It is appropriate that Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, should play host to the first Republican National Convention of the 21st century. Our city was the site of the Declaration of Independence signing in 1776 and the first Continental Congress in 1787. Philadelphia hosted the first Republican National Convention in 1856 and the first televised national conventions for both the Democratic Party and the GOP in 1948.

Philadelphia has achieved many "firsts"—and there are many more to come. While it is one of America’s oldest major cities, today it is enjoying one of the most dynamic periods in its history. Our tourism industry is booming, new businesses are taking root, and downtown is changing daily with new construction and the revitalization of existing landmarks.

Drexel was proud to facilitate training sessions for Philadelphia 2000 volunteers, as well as host on our campus delegates from California and West Virginia and members of the College Republican National Committee and the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee. We also hosted receptions for Comedy Central and Youth in Action in the Great Court and Main Auditorium, and our student and alumni volunteers welcomed visitors as they arrived at Amtrak`s 30th Street Station.

This convention, the first to be fully Webcast to millions of people around the globe, was an opportunity for Philadelphia and the University to express its civic pride. Drexel’s future has been strongly connected to the city since the University’s founding in 1891. Philadelphia is literally a "living laboratory" for our students, and Drexel is committed to an active role in its future. Many thanks to our student and alumni volunteers, our University staff, and in particular the Office of Government and Community Relations, under the leadership of vice president Joseph Cascerceri, for helping to make the 2000 Republican National Convention an unforgettable event.

C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni Interim President