family. Benefactors have made contributions to scholarships and to our co-op program like the Vidalakis Family Cretan Scholars Program, created with a $1 million gift from the Vidalakis Family Foundation. Our donors also recognize the importance of athletic facilities. These include Vidas and Buckley Fields and Buckley Green, named for Vincent Vidas ’59, ’64, and his wife Judy ‘56, and Trustee Robert Buckley ’58, respectively.

Alumni have also made leadership gifts for entire colleges. Bennett S. LeBow ’60 first endowed the LeBow Engineering Center. For his continued philanthropic support, Drexel’s Board of Trustees voted to name the College of Business in his honor. Richard C. Goodwin ’48, Hon. ’04 and Trustee and former Drexel Chairman C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni ’63, ’66, Hon. ’92 and his wife, Annette, provided support for Goodwin College of Professional Studies and Pennoni Honors College, respectively.

The most recent of such gifts, the largest single contribution by an individual, was made by Ray Westphal ’59, Hon. ’02 in memory of his wife, Antoinette Westphal ’59, Hon. ’02. The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design is a fitting tribute to her, as she loved Drexel and was an ardent supporter of the College’s programs and activities. Mr. Westphal’s gift not only continues his wife’s legacy as a devoted Drexel alumna, it ensures Drexel’s place as a leader in media arts and design for many years to come.

On behalf of the entire University, I thank Mr. Westphal and all of Drexel’s loyal supporters for their generosity and commitment to our University.

C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni Interim President