Drexel University Celebrates 2026 Graduates with President’s Toast

Drexel University's Class of 2026 has just a few days left before they cross that stage and flip that tassel, but first, President Antonio Merlo, PhD, officially welcomed them into the alumni community at the President's Toast on June 8.

The President's Toast is an annual tradition for the graduating class and kicks off the week of commencement celebrations; this was Merlo's first time hosting.

"Until now, you've been alumni-in-training," Merlo said. "Now I have the honor of welcoming you to a new club. Now you're officially alumni at Drexel University. I look forward to following your accomplishments long after you leave Drexel and engaging with each one of you as future alumni."

Dozens of Dragons filled the Great Court of Main Building to get their Drexel Alumni champagne glasses, take photos (with each other and Merlo) and connect with their fellow Forever Dragons before and after Merlo's toast.

"Although Commencement is associated with an end, the true definition of the word is 'beginning,'" former Undergraduate Student Government Association President Joelyne Jacob, computer science and math '26, said. "In the next few days, while we will have the end of our academic careers, we will also have the beginning of the next chapter. While we start anew, we can't forget our roots, because we are forever Drexel Dragons. Congratulations, Class of 2026. We did it."