Constantine Papadakis, Drexel University President, Dies
Constantine Papadakis, president of Drexel University, died this weekend. Papadakis passed away from pulmonary complications on Sunday. He had been in remission from lung cancer. Constantine Papadakis was 63 years old.
Constantine Papadakis: 1946 – 2009
Constantine Papadakis — known to friends as “Taki” — served as Drexel’s leader for 14 years. He announced plans to take a medical leave just this past Friday.
During Papadakis’ tenure at Drexel, the school’s enrollment grew by more than 130 percent. Its freshman applications skyrocketed nearly 700 percent under his leadership, and the operating budget jumped 300 percent. Papadakis is credited with doubling Drexel’s faculty and making the university Philadelphia’s seventh largest private employer.
Constantine Papadakis leaves behind his wife, Eliana, and his daughter, Maria, who graduated from Drexel just one year ago. Memorial services are currently being planned.
Constantine Papadakis: Drexel University Statement
The following statement was released by Drexel University today:
It is with great sadness that I report that President Papadakis passed away suddenly last night at the age of 63 from pulmonary complications.
He had been in remission from cancer.
Dr. Papadakis’s 13 years at the helm of our University represents one of the most remarkable and sustained periods of success in the University’s history. Today’s Drexel in many ways reflects his leadership: bold, innovative and committed to the highest level of excellence.
Dr. Papadakis was first and foremost a family man, and I know the entire Drexel community joins me and the Board of Trustees in offering deepest condolences to his wife Eliana and his daughter Maria, a Drexel graduate.
A campus memorial event is being planned and will be announced shortly.
In the meantime, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the newly established “Constantine Papadakis Fund at Drexel University,” Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
This is a difficult day at Drexel. Dr. Papadakis’s lasting impact on the University will be profound.
