Salus and Drexel Universities, which announced plans to merge earlier this summer, held a ceremony on Tuesday, August 20, during which the Drexel University flag was hoisted for the first time on the Elkins Park campus.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries, faculty and staff from both institutions, Salus students, and a visit from the Drexel mascot, Mario the dragon. Speakers included Drexel’s outgoing president John Fry, who will take over as president of Temple University in November 2024, and Kristen Battista ‘27AUD, Salus Student Council executive president.
“As we raise the Drexel University flag alongside our own, we celebrate the culmination of months of hard work, collaboration, and the beginning of a promising future together,” Salus at Drexel University president Dr. Michael H. Mittelman said. “This flag should serve as a symbol of our unity and shared goals. We are now part of something bigger: a dynamic, diverse community dedicated to innovation, education, and service.”
Among those attending the ceremony included Drexel’s interim president, Denis O’Brien, Elisabeth Van Bockstaele, PhD, Drexel’s senior vice president, chief strategy officer, dean of the Graduate College and founding dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies in the College of Medicine and Beth Moy, Salus’ chief of staff, who were instrumental in planning and executing the details of the merger.
“I want to express my excitement and gratitude for this merger,” said Battista. “Integrating with Drexel will allow our students at the Elkins Park campus to access state-of-the-art facilities at the Center City campus of Drexel University and benefit from Drexel’s technology and infrastructure as well as a plethora of other academic resources.”
Phase 1 of the merger began on June 30 following approval from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The next step of the two-step merger process is pending approval from the U.S. Department of Education, specialized accreditors, and additional third parties.
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Photos: Salus at Drexel