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,
2009the 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.