General News
Speech-Language Pathology
Current Student News
For Rabia Sikandar ‘26SLP, the inaugural sendoff celebration for the Class of 2026 was a memorable milestone. Hosted by the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program in Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) on the Elkins Park Campus, it was a chance for the class to celebrate their accomplishments and look ahead to the next chapter of their careers.
And after graduation, it might be a while before she sees them again.
Sikandar, of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, will be moving to Texas after her husband finishes up his residency in nephrology - diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney diseases and related disorders - at Abington Hospital.
Originally from Pakistan, Sikandar worked for 15 years as a family physician and pathologist in her country. But after moving to the U.S., she said she found it more difficult to navigate her career in the healthcare system. So, she switched to speech-language pathology.
“It has more flexibility and better hours,” said Sikandar, who is the mother of a 14-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter. “The best thing I liked about this program is that you can work in any setting – schools, rehab facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals.”
She will be one of 37 SLP graduate students graduating from CNHP at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at the Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. This is the first time that SLP students will be part of the CNHP commencement.
The SLP sendoff reception, held May 27, 2026, in the small café on the Elkins Park campus of Drexel University, was a way for the program to offer one more opportunity for the students to hang out as a cohort, away from the hustle and bustle of a commencement ceremony, according to Robert Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, FNAP, chair and program director of the SLP department.
“We decided to create an event where they can come to visit campus one last time as students and receive their alumni pins, graduation cords that represent the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association they will wear at the ceremony, and spend time with their cohort, faculty, and staff,” said Serianni. “They really do value the relationships they’ve built here, and we’re happy to honor them.”
The festivities included a visit from Mario the Magnificent, the official mascot of Drexel University, the department mascot, Peppa, the therapy dog, light refreshments, and a champagne (and grape juice) toast.
Kayla Herbert ‘26SLP, of Hatboro, Pennsylvania, said the sendoff was a nice way to be appreciated and celebrated by the department, its faculty, and staff.
“I’m loving it. This is a really great cohort. We had a lot of events and activities that we did together. I’m going to miss my classmates,” she said.
During his toast, Serianni said it was the students who inspired the faculty to get up every day and give their best.
“You make this worthwhile,” said Serianni as he raised his glass. “We know that you’re going to go out and do great work, not because of us – although we will take a little credit because we helped pave the way for you. The road that you all have chosen is spectacular because you make it spectacular. Go out and do good work.”
