Arthur Pappas E'60
On the influx of immigrants to Northeastern after World War II: “When I was at school, there were a lot of Italians, Germans, I mean, all kinds of immigrants that had come here—or first generation—because after the war, Europe was in a very difficult state and there was a great deal of immigration in the late forties and early fifties.”
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Art (right) with his friend, George S. Kariotis, E’44, H’88. Both men currently serve Northeastern as trustees emeriti.
On his class and work schedule as a commuter student at Northeastern: “Nine to twelve we had classes, then we had two hours off...”
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On how co-op affected his life and career choices: “EPSCO was good because I got into a field that actually shaped my life later on in business…”
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Art at the family store in Hyannis, Orexi Foods. The shop, operated by his sons Alexander and Arthur, sells Greek specialty items.
On his coursework: “Most of the courses that I took were science and technology, but I did take some electives.”
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Arthur and his wife, Dianne, at a Huntington Society dinner.
On the importance of the education he received from Northeastern and on keeping in touch: “Somehow, you need to be in touch with your school; you need to continuously educate yourself in some respect. Not necessarily go to Northeastern, but keep in touch, know what’s going on and so on…”
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On display in Arthur Pappas’ home is his ‘Ernie’ from the University recognizing his service to Northeastern’s governing boards.
Photos: Arthur Pappas, Heratch Ekmekjian, and University Libraries Archives and Special Collections Department.
Biography
As an electronics engineer beginning his early career in the 1960’s, Arthur Pappas entered into a rapidly changing industry that required flexibility, insight, and a willingness to take risks. Luckily he had all three—and would use those characteristics over the course of his professional life to become a leader in the electronics industry and build several highly successful firms.