Watch CBS News

Students, Faculty, And Friends Remember Former Temple President Peter Liacouras

by Steve Tawa

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was a fond farewell on Friday to former Temple University president Peter Liacouras, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 85.

Those who knew Peter Liacouras say he left an indelible mark on the campus, both on the physical attributes of the main campus, to its current larger, more diverse, and more international student body. Not to mention the growth of Temple's core curriculum and program.

Now, a range of people, including university officials, former basketball coach John Chaney, his children and grandchildren, faculty, staff, and students whose lives were touched by Dr. Liacouras, gathered to reminisce on the North Broad Street campus.

Liacouras hired Chaney, whose Owl teams were a staple at NCAA tournament appearances. Chaney says "Peter," as everyone knew him, was aware of that.

"The success of your teams helps, not only with your viability, but it helps a great deal with enrollment," said Chaney.

Many took turns giving heartfelt tributes, but also a good-natured roasting. Among them, Temple Chancellor Richard Englert.

"If someone ever received a doctor's diagnosis of only a few months to live, the person should spend the time working for Peter, because it would seem like an eternity," joked Englert

Englert says Liacouras had "numerous personas," calling him crafty and combative, as well as compassionate, loyal, and genuine.

The son of Greek immigrants who ran a South Philadelphia grocery store, Peter Liacouras spent more than 50-years at Temple. He served as Temple's president from 1982 through 2000, but Peter Liacouras first appeared on campus in 1963, as a professor at Temple Law School.

He also served as its dean for eight years, before he was elected president of the university. He was later appointed a university chancellor.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.