Leadership is the single most important element in meeting a challenge. And even as our nation enters its most challenging economic period in decades, Drexel can look to an outstanding new example of leadership: a trustee who has made the largest individual private donation in the University’s history, $25 million for a design center for the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. The donor has also challenged Drexel to raise an additional $30 million for the center.

This remarkable gift helped Drexel purchase and renovate two buildings, including one designed by Phil­a­delphia architecture icon Robert Venturi, and extend the footprint of our campus across 35th Street. Our donor’s leadership and generosity reinforce several University priorities: supporting the diverse and exciting creative activities at Westphal College, transforming our University City Main Campus to best serve Drexel’s future and highlighting the work of signature architects.

Announcing a landmark gift in what is widely perceived as a difficult fundraising environment sends an important signal about Drexel: Thanks to sound financial management, our increased comprehensiveness and our overall excellence, the University’s forward momentum continues. That message is echoed by our achievements, with our new Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento open and succeeding, and four buildings under construction here in Philadelphia in 2009.

Each stakeholder in our University—students, faculty and staff, alumni, trustees, friends and funders and more—has the opportunity to make a statement through his or her actions about how we expect and build greatness at Drexel. Our trustee and donor, although preferring to remain anonymous, has spoken loudly and clearly.

C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni Interim President