Harold W. ‘Hal’ Pote, a Drexel and Drexel University College of Medicine trustee and president and chief executive officer of American Financial Realty Trust, died on June 26 while vacationing in Turkey with his wife, Linda. He was 60 years old. Mr. Pote had served on Drexel’s board since 1996. Mr. Pote was chair of the Enrollment Management Committee of the Board. A passionate advocate for Drexel, he was tireless and highly engaged in his stewardship.

“His passing is a loss to our University as well as a great personal loss to each of us,” President Papadakis said. “His contributions to the critical area of enrollment management were immense.”

Mr. Pote graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Princeton in 1968 and an MBA from Harvard in 1972.

Mr. Pote is survived by his wife, Linda Johnson; his mother, Lucille Bock Pote of Penns Grove, N.J.; and brothers Frank Pote of Stafford, Va., and Corey Pote of New Castle, Del.

The following eulogy was delivered at the Hal Pote memorial service by George M. Ross, ’55, Hon. ’99, former chairman of the Board of Trustees of Drexel University. The memorial service was held at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Rittenhouse Square on July 11, 2007.

Reflection by George M. Ross

Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got hold of—for the moment—and I want to make it burn brightly as possible—before handing it on to future generations.

George Bernard Shaw got it right, and so did Hal Pote.

Hal lived life to the fullest, enjoyed so many of its aspects, from sailing to collecting decoys, from his very successful business career to having an impact on so many people, so many institutions, as witnessed today.

One of those institutions was Drexel University. Hal strongly believed in Drexel’s mission—providing real-world experience with a first-class education, often to students who were the first generation of their family to attend college.

This graduate of Princeton and Harvard, not only became a member of Drexel’s Board over ten years ago, but as Chairman of the Board’s Enrollment Management Committee, along with his involvement in the medical school, made an enormous contribution to the University.

The President, Board of Trustees and entire Drexel family will sorely miss Hal Pote.

A number of people over the past week have said to me “Hal was a great guy.” That brief remark really captures the pent-up emotions so many of us share about this unique and very special person.

Hal had heart. He was loving, kind, generous of spirit—and most of all—he enriched the lives of all he came in contact with. He had that uncanny ability to relate to virtually everyone. He was real. His love affair with life was contagious, and and I wanted to be part of it.

My favorite story that involves Hal occurred a number of years ago. Bill Gray was leaving the Congress. An African American church in South Philadelphia was celebrating this event. Hal and I were the only non-African Americans asked to speak. I asked the mistress of ceremonies if I could be taken first. She said fine and proceeded to read Hal’s resume as she introduced me. I was uncertain as I approached the rostrum, as the Mayor, Wilson Goode, whispered to me “you guys all look alike.”

To conclude, I would like to read a poem that I found especially appropriate:

At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of Spring, we remember him.

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer, we remember him.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember him.

When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember him.

When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember him.

When we have joy we crave to share, we remember him.

When we have decisions that are difficult to make, we remember him.

When we have achievements that are based on his, we remember him.

As long as we live, he too will live,

For he is now a part of us,

As we remember him.

Hal, I will miss you.

I will think of you often.

I will never forget you.