Vol. 19, No. 28

April 20, 2000

Dr. James C. Kakavas dies

Dr. James C. Kakavas, UD professor emeritus and research pioneer and administrator, died April 14 at his home in Cokesbury Village in Hockessin. He was 100 years old. A native of Greece, Dr. Kakavas immigrated to the United States with his family in 1910. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He received his doctorate in microbiology from Yale University in 1934. During his 35-year UD career (1929-64), Dr. Kakavas, a microbiologist, was instrumental in establishing programs in medical technology, marine studies and nursing. He was granted UD's first patent for his development of a serum treatment for bovine mastitis. The success of this treatment led to the establishment of the Haskell Research Associates and later the University of Delaware Research Foundation, which provides seed money for young scientists. At the University, he served as chairperson of the then Department of Biological Sciences and as dean of the College of Graduate Studies from 1962-64. Contributions may be made to the James C. and Theresa Kakavas Scholarship Endowment for the Department of Medical Technology through the Office of University Development.