Spring Break
Papadakis receives Galileo award
By: Jenni Izzo
Issue date: 5/11/07 Section: News
Originally published: 5/11/07 at 2:50 AM EST
Last update: 5/11/07 at 2:50 AM EST
Originally published: 5/11/07 at 2:50 AM EST
Last update: 5/11/07 at 2:50 AM EST
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Papadakis was presented with the prestigious award in recognition of his extensive work with the arts and helping the University become such a prominent part of the Philadelphia community.
"Constantine Papadakis is the ideal recipient of this award," said Aaron Immediato, marketing director for the Wilma Theater. "He puts special concentration in honoring the arts, which is something we feel very strongly about at the Wilma Theater."
Approximately 200 people were present to honor Papadakis. The evening featured many performers, including MAD Dragon Records' Matt Duke. He performed three songs from his debut album, Winter Child. Performers also included two-time Tony nominee Alison Fraser and Lee Lessack, who came from Los Angeles for the event. The performances ended with the three performers collaborating on Elvis Costello's "Everyday I Write the Book."
"I just want to say congratulations to President Papadakis for being honored tonight," Duke said, "and a special thanks to Drexel's Music Industry program."
According to the press release, the Wilma Theater chose to honor Papadakis because of his appreciation of uncertainty and problem-solving skills that mimic those of Galileo. The Theater's most recent production, "The Life of Galileo," urges audiences to embrace innovation.
"Taki embraces innovation by combining high quality programs with emerging talent," Jiri Zizka, artistic director of the Wilma Theater, said. "He continues to appreciate and create art as our city thrives."
Every year, Drexel's incoming freshman class is given a Cultural Passport which gives them access to more than 30 art institutions in Philadelphia, the Wilma theatre being one of them.
"Our Culture Passport is unique," Papadakis said. "There is nothing like it."
Papadakis spoke about the opportunities that the University, especially Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, is able to grant students.
"The Wilma helped start one of Philadelphia's greatest success stories: its art and culture," said Papadakis. "Drexel students benefit tremendously from living in Philadelphia. They are able to create and produce work with local professors who have insights to the arts."
