Italian Ambassador to the U.S. Confers Italy 's
Highest Distinction on Drexel President Papadakis

PHILADELPHIA (February 6, 2004)- Italian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergio Vento visited Philadelphia together with the Consul General of Italy to Philadelphia Lorenzo Mott to confer on Drexel University President Papadakis of Wayne the title of "Cavaliere Ufficiale" in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. The bestowal of the knighthood is governed by Italian legislation and is awarded by the President of the Republic of Italy.

Dr. Papadakis received the honor in recognition of Drexel's efforts to form a strong relationship with universities in Italy , Italian corporations and the Italian-American community.

The University has worked with elected officials in Italian cities including Rome and Florence to provide Drexel students with educational opportunities in Italy and encourage Italian students to visit or enroll at Drexel. Drexel University offers scholarships to Florentine students who want to attend Drexel, and Drexel e-Learning offers Executive MBA programs to online managers of Telecom Italia in Rome .

Drexel has also established partnerships with Italian universities including a joint doctoral program with Polytechnic University of Milano and strong nanotechnology research collaborations with the University of Lecce , the European leader in the field. Drexel also recently signed an articulation agreement with the University of Perugia .

Papadakis' late mother, Rita Masciotti, was a native of Italy from Padova. His late father, Nicholas Papadakis, who studied medicine at the historic University of Padova , was honored with the same title in 1981, which is conferred upon individuals who promote the role of Italy in their country, have excelled in their chosen profession and contribute to the positive image of the Italian community.

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