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In 2023, the Graduation Celebration looked a bit different than in previous year, but as Drexel University President John Fry said in his toast to the class of 2023, these are no ordinary times, and they are no ordinary class.

The annual celebration took place at the Philadelphia Museum of Art rather than Drexel’s Main Building this year, and thousands of graduates made their way up the famous Rocky steps to toast to their achievements on June 13.

After cheering their collective success, students headed inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art for drinks, dinner, music and the chance to wander through the galleries. Inside, they posed for more photos and gathered more memories.

Graduate Student Association President Rutuja Karkhanis and Undergraduate Student Government Association Vice President Carlie Relyea both addressed their fellow graduates and acknowledged and thanked the support systems that helped guide them to this day.

“We celebrate not only the achievements of our students, but also the strength and dedication of their families and friends,” Karkhanis said. “As you venture forth, remember that the Drexel spirit has been instilled within you. Be bold in your pursuits, unafraid to take risks, challenge the status quo and embrace the diversity that surrounds you.”

Relyea spoke about the challenges the graduates have faced, including, of course, the pandemic.

"In college, it can feel like all that matters is your GPA or what fancy co-op you got, and when leaving college, it can feel that all that is important is if you accepted your dream job or got into a prestigious program for your next degree,” Relyea said. “Though these accomplishments are wonderful and deserve to be celebrated, they are not what define us. What defines us is the relationships with those we love, the hobbies that fill up our cups and the impression that we leave on people as we move forward into a world that can feel very unkind. I urge all of you to remain focused on who you are, not what your achievements are.”

Fry closed the remarks for the evening by referring to the Class of 2023 as “the best of Philly,” saying their accomplishments have been extraordinary given the challenges of the pandemic and they have enriched the civic and cultural life of Philadelphia as it has enriched them.

“For me, among the greatest joys of serving this University is seeing our students in action while they are here and following their accomplishments after they graduate the way sports fans follow their favorite teams and athletes,” Fry said. “As you join our global family of more than 150,000 Drexel alumni, I hope you will stay closely connected to your alma mater ... No matter what your plans are for the moment, the future holds limitless possibilities for you to shape it and for you to flourish in it.”