But there is more to the Drexel-Sacramento story for the Philadelphia-based institution. This year, a record number of students – 11 – from the Sacramento area are going to Drexel in Philadelphia. Last year, no students from the area went to Drexel’s Philadelphia campus.

Among the students attending is Richelle McGhee of Rocklin, a graduate of Rocklin High School. She recently joined other students and Drexel alumni for a sendoff event in Sacramento featuring Mario the Magnificent, the university’s dragon mascot. McGhee will be attending graduate school in Psychology at Drexel this fall.

Drexel University recently announced plans to offer nine master’s programs at its Sacramento Center for Graduate Studies, with five programs beginning in January and another four programs beginning in September 2009. The university has established a $10 million fund for student fellowships in Sacramento.

The five master’s programs beginning in January are: Business Administration; Engineering Management; Higher Education, Information System; and Library and Information Science. In September 2009, the university will add master’s programs in: Nursing Education & Faculty Role; Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management; Science of Instruction; and Human Resource Development.