The Triangle

Issue date: 4/10/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Karl Kuchs

Drexel University president Constantine Papadakis died suddenly from pulmonary complications April 5, according to Drexel Board of Trustees Chairman Richard Greenawalt. Papadakis had battled cancer, but was in remission.

"This is a day of profound mourning for the entire Drexel community of students, faculty, staff and administrators, our alumni worldwide and friends everywhere. Our deepest condolences go out to the Papadakis family," Greenawalt said in a news release.

"All of our hearts are very saddened," Dean of Students Dave Ruth, said. "Our prayers are with the family."

Papadakis was appointed University president in 1995 and was known to the academic community as a leader and innovator in higher education.

"He really is a giant in academia and a personal friend," Greenawalt said.

Over the course of his 14-year tenure as president, Papadakis transformed Drexel into one of the top private research universities in the U.S. With the University's expansion both in Philadelphia and on the West Coast, jobs were saved and Drexel's reputation continues to grow throughout the country.

Since his arrival, the University's annual operating budget has grown by more than 300 percent, and the size of Drexel's research enterprise has grown from $15 million to more than $100 million in each of the past three years. Also, total enrollment at the University

grew by more than 130 percent, from about 9,000 to 21,000, with full-time undergraduate

enrollment increasing by 144 percent to more than 11,000.

Drexel's reputation turned away from an engineering commuter college into an evolving research university under Papadakis' leadership.Administrators at Drexel recognized Papadakis' legacy and the impact of this loss.

"You have to start with shock, so we're in a point right now in absorbing the enormity of what is happening that Taki is gone," Greenawalt said.

C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni, a former University president, was appointed interim president and CEO April 2 when Papadakis requested a medical leave of absence.

Greenawalt also said that there is no replacement for Papadakis, although the University is fortunate to have Pennoni as interim president.

"The president identified himself completely with the University, there was no Taki that wasn't connected to Drexel," Mark Greenberg, interim provost, said. "And Drexel soon wanted to associate itself with Taki - you had this human being who embodied an entire university."

According to Greenawalt, there will be an event to celebrate Papadakis' life after his family has had time to mourn.

A church service will be held April 14 at noon in St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church in Broomall, Pa.



-Cameron Birch and Naomi Pahrikh contributed reporting.

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