Drexel University Lands Record $112.6 Million Gift for Engineering and Computing
Updated
Updated · Inside Higher Ed · Jun 15
Drexel University Lands Record $112.6 Million Gift for Engineering and Computing
3 articles · Updated · Inside Higher Ed · Jun 15
Summary
$112.6 million from the Howley Foundation marks Drexel University's largest philanthropic commitment ever and will fund a major expansion of engineering and computing programs.
$36 million will build out 55,000 square feet in existing buildings for the Howley Family Immersive Learning Center, adding a robotics facility, flight simulator, jet engine lab and other teaching labs.
Another 10,000-square-foot maker space will become the Walter N. Howley Jr. Innovation Garage, designed to showcase student projects ranging from rockets to steel bridges.
The remaining $76 million will back the Howley College Scholars program, boosting scholarships and recruitment for lower-income students, mainly from Philadelphia and Cleveland.
The gift also establishes the Nick Howley College of Engineering and Computing, tying Drexel's campus expansion to a longer-term push to attract talent in high-demand technical fields.