(EMAILWIRE.COM, December 04, 2002 ) What: A two-ton, 10-foot high by 14-foot long smoke-breathing monumental bronze sculpture of Drexel University's dragon mascot, "Mario the Magnificent," is set to become University City's newest landmark. University President Constantine Papadakis will unveil the sculpture - with a holiday wreath around its neck - with hundreds of student onlookers at Dragon Park in the heart of campus. The dragon is the latest work by renowned Philadelphia sculptor Eric Berg.

Named after Drexel alumnus and trustee emeritus Mario Mascioli, the dragon sculpture rests on a 17-ton green granite base. Sixteen months in the making, the sculpture was cast in 15 to 20 different pieces.

The dragon is the most recognizable symbol of Drexel University. The addition of this monumental sculpture, part of Drexel's on-going campus improvement, will make "Meet me at the dragon" a part of the campus lexicon and provide a landmark backdrop for graduation and reunion pictures.

When: Wednesday, December 4, 2002, 11 - 11:30 a.m.

Where: Southeast corner of 33rd and Market streets

Visuals: The dragon breathing smoke as the tarp is being lifted... The dragon decked out for the holidays with a wreath around its neck... Students faculty and staff reaction to the sculpture's massive scale and ornate detail.

About Berg: More than 10 of Eric Berg's sculptures are on permanent display in the Philadelphia area, including "Massa" the gorilla and "Warthog" at the Philadelphia Zoo and others at the Academy of Natural Sciences and New Jersey State Aquarium.

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Produced for Drexel University

News Media Contact:


Kevin C. Kaufman, Drexel University News Bureau Director
215/895-2705 (office),
267/228-5599 (cell)
kauf@drexel.edu
www.drexel.edu/dateline

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Contact Information:
Drexel University
Joseph Nchor
Tel:
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