Spring Break
Caneris reflects on leadership qualities
Anthony Cesarini
Issue date: 3/16/07 Section: News
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Students bid a final farewell to Anthony Caneris, senior vice president for Student Life and Administrative Services, at a luncheon in the Bossone Enterprise Center March 13. The topic of the luncheon was "Changing Leadership" and the event was part of Leadership Weeks, sponsored by the Office of Campus Activities.
David Ruth, dean of students, introduced the longtime administrator to the crowd of over 100 students and faculty. Caneris talked about how he, along with President Papadakis, came to Drexel when it was nearly bankrupt in 1995 and took over all non-academic operations.
Caneris told the crowd a story about a man who went from being unemployed to managing a million-dollar business five years later.
"He had leadership," Caneris explained.
He then elaborated on some of the problems that he encountered upon arriving at Drexel, such as financial hardships and low worker morale.
"The place looked terrible; I mean, it was bad," Caneris said. "And I'm saying to myself. 'What in the world am I doing here?'"
But Caneris soon came to a realization.
"It's in such bad shape that no matter what I do, it's going to be a little better than what it is," he said.
Caneris then explained how he hired a number of his current direct reports, including Marc-Antoine Lombardini, director of Planning, Design and Construction; Anoo Sukhia, director of Printing and Mailing; Rita LaRue, senior associate vice president for business operations; and Eric Zillmer, director of athletics.
Each story had the same conclusion. Caneris chose to hire most of his current staff based on his first impression of them.
"I saw someone bright who could do the job," he said. "That's the way I went about it."
Caneris said he felt concern and respect for everyone in an organization, rather than charisma, make great leaders.
"I want to be known as a working man's vice president," Caneris said.
"Everybody works, but a working man's vice president does something different. He helps those that are not in the administration. He helps those who need the help to get to where they're sat."
David Ruth, dean of students, introduced the longtime administrator to the crowd of over 100 students and faculty. Caneris talked about how he, along with President Papadakis, came to Drexel when it was nearly bankrupt in 1995 and took over all non-academic operations.
Caneris told the crowd a story about a man who went from being unemployed to managing a million-dollar business five years later.
"He had leadership," Caneris explained.
He then elaborated on some of the problems that he encountered upon arriving at Drexel, such as financial hardships and low worker morale.
"The place looked terrible; I mean, it was bad," Caneris said. "And I'm saying to myself. 'What in the world am I doing here?'"
But Caneris soon came to a realization.
"It's in such bad shape that no matter what I do, it's going to be a little better than what it is," he said.
Caneris then explained how he hired a number of his current direct reports, including Marc-Antoine Lombardini, director of Planning, Design and Construction; Anoo Sukhia, director of Printing and Mailing; Rita LaRue, senior associate vice president for business operations; and Eric Zillmer, director of athletics.
Each story had the same conclusion. Caneris chose to hire most of his current staff based on his first impression of them.
"I saw someone bright who could do the job," he said. "That's the way I went about it."
Caneris said he felt concern and respect for everyone in an organization, rather than charisma, make great leaders.
"I want to be known as a working man's vice president," Caneris said.
"Everybody works, but a working man's vice president does something different. He helps those that are not in the administration. He helps those who need the help to get to where they're sat."
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