What: A glance around Drexel’s three Philadelphia campuses can easily attest to the legacy of its late president Constantine Papadakis: buildings by renowned architects, a law school, a medical school, new construction and an even more vibrant campus. In a fitting tribute to its beloved president, Drexel has named in his honor one of its newest, most innovative landmarks, the Constantine Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building. Groundbreaking for the new $70 million facility will be held on November 17.As Papadakis would have said with great pride: the 130,000-square-foot, six-story building, designed by renowned architects Diamond and Schmit, will be the first at a U.S. university to include a Bio Wall, or living biofilter, for energy efficiency and improved air quality. The design is environmentally sensitive and will become Drexel’s first Silver LEED-certified building from the U.S. Green Building Council.Who: Eliana Papadakis, the widow of Papadakis, and their daughter, Maria, will assist in breaking ground with the ceremonial first shovel. Drexel Interim President C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni, Drexel Provost Mark Greenberg, trustees, students, faculty and staff will be in attendance.Where: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 5 p.m.Where: The northeast corner of 33rd and Chestnut StreetsBackground: Known throughout the national academic community as an innovator and the chief executive who turned around two venerable institutions—Drexel and the former Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, Papadakis was among the longest-serving presidents in higher education. His arrival at Drexel in 1995 ushered in an era of unprecedented growth and excellence. He died April 2009.News Media Contact: Niki Gianakaris, director, Drexel News Bureau 215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell) or ngianakaris@drexel.eduRobert Graham, Diamond and Schmitt Architects +1416 862 8800 , +1416 560 0474 (cell) or rgraham@dsai.ca
