Apart from my postdoctoral years in the USA, I experienced all the changes in our University, the most important being the implementation of the pioneering Law 1268/82. As Rector, I was in awe of my responsibilities which guided me. Times were changing rapidly, but with adaptation always cumbersome, distance today became more apparent, affecting the smooth functioning of the University.

At that time the University was in its rapid academic and building development, it was “growing” in a way. Today, in all its maturity, it can reflect more wisely on its status, its purpose, its responsibility. The University and the Hospital were then the two “crutches” on which the city of Patras rested – as I used to say back then. Today, it has embraced its identity. At that time, simple institutions sprang up, such as faculty staff evaluation by students, university and political forum, student psychological support office, newsletter, connection with society, selection of international personalities as honorary doctorates, such as Arafat) and some of those institutions survived. Today, what is needed is international partnerships and leadership.

At that time my relationship with extremists’ students was based on exhaustive dialogue and it worked. Today, I don’t know if such dialogue is possible. Back then, my relationship with colleagues was based on academia, trust, creative work. Todays, rivalries seem too intense. However, the University must be a place of intellectual creative reconciliation and collective responsibility, not sterile rivalry, even in more difficult times.

The legacy I have left is the Rector’s honest dedication to his work in a way that convinces the state and the university community (for instance, none of my proposals was ever rejected by the Senate). This raises the mood for collective collaborations and exponential returns on the significant work of the University.