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Presidential Speeches

  • 2022

    • Convocation Address 2022

      September 21, 2022
      Describing anti-racism and academic freedom as core tenets that are indivisible and indispensable, President Fry calls on the University community to “re-imagine an anti-racist Drexel where mutual respect reigns and academic freedom rings.”

  • 2021

    • Veterans Day Tribute

      November 12, 2021

    • 2021 Convocation

      October 06, 2021

    • Grand Opening of the Arlen Specter US Squash

      October 02, 2021

    • 9/11 Ceremony of Remembrance - 20th Anniversary

      September 11, 2021
      In a memorial on the Drexel Korman Quadrangle, President Fry remembered two Drexel graduates who died in the terror attacks and noted the message of hope that arose in the aftermath the tragedy 20 years ago.

    • Urban Land Institute Keynote

      July 20, 2021
      At the annual sponsors’ ULI breakfast and panel discussion, President Fry thanked the organization for honoring the new Powel Elementary/Science Leadership Academy Middle School is a project and reflected on Drexel’s civic engagement efforts in University City.

    • American Jewish Committee Keynote

      June 23, 2021
      For the annual meeting of the American Jewish Committee to install new officers and members of the AJC Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey board of directors, followed by the presentation of the AJC Human Relations Award to Joseph Zuritsky, President Fry honored Mr. Zuritsky and spoke on the future of University City and Philadelphia.

    • 2021 Commencement

      June 11, 2021
      At Drexel’s return to an in-person Commencement following the pandemic, President Fry paid tribute to those whose lives were cut short, honored the heroism of health care and frontline workers, and urged graduates to dedicate themselves to facing the modern challenges of climate change, racial injustice, economic inequality, and preserving a democratic society.

    • Pittman Graduation Ceremony

      May 26, 2021
      At the virtual graduation ceremony for students from the African diaspora, President Fry paid tribute to the first African American male graduate of the Drexel Institute of Technology as a role model for present-day Drexel students.

    • Woman One Award Event Honoring Jeri Lynne Johnson

      April 26, 2021
      For the virtual event at which the Drexel Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership presented its annual leadership award, President Fry celebrated the work of honoree Jeri Lynne Johnson and the resilience of the Woman One initiative.

  • 2020

    • 2020 Convocation

      September 30, 2020
      President Fry pledges fully embrace the mission Drexel founder to create a university open to all and uniquely suited to the needs of a rapidly growing and changing society.

    • 2020 Commencement

      June 11, 2020
      At the first-ever virtual Commencement, President Fry praises graduates for their resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic and urges them to fight ‘the virus of institutionalized racism’ that infects American society.

  • 2019

  • 2018

  • 2017

    • Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank Policy Forum

      December 01, 2017
      President John Fry discusses how inclusion and economic growth go hand in hand and are a central focus at Drexel.

    • University City District Celebrates 20th Anniversary

      November 09, 2017
      President John Fry recounts the early days of the University City District and how it has laid the foundation for even bigger changes to come to West Philadelphia

    • Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

      October 17, 2017
      President John Fry details how Philadelphia has upped its game to make the city more business friendly; compete in the innovation economy and why the region is a perfect fit for Amazon to locate its second headquarters.

    • 2017 Convocation Remarks by President John Fry

      September 20, 2017

    • 2017 Commencement

      June 13, 2017
      President John Fry urges the graduating class of 2017 to use their talents to engage with the world and, in the best Drexel tradition, to be agents of positive change.

    • Navy Yard Executives' Annual Meeting

      April 13, 2017
      President John Fry discusses the success of the Navy Yard development and the inspiration it provides other business initiatives to make Philadelphia a top-tier metro area.

  • 2016

    • 125th Anniversary Commemorative Event

      December 07, 2016
      President John Fry traces the legacy, and profound and enduring influence of founder Anthony J. Drexel on Drexel University.

    • Drexel at 125 and 150

      December 01, 2016
      President John Fry discusses what he sees as the defining features of Drexel University today, and the exciting possibilities for the institution as it evolves over the coming generation.

    • 2016 Convocation with Michael M. Crow

      September 16, 2016
      Convocation address welcoming Michael M. Crow as guest speaker

    • 2016 Commencement

      June 11, 2016
      During Drexel University’s 125th year, President John Fry addresses 6,000 graduates at Citizens Bank Park during the first university-wide commencement in two decades.

    • 2016 Nirma University Convocation, Ahmedabad, India

      April 18, 2016
      Guest convocation address celebrating the shared strengths and friendship between Drexel and Nirma University in Ahmedabad, India.

    • Schuylkill Yards Announcement

      March 02, 2016
      Presenting the plans for Schuylkill Yards, a major new mixed-use, multi-year development agreement between Drexel and Brandywine Realty Trust that will transform West Philadelphia.

  • 2015

  • 2014

  • 2013

  • 2012

  • 2011

  • 2010

    • Drexel Convocation

      October 05, 2010
      A commitment to civic engagement and neighborhood strengthening as University priorities, laid out in President Fry’s first address to the Drexel community