The term "Drexel Shaft" stems from the now-demolished fountain that was
outside what is now North Hall. The name stuck, and then referred to the smokestack on top of a SEPTA and UPenn-owned building in the trainyard visible to anyone in Drexel University's campus. The smokestack was demolished on
November 15, 2009
the Drexel Shaft became analogous with the "shafting" Drexel students receive from the administration personnel (or lack thereof) and all-around cost-to-graduation rate of the
school.