John Fry, President of Drexel University, will deliver the keynote address at Salus University's 128th commencement ceremony on May 23, 2024, at the Kimmel Cultural Campus in Philadelphia. The event is significant as it precedes the intended merger between Drexel and Salus, pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, specialized accreditors and additional third parties, scheduled for June 30, 2024.
Fry expressed his gratitude upon receiving the invitation from Salus President Michael H. Mittelman, OD ‘80, MBA, MPH, FAAO, FACHE. Given the impending merger and the evolving healthcare landscape, Fry anticipates emphasizing the theme of "community" in his address and the critical role graduates will play in the future of healthcare.
Fry’s tenure as Drexel's 14th president, which dates back to 2010, has been marked by a vision to transform the university into a private research institution with a strong public purpose. He has a distinguished background in academia, previously serving as the President of Franklin & Marshall College, executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania, and as a management consultant in the higher education and nonprofit sectors.
Under Fry’s leadership, Drexel has set a national example for the execution of public-private partnerships, and become a powerful force for equitable economic development in Greater Philadelphia.