PHILADELPHIA -- Harrisville resident Melissa Martin graduated from Drexel University's School of Education with a Master of Science. More than 5,000 students received degrees from Drexel this year at the University's 125th Commencement.

Speakers and honorary degree recipients of the Drexel commencement ceremonies included: Linda Gooden, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin's Information Systems & Global Solutions (IS&GS) business area and an officer of the Lockheed and Martin Corporation, Paul R. Ehrlich, a prominent ecologist and evolutionist, Sheila Bair, 19th Chairperson of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), David A. Kessler, M.D., former commissioner of the United States Food and Drug Administration, and Nile G. Rodgers, American musician, composer, arranger and guitarist.

Founded in 1891 in Philadelphia, Drexel is the nation's 14th largest private university and is ranked among the best national universities by U.S. News & World Report." Drexel is widely recognized for its focus on experiential learning through its co-operative education program and translational research initiatives.