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Philadelphia's Academy of Natural Sciences Goes Gratefully Under Drexel's Wing

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Academy of Natural Sciences is teaming up with Drexel University.

George Gephart, president and CEO of the Academy of Natural Sciences, says he made only one call six months ago to Drexel president John Fry and followed it up with a face-to-face meeting.

"I went in to meet with John for what was to be a 10-minute meeting that lasted almost an hour and a half," Gephart recalls, "and that is indicative of the immediate enthusiasm and vision that John saw."

Specifically, Gephart says, Drexel students will be able to reap the benefits of increased access to the Academy's huge collections of specimens and the Academy's staff of Ph.Ds in the study of environmental science.

"We expect that we will become a learning center part of Drexel University," Gephart says.

Details are still being worked out but are expected to be finalized in the next two months.

The historic mueseum, founded in 1812 and located on Logan Circle since 1876, will remain open to the public, and Gephart believes they will have even more to offer the public in the years to come.

Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio 1060

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