UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 18, Page 1
February 1, 1996
James C. Kakavas receives the Medal of Distinction

     James C. Kakavas, professor emeritus of biological sciences, was
presented the University of Delaware Medal of Distinction by Andrew B.
Kirkpatrick Jr., chairman of the University Board of Trustees, at the
University of Delaware Research Foundation (UDRF) annual luncheon Jan.
20.
     Kakavas was the first researcher supported by the UDRF in 1937.
His research led to the patenting of a treatment for a serious bone
disease in dairy cattle.
     A founder of the UD Medical Technology Program, which became a
model for other four-year programs at colleges throughout the country,
Kakavas also was instrumental in establishing and developing curricula
for the colleges of Marine Studies and Nursing.
     During his UD tenure, he chaired the then Department of
Biological Sciences and served as acting dean of the College of Arts
and Science and dean of the then School of Graduate Studies.
     Born in Greece, Kakavas immigrated to the U.S. in 1910. He
received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of
Massachusetts, and, in 1934, his doctorate from Yale University. He
came to Delaware in 1929 as an instructor in physiology and
bacteriology.
     Although he retired in 1964, he has continued to be involved in
many activities at the University. In 1963, he and his wife of 64
years, Theresa, established the James C. and Theresa Kakavas
Scholarship Fund to support students in the Medical Technology
Program.
     He served as a member of the Governor's Advisory Committee on
Mental Health, chaired the Delaware Committee for the United Greek
Orthodox Charities and was president of the College Faculty Club, the
Torch Club of Delaware and the Hellenic University Club of Wilmington.
     Kirkpatrick, in presenting the Medal of Distinction, said, "For
all of your accomplishments, but most importantly, for your
friendship, kindness, integrity, foresight and humor, we thank you and
we salute you."
     During the annual luncheon, three research presentations also
were made, including Paul Berger, electrical engineering, "New
Semiconductors for Future Computing and Communications"; Marlene
Emara, animal and food sciences, "Designing Improved Vaccines for
Poultry"; and Lucio Piccirillo, Bartol Research Institute, "The Birth
and Evolution of the Universe."
     The Medal of Distinction is presented by the University in
recognition of outstanding professional achievements.