Record Turnout at The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia's Quarterly Members Meeting & Cocktail Reception

By Aaron Stoyack

On April 5th, Drexel University hosted the Quarterly Members Meeting of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP). The CCAP includes representatives from 70 different countries and is the oldest such association in the US.

The setting for this prestigious event was the Arlen Specter U.S. Squash Center, a spacious facility which allowed a record attendance for the ceremony and cocktail reception. This event was held thanks to the contributions of Bellwether Enterprise Real Estate Capital, Republic Bank, Firstrust Bank and Green & Spiegel.

Drexel’s President, John Fry, delivered an address to the attendees. He began by recognizing Philadelphia’s Honorary Consul of Ukraine, Iryna Mazur. Speaking for Drexel and the Corps, Fry conveyed the admiration for the people of Ukraine in the face of Russian invasion. He shared the story of one of Drexel’s own star squash players, Alina Bushma, who hails from Kyiv and keeps in contact with her family in Ukraine. Despite the challenges she faced, she was able to propel Drexel to the national championship with a decisive victory against Trinity College. 

Using the context of the invasion, Fry highlighted the ability of academic institutions to facilitate global cooperation. Drexel itself is noted for its international student body and its wealth of programs for research and study abroad. Leveraging these partnerships generates a strong desire and aptitude for innovation and success among all parties.

Fry concludes with a call for universities to do their duty as a public good by fostering partnerships across borders, cultures, and academic fields, with organizations who have a similar commitment to Sustainable Development Goals. He invites the CCAP to help introduce Drexel to potential collaborators. This monumental occasion set the stage for an increase in Philadelphia’s prominence as a city of global diplomacy.

Photo Credit: www.drexel.edu