During a recent community dinner at the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships on Nov. 12, Drexel University’s Sanitation Health Aid Relief Project had the chance to raise awareness about a critical environmental health issue: lead contamination in drinking water. The event brought together residents of West Philadelphia, and SHARP worked to provide them with the necessary resources to address the risks of lead exposure.

A distinct feature of the community dinner was the number of resources being offered to residents; there were tables providing services and information on several important topics. 

Brooke Law, a senior data science major and SHARP’s Event Coordinator shed light on her experience tabling: “It was cool to see how many people attended. As it turned out, a lot of community members were aware of lead in the water, so the conversations centered around how long they had lived in the community and their desire to address the issue.” 

SHARP’s table was more than an educational space — it was an interactive one.

Because so many residents had previous knowledge of the risks of lead contamination in their water, SHARP focused on providing them with the concrete resources to make a change, “like the number to call the Philly water department to get your water tested for lead,” stated Law. 

The organization also gave out Brita water filters for residents who need them to reduce the amount of contaminants in their drinking water. This hands-on approach allowed them to take first-hand control of their health and well-being.

SHARP’s efforts were funded by the Anti-Racist Civic Engagement Mini-Grant from the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement, which enabled them to expand their outreach with educational materials. The organization also partnered with Toxic Free Philly, a local group dedicated to reducing environmental toxins in Philadelphia communities, ensuring that SHARP’s resources were targeted toward the specific needs of West Philadelphia residents.

Before the event, SHARP conducted research to ensure that the issue of lead contamination was a relevant concern for West Philadelphia residents. Many houses in the area are older, which increases the likelihood of lead pipes still being in use. This knowledge helped guide the tabling materials, which included concise flyers and magnets designed to convey essential information without overwhelming residents with text. The use of larger fonts was also a deliberate decision to make the materials more accessible to a broader audience. 

According to their grant proposal, SHARP’s aims were to “communicate the risks of lead in water, symptoms of lead exposure and resources for further assistance if lead is suspected to be in drinking water.”

For Law, the motivation to participate in the event stemmed from a deep-seated belief in the importance of sanitation and access to clean water. 

“That’s what drove my participation,” she shared. “I never like to pass up an opportunity to engage with the community.”

The tabling event was a success not just because of the information shared but because it allowed residents to feel supported and connected. SHARP members are hopeful that future events will continue to expand on this model, reaching even more residents who may not yet be aware of the risks of lead contamination. The group plans to host additional tabling events to continue educating, providing resources and empowering community members to take charge of their health.

SHARP has made a tangible impact on the West Philadelphia community by offering both knowledge and the tools necessary to take action. Students who want to attend future events can stay connected through their Instagram account, @drexel.sharp, and through the Dornsife Center @dornsifecenter. 

Election day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, is near. For the first time, Drexel University has given students a day off to allow time to votes. This guide provides key information to help you feel prepared and informed when you go to the polls.

Key dates to know:

Mail-in ballots: If you requested a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania, it must be returned and received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. You can return your ballot by mail or visit a drop-off location, which is listed at vote.phila.gov/ballot-drop-off.

In-person voting: Vote in-person at a polling place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you can vote.

How and where to vote:

On-campus voting: Students living in Drexel’s residence halls can vote in person at the Drexel Recreation Center. 

If you live elsewhere, you can find your polling place at vote.phila.gov. 

If this is your first time at your polling place, you must bring a form of ID. Valid forms of ID include a voter registration card, driver’s license, passport or your DragonCard.

A guide to the candidates: 

U.S. President

Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, is the current vice president of the United States. She’s previously served as a U.S. senator and as California’s attorney general. She aims to restore abortion rights, lower taxes for the middle class and address climate change with legislation. She also supports the Equality Act and wants to revive the border security bill.

Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, is the first prior U.S. president to be convicted of felony crimes. He hopes to carry out strict immigration policies, lower taxes for corporations and raise foreign goods tariffs. He has taken credit for the national right to an abortion being overturned by the Supreme Court in June 2022.

Chase Oliver, representing the Libertarian Party, is an activist from Atlanta. He believes “no government should regulate personal activities” or ” impose harsh penalties.”

Jill Stein, representing the Green Party, is a physician from Chicago whose goals are to guarantee free childcare, ban fracking, and close the country’s military bases abroad.

U.S. Senate

Bob Casey, representing the Democratic Party, is a three-term Senate incumbent whose campaign is for the working people. He supports raising the corporate tax rate. He is against a ban on fracking but advocates for a tax credit for clean energy manufacturing jobs. He hopes to extend Medicare programs, support programs for injured veterans and people with disabilities and favors the Women’s Health Protection Act.

Dave McCormick, representing the Republican Party, is a former hedge fund CEO. He is an advocate of fracking, supporting all forms of energy. He wants to reinstate Trump-era immigration policies, ban social media use for kids under the age of 16 and support an abortion ban except in situations including rape and incest. He believes states should determine abortion laws.

John C. Thomas, representing the Libertarian Party, is an educator who believes in smaller government and wants to stand up for citizens tired of inflation and the government spending money on wars abroad.

Leila Hazou, representing the Green Party, is a Palestinian small-business owner who wants to defend human rights in Pennsylvania and internationally, supporting environmental protection and a permanent cease-fire in Gaza.

Marty Selker, representing the Constitution Party, is a truck driver who is against abortion and believes the country needs to embrace more Christian, western values.

Attorney General

Eugene Depasquale, representing the Democratic Party, has served two terms as the Pennsylvania auditor general and says he uncovered $2 billion in waste, fraud and abuse in the role. He hopes to defend workers, go after scammers and support universal background checks for guns.

Dave Sunday, representing the Republican Party, has been the district attorney for York County since 2018 and speaks of his reduction in homicides and expansion of the Drug Task Force to address drug trade.

Robert Cowburn, representing the Libertarian Party, is a lawyer who wants to protect citizens from state and federal overreach.

Richard Weiss, representing the Green Party, is a lawyer who supports Medicare for all and a cease-fire in Gaza.

Justin Magill, representing the Constitution Party, is an attorney who believes the point of government “is to secure our God-given Individual Rights.”

Eric Settle, representing the Forward Party, is a lawyer who led the effort to pass Act 62, which requires insurance companies to cover services for children with autism. 

Auditor General

Malcolm Kenyatta, representing the Democratic Party, is the first openly gay Black man to serve on the General Assembly. He wants to create a school audit bureau and a Bureau of Labor and Worker Protections, and he believes his upbringing in North Philadelphia helped him understand how the government works for people who depend on it.

Tim Defoor, representing the Republican Party, is the current auditor general. Previously, he was the elected controller of Dauphin County, where he led audits and fraud investigations for the state inspector general, the attorney general, and a central hospital system. He has also promoted financial literacy in K-12 schools.

Reece Smith, representing the Libertarian Party, works in financial services and wants to audit the offices of state legislature leaders.

Eric Anton, representing the American Solidarity Party, believes the government should be “informed by the Christian tradition.”

Bob Goodrich, representing the Constitution Party, believes in “demonstrating character, competence, and commitment.”

State Treasurer

Erin Mcclelland, representing the Democratic Party, was trained under former Treasury Secretary Paul H. O’Neill O’Neill and was a consultant for a White House initiative. She pledges not to invest worker pensions in foreign holdings.

Stacy Garrity, representing the Republican Party, is a retired Army Reserve colonel and Pennsylvania’s Treasurer. She has cut waste, reduced fees as Treasurer and improved the state’s unclaimed property system.

Nickolas Ciesielski, representing the Libertarian Party, founded the party’s Bitcoin Caucus and believes Bitcoin can solve many political issues.

Troy Bowman, representing the Constitution Party, is the party’s treasurer.

Chris Foster, representing the Forward Party, is an entrepreneur who believes in fiscal responsibility.

U.S. House 3rd District

Dwight Evans, representing the Democratic Party, is running unopposed for his fifth term representing the 3rd District. He sits on the Ways and Means Committee, is responsible for raising the country’s revenue, and is an ally of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.

Pa. House 10th District

Amen Brown, representing the Democratic Party, is running unopposed for his third term, representing parts of West Philadelphia. He was born and raised in his District and believes the state should spend its money to send students from high-poverty districts to private schools.

Pa. Senate 7th District

Vincent Hughes, representing the Democratic Party, has represented Philadelphia in the state Senate since 1994. He is the minority chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which determines government spending across Pennsylvania.

Resources and support:If you need help at the polls, you can always call the Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE. Any other voting information can be found at philadelphiavotes.com.

Just a month into his new role, the recently appointed Dean of Drexel’s Pennoni Honors College, Dr. Neville Vakharia, is embracing the vibrant energy that defines the school. “It’s been great. Amazing people, amazing students. I’m just having a blast,” he said. 

Vakharia succeeds Dr. Paula Marantz Cohen, who stepped down after over a decade of leadership that enriched both student life and academics at Pennoni and Drexel as a whole. Though he acknowledges that he has “a lot to learn,” Vakharia is excited to build on that foundation, diving into his new responsibilities and setting the stage for the college’s future.

A “triple Dragon” with a PhD in information science, an MS in arts administration and a B.S. in materials engineering, the Dean brings a uniquely diverse background to his role. Originally trained as an engineer, he has transitioned into a career that includes nonprofit work and the arts. “I think I’ve always been sort of an interdisciplinary person,” he shared. “I was able to practice as an engineer, but I also realized that everything we study — whether it’s engineering or design or arts — teaches you a way of thinking.” This broad perspective has guided him throughout his career, allowing him to translate his skills across fields. “Interdisciplinary is a way of thinking that gets you where you want to go,” he said.

Despite leaving traditional engineering, Vakharia emphasizes how much of that training informs his current work. “Studying engineering at Drexel really taught me about problem-solving, project management, and ways to come at a problem based on evidence and fact, but also accounts for the people involved,” he explained. “As an engineer, you’re constantly thinking, ‘How can I improve something? How can I solve a problem or address a need?’ That mindset is so important to everything I do, even now.”

Vakharia’s interdisciplinary background shapes his vision to encourage Drexel students — particularly those in STEM fields — to engage more with the arts and other fields outside their majors. “We always have to look beyond the boundaries of our discipline,” he urged. “If we explore other fields and disciplines, it can help us in turn with our own.” He prompts students to take classes outside their major, engage with diverse faculty and avoid limiting themselves to one track. “Drexel is a large university with such a diverse population and courses. There’s something for everyone here,” he added.

The dean is particularly focused on raising awareness about all that the Honors College offers. “I was surprised how few people actually know the depth of what Pennoni does,” he remarked. Describing the Honors College as “the intellectual and social hub of the university,” he outlined his plans to foster “broad thinking, civil discourse, interdisciplinary innovation, and student learning.”

In the coming years, increasing engagement across the university will be a key focus. “We want to be more proactive in engaging the entire campus community in various intellectual and social endeavors,” he said. Part of this approach involves meeting with internal and external stakeholders, aligning Pennoni’s goals with Drexel’s greater needs and developing a strategic plan to drive the college forward.

For students interested in joining the Honors College or simply making the most of their Drexel experience, Vakharia encourages a mindset of curiosity and exploration. “We’re looking for students who want to get the most out of their time at Drexel, who are intellectually curious, whose interests span multiple disciplines, and who want to have fun,” he said, adding that Pennoni holds a variety of events ranging from panel discussions to activities like trivia and pumpkin carving.

Beyond social and academic engagement, the Honors College also places a strong emphasis on civic and social impact. “Social impact and civic engagement are very important pillars of Pennoni,” Vakharia explained. “All students engaged in Pennoni — whether as Honors students or through other academic programs — are getting enhanced learning in civic engagement. We even have a new Honors with Distinction program that allows students to get civically engaged, whether it’s here in West Philadelphia or in their home countries.”

Reflecting on his time as both a Drexel student and now as an administrator, Vakharia strongly believes this is a stirring moment for the university. “I’ve seen multiple decades of Drexel in my studies, and I think this is the most exciting time in the university’s history,” he said. “We’re undergoing a major academic transformation that’s going to enhance the student experience.”

His advice to current students is simple: “Look for the connections in your academic journey. Just because you study one particular field doesn’t mean that’s the only field where you can apply your skills. Rather than thinking of courses, think of skills. And you never know where life will lead you — so follow that direction and make the most of what you can.”

With his interdisciplinary approach and commitment to student success, Vakharia is well-positioned to lead the Honors College into a novel era. As he put it, “We’re open for business, and we’re here to serve you.”

This past month, Drexel Housing and Residence Life informed incoming freshmen and a number of Resident Assistants that North Hall would be closed for refreshment during the upcoming academic year. RAs who were previously offered a job and housing in North Hall for the 2024/2025 academic year had their offers rescinded, leaving many students scrambling for alternative plans. 

James Spaulding, a third-year construction management major and member of the Drexel RA Union’s bargaining committee, expressed the widespread discontent among members with how this development was communicated: “…it was kind of just thrown out there.”

The university has offered support in finding new housing options for those affected: “both American Campus Communities and Drexel Housing and Residence Life will waive any deposit fees and offer short-term leases. Should you decide to stay with University Housing specifically, we will cover the cost of your housing for the fall 2024 term.” However, these measures fall short of addressing the full impact of North Hall’s closure. RAs who had planned their year around the job and housing arrangements now have to find new accommodations and, in some cases, new employment, with little time to spare.

The RA role is a crucial support system for many, but according to Spaulding, a significant number of the affected students are international, facing unique challenges due to the abrupt change. This news, delivered close to a month before RA training was set to begin, has left them in a state of uncertainty, wondering “Where am I going to live? What am I going to do?” Some had already purchased plane tickets to return to Philadelphia for the training, which begins two weeks before regular move-in time, adding to their financial and logistical challenges.

The only warning given to incoming RAs about a possible rescindment was a small note at the bottom of the original job offer, stating that their offer could be withdrawn if Drexel’s needs changed.

Drexel’s RA Union has just begun negotiating a new RA contract. Spaulding explained, “Over the next few months, the union committee will sit down with Drexel’s negotiators to work out a contract that… we hope will bring many of the improvements we’ve been seeking for the RA job.” This process, initially scheduled to begin in April, was delayed due to a lack of communication from the university. Only after the union filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board did Drexel provide bargaining dates.

The job improvements that the union is advocating for range from establishing stronger union protections and ensuring job security for RAs to enhancing their overall quality of life. Key issues under negotiation include the management of long-term leave, improving communication between RAs and university management and implementing a clear, standardized disciplinary code. 

The union also aims to propose more accessible summer housing for RAs. About 30 percent of RAs are employed by Drexel during the summer term, leaving the remaining 70 percent to secure housing independently for the three-month period. “In Philadelphia, with the way renting works, it’s very difficult to find short term leases or to sublet,” Spaulding noted. “I got incredibly lucky finding a place… but I know many RAs who had to move home and have nearly an hour and a half commute every day.” 

Currently, the cost to live in North Hall with roommates over the summer is $6,000. The union is proposing to lower this cost to a maximum of $2,500, making summer housing more affordable for RAs.

Another significant issue the union is advocating for is the implementation of a cap on staffing ratios. Currently, an RA may be responsible for managing anywhere from roughly 20 to 60 residents depending on the dorm hall, a range that can significantly impact their workload and effectiveness. By establishing a limit on staffing ratios, the union aims to ensure that RAs are not overwhelmed by excessive responsibilities.

Plans are now underway to draft a proposal addressing the North Hall closure, which the union hopes to discuss during their next bargaining session on Aug. 22. 

“Right now, we’re at the point where Drexel and the RA union both need to come to the table with an open mind, ready to negotiate and work out this contract,” Spaulding emphasized. The union’s goal is to finalize and ratify the contract by Dec., with the intention that it will take effect immediately afterward.

In the past few years, SEPTA has collaborated with institutions like Penn Medicine and Jefferson Health to rename several of its stations. Upcoming, such transformation is set for the 30th Street subway station, which will soon be known as Drexel Station at 30th Street.

According to SEPTA’s public information manager, John Golden, this change is the result of a substantial deal with Drexel, encompassing five years of naming rights under a 3.5 million dollar deal. The partnership signifies both a financial boost for SEPTA and an increasing trend of institutional collaborations with public transit. 

Situated along SEPTA’s Market-Frankford line, the 30th Street subway station holds a pivotal role, described as “a gateway to both Center City and University City.” 

The station also serves as an access point for trolley routes and bus services, making it a central hub in Philadelphia’s extensive public transportation network.

The station has been undergoing renovations since 2020. Key improvements include the installation of a new head house, better elevators for enhanced accessibility, improved lighting and the implementation of advanced safety features. With these changes, SEPTA hopes to elevate the overall commuter experience. 

Paired with the neighboring Drexel Square, Drexel Station at 30th Street is set to welcome commuters to Schuylkill Yards. This district is a collaborative venture between Drexel University and Brandywine Realty Trust, embodying a 3.5 billion dollar investment that began with the opening of Drexel Square in 2019.

Drexel University President John Fry stated, “We’re so proud to partner with SEPTA to put Drexel University’s name on the station that serves as the gateway for so many of our students, faculty, professional staff, and community partners as they arrive on campus. As new educational, research, and business development opportunities continue to grow in West Philadelphia – it is fitting for Drexel to welcome everyone to University City.”

The new and improved station is expected to be officially unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this year.