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Drexel University Nina Henderson Provost Paul Jensen, PhD, called the first day of the New Student Orientation Week historic.
“This is not just a new beginning for you, but it is a new beginning for everyone in this room and beyond,” said Dr. Jensen, noting that the merger of Salus University and Drexel University became official on July 3, 2025. “You are the first group of students to join Drexel through the Elkins Park Campus programs and that's a great moment.”
That moment wasn’t lost on the students.
“When provost Jensen said that it was an historic day, I thought to myself, ‘Oh my gosh, it really is!’” said Olivia Brown ‘27SLP, from Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., who received her undergraduate degree in speech-language hearing from the University of Kansas.
In fact, some of the students were thinking about the historic aspect of the day even before arriving on campus to begin orientation week. “I thought about it on the car ride here today because it really is exciting,” said Jacob Lipton ‘27OT, from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, who received his undergraduate degree in marine biology from Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey, but is making a career change to Occupational Therapy. “I was thinking, ‘Wow, I’m going to be in the first class of the Elkins Park Campus of Drexel University.’ I’m very proud to be a Drexel Dragon. It feels really good.”
The Elkins Park Campus Orientation Week, from Aug. 11-15, 2025, featured a week full of activities for the incoming students, including program-specific schedules, a Personal and Professional Development seminar, student council social events and a new student resource fair.
To add to the historic nature of the proceedings, the students also received a midweek visit from Drexel president Antonio Merlo, PhD, who was making his first stop to the Elkins Park Campus since being named Drexel’s newest president July 1, 2025.
“We’re starting together and we need to make sure that we check in with each other as the time progresses throughout your journey,” said Dr. Merlo. “We are committed to making sure every one of our students who walks through our doors feels like this is the right place for them. That they came to a place that values them, that allows them opportunities. I want each one of you to feel supported and respected."
Monica Scirrotto, MS, director of Admissions at the Elkins Park Campus, acknowledged the students in each individual program.
Out of an applicant pool of 1,638, 50 were admitted into Salus at Drexel University’s Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree program in the College of Medicine for the Class of 2027. The class represents 14 states and Canada. “It is important to point out that each of one of you are, from this day forward, brought together as a whole student body that makes up a greater interprofessional health care team and the community here at the Elkins Park Campus as well as Drexel University at large,” said Scirrotto.
As for the students themselves, here’s what they are saying about their orientation week experiences:
Olivia Fountaine ‘27PA
Groton, Connecticut
“When I interviewed here, I really liked the atmosphere. I felt supported by the faculty and other people I was interviewing with. It felt like a good environment that promoted my success. The people here really wanted me to succeed.”
Joanna Koshy ‘29OD
Dallas, Texas
It’s an honor to be among the first students to come in under the Drexel banner. I’ve heard great things about Drexel, it’s a very well-respected school here in the Northeast. I’m excited to be a part of the school and the community. Being a part of a larger institution made me feel even more proud of the school I’m going to. Having the Drexel name is something people recognize and that will be good for the rest of my life and career.
Patrick Mellon ‘27PA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“Everyone is really accepting here. They treat you as a person and not just as a student, which is important to me. it’s exciting to be part of the Drexel community. It’s cool to see how the programs can link and connect with each other.”
Tamara Dowding ‘29AUD
Baltimore, Maryland
“I think the merger encouraged me even more. Drexel is a pretty good school and I was thinking that the resources that will be available from the merging of the two schools will be great.”
Ilaria Merone ‘27SLP
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
“I was torn between two schools, Salus and another school. Every time I thought about committing to that other school, I felt like I would be missing out on something at Drexel. It’s nerve-wracking, but it’s very exciting to be part of something so big.”
Grace Pekala ‘28O&P
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
“When I met the professors and the staff here, it just seemed like home. I’m a little nervous, but it’s exciting. The Salus name was good but the Drexel name is just as good. I think it will open up a lot more resources for us.”
