Spring Break
Papadakis takes medical leave, Pennoni interim president
Stephanie Takach
Issue date: 4/3/09 Section: News
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All elements regarding his medical condition are private as courtesy to Papadakis and his wife, Greenawalt said.
"He will come back as soon as he is fully recovered and we hope that is as soon as possible, and I don't know when that would be," Greenawalt said.
According to Greenawalt, he is under excellent care and Papadakis and his wife want to totally focus on getting his health back while he takes a temporary leave.
"We just learned very recently of Dr. Papadakis's desire to take a medical leave and I think that's something that came as he decided that it was his best interest for medical recovery. Until that time, he has been continuing to run the University very effectively, even over the last number of years," Greenawalt said.
He also said that it was not discussed with the board until just recently and was only presented by Papadakis and his wife this morning.
"I think the board obviously wishes and hopes everything will be well; well-wishing for someone we have all known for a long, long time," Greenawalt said. "All we wish for is for Papadakis to have the time to fully recuperate."
Interim President Pennoni will be on campus April 13.
"He is coming in full time to assume this responsibility until Papadakis returns, and in today's time when we're worried about pay wise, I will let you know that he has requested that he do this pro bono meaning that he does not want to take a salary," Greenawalt said.
"We know that Drexel is under good stewardship," Greenawalt said.
Greenawalt said he specifically points out that in the 94-95 time frame, Pennoni served as interim president and recruited Papadakis to come to Drexel in 1995.
The thing is we couldn't be better served, the President coming in with B.S., M.S. and honorary Ph.D. from Drexel, but [was also] inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2000," Greenawalt said.
Pennoni and his wife are also the benefactors of the Pennoni Honors College.
"If there was ever a blue and gold guy he is that person," he said.
As a Board, Greenawalt said that they are very comfortable with strategic initiatives of the University and that all plans should continue as they would under President Papadakis.
"We're going to build the Drexel of the 21st century and Chuck is very supportive of that," Greenawalt said.
"We are also very pleased that the leadership from the deans to faculty are really seasoned veterans are hard working people here trying to make Drexel better and I think Dr. Pennoni will also see this," he added.
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