Drexel President Papadakis, 63, dies

Drexel University is mourning the death of its longtime leader. 63 year-old Constantine Papadakis died from pulmonary complications overnight. Under his watch, Drexel saw great expansion, including the additions of medical and law schools.

Drexel University is mourning the death of its longtime leader. 63 year-old Constantine Papadakis died from pulmonary complications overnight. Under his watch, Drexel saw great expansion, including the additions of medical and law schools.

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[audio: reports20090406drexel.mp3]

The dark cloud over Drexel University was not only because of the weather.

Drexel Provost Mark Greenberg says Papadakis, known as Taki to his closest friends, was full of energy and spent virtually every waking hour trying to improve Drexel and help its faculty and students.

Greenberg: What he was impressed with, what drove him was the desire for achievement, recognition for this university and he achieved it.

Drexel Board of Trustees Chairman Richard Greenwalt says Papadakis continued to do his job even while battling cancer.

Greenwalt: He ran it looking at all his mail, e-mailing he made a presentation to the bond rating agencies over the internet and our ratings are the strongest they have ever been.

Funeral arrangements are not complete, and a memorial service is being planned for his campus friends and co workers.