In a move that has left students scratching their heads and commuters bewildered, Drexel University has announced its acquisition of the iconic William H. Gray III 30th Street Station for a staggering $500 million. University officials unveiled their grand plan to transform the bustling transportation hub into the ultimate student center, complete with gourmet dining options, housing, lots of yellow and blue, its very own Mario Jr. statue and a state-of-the-art rock climbing wall.
The decision, which caught many by surprise, was justified by Drexel President, John Frye, as a strategic investment in the university’s future. “We believe that 30th Street Station represents the perfect opportunity to expand our campus footprint and our carbon footprint,” Frye stated during a press conference held in the station’s main concourse.
Critics, however, have raised eyebrows at the exorbitant price tag attached to the purchase. “Half a billion dollars for a train station? Isn’t the school firing its beloved professors in an effort to cut costs?” remarked one very upset student, who preferred to remain anonymous. Another asked, “Didn’t Drexel already spend $3 million to get its name on another SEPTA station?” Others have expressed concerns about the impact on commuters.
In response to these concerns, Drexel officials assured the public that they would work closely with SEPTA to increase disruptions to train services. “Our vision for 30th Street Station includes maintaining its status as a vital transportation hub for the city and making all commuter students late to class, since they are too cheap to pay for Drexel housing,” said Mr. Frye. “Our ultimate goal is to make more money. If we have to fire teachers and buy a whole train station to do that, we will.”
The announcement has also sparked speculation about the university’s next move. Rumors have been circulating that Drexel may be eyeing other Philadelphia landmarks for future acquisitions, including the Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. When asked about these rumors, Mr. Frye simply grinned and said, “We have big plans for Drexel University. Since we are now ranked 54th in the United States, nothing is off the table.”
As the city awaits further developments, one thing is certain: Drexel’s purchase of 30th Street Station has set the stage for a new chapter in the university’s history—one that promises to be both ambitious and, dare we say, a little bit extravagant.