Caneris Retires
Anthony Caneris retires after more than a decade at Drexel University
By: Noah Cohen
Issue date: 6/8/07 Section: News
Originally published: 6/8/07 at 4:19 AM EST
Last update: 6/8/07 at 4:37 AM EST
Originally published: 6/8/07 at 4:19 AM EST
Last update: 6/8/07 at 4:37 AM EST
Retiring senior vice president Anthony Caneris has reason to brag.
Since coming to the University in 1995, he has led a turnaround that saved Drexel University from closing its doors. Caneris' work has entailed everything from raising nearly $300 million for campus improvements to the University gaining a seat in the Colonial Athletic Association.
Instead of continuing to name his list of achievements Caneris is quick to thank others.
"The number one person I want to give credit is old A.J. Drexel. If it wasn't for him you guys wouldn't be here today, and I wouldn't be here today," Caneris said.
Before coming to Drexel, Caneris worked for 22 years at the University of Cincinnati, where he was responsible for facilities and business operations.
Caneris never saw his job as a stepping stone; Drexel was where he wanted to stay. "I didn't come here to build a resume and leave. I came here saying this is where I want to be," he said.
That decision surprised Caneris' former colleagues.
"They said in a year or two that place (Drexel) will be gone," Caneris said.
His colleagues in Cincinatti had reason for concern. Drexel's problems extended far beyond the ledger books; its infrastructure was in desperate need of repair.
"Every auditorium was torn apart," Caneris said. He described springs sticking out of the auditoriums chairs. "We had to put pillows over the seats."
Classrooms were also falling apart. "You got to have a decent atmosphere," Caneris said.
In addition to fixing the crumbling classrooms, Caneris worked to improve the administrative side of the University's operations. President Papadakis placed Caneris in charge of all non-academic departments. "This office was packed," remembered Caneris.
Caneris created the first Office of General Counsel to serve as legal counsel for the University.
With all the new programs being developed in the early days of his administration, office space was at a premium. That did not stop Caneris from bringing in new people.
Since coming to the University in 1995, he has led a turnaround that saved Drexel University from closing its doors. Caneris' work has entailed everything from raising nearly $300 million for campus improvements to the University gaining a seat in the Colonial Athletic Association.
Instead of continuing to name his list of achievements Caneris is quick to thank others.
"The number one person I want to give credit is old A.J. Drexel. If it wasn't for him you guys wouldn't be here today, and I wouldn't be here today," Caneris said.
Before coming to Drexel, Caneris worked for 22 years at the University of Cincinnati, where he was responsible for facilities and business operations.
Caneris never saw his job as a stepping stone; Drexel was where he wanted to stay. "I didn't come here to build a resume and leave. I came here saying this is where I want to be," he said.
That decision surprised Caneris' former colleagues.
"They said in a year or two that place (Drexel) will be gone," Caneris said.
His colleagues in Cincinatti had reason for concern. Drexel's problems extended far beyond the ledger books; its infrastructure was in desperate need of repair.
"Every auditorium was torn apart," Caneris said. He described springs sticking out of the auditoriums chairs. "We had to put pillows over the seats."
Classrooms were also falling apart. "You got to have a decent atmosphere," Caneris said.
In addition to fixing the crumbling classrooms, Caneris worked to improve the administrative side of the University's operations. President Papadakis placed Caneris in charge of all non-academic departments. "This office was packed," remembered Caneris.
Caneris created the first Office of General Counsel to serve as legal counsel for the University.
With all the new programs being developed in the early days of his administration, office space was at a premium. That did not stop Caneris from bringing in new people.
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