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Mark your calendars:
BHEF’s Summer 2009 Member Meeting in Washington, DC, June 15-16, 2009
Available online:
BHEF’s 2008 Annual Report
More information about:
The CRI: An Agenda for Educational Success
The STEM Initiative
Questions or commentary?
info@bhef.com
202.367.1189
Newsletter editor
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April 2009
News from BHEF
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Taki Papadakis, president of Drexel University and BHEF member. In his 14 years as president of Drexel, he raised the endowment, enrollment, and profile of the university and oversaw the addition of medical, nursing, public health, and law schools. On campus, he was well known both for his determined pragmatism and gregarious personality.
Taki’s enthusiasm for education was also evident in his work with BHEF. Since joining in 2001, he tirelessly served on numerous committees and working groups. At the time of his death, he was a member of BHEF’s executive committee and its finance and audit committee, roles that brought his excellent leadership abilities to BHEF. He also served on working groups for the STEM Initiative and the Math and Science Initiative, helping to produce the reports An American Imperative and A Commitment to America’s Future, and he was actively involved in BHEF’s current college readiness and access member-led local projects in Philadelphia.
BHEF and its members are deeply saddened by his passing. His eight-year contribution and dedication to BHEF was invaluable, and BHEF is a stronger organization because of the time, wisdom, and humor he brought to all that he did.
A church service will be held at noon on April 14 at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church in Broomall, Pa. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the "Constantine Papadakis Fund at Drexel University," Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Advocacy Update
At BHEF’s 2009 winter meeting, members agreed upon a set of advocacy items related to the administration and congress’ education priorities that BHEF would pursue. With these priorities in mind, BHEF is closely tracking education-related advocacy items that align with the College Readiness and STEM initiatives. This Advocacy Update includes information on:
Member News
Secretary of Education Duncan and Dr. Jill Biden visited BHEF member and Miami Dade College President Eduardo Padrón on March 6, 2009. When on campus, they held a panel discussion with students to exchange ideas on improving the nation's higher education system and the importance of community colleges in job creation.
BHEF welcomes Bill Cameron, chairman and CEO of American Fidelity Assurance Company. Based in Oklahoma, American Fidelity provides voluntary supplemental life and health insurance products and related services to nearly 1.5 million customers in 49 states and 20 countries.
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