Oklahoma Declares 'Alex J. Kondonassis ('52) Day'

May 17, 2005

May 17, 2005, Greencastle, Ind. - Today has been declared "Dr. Alex J. Kondonassis Day" in Oklahoma, by Governor Brad Henry, the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the University of Oklahoma's chancellor for higher education, Paul G. Risser. Kondonassis, a 1952 graduate of DePauw University, is David Ross Boyd Professor and Regents Professor of Economics at the University of Oklahoma.

As part of his honor, the professor today will receive tributes for his many years of outstanding service to the state and the university. He will attend a lunch at the capitol, followed by recognition in the chamber of the House of Representatives.

"I am grateful and humbled by this honor," says Dr. Kondonassis. "I am proud of my students and their achievements, who over the years have provided me the affirmation that teaching is a grand enterprise."

"Dr. Kondonassis embodies the high standard of excellence that is endemic to Oklahoma's system of higher education," Gov. Henry states. "In his illustrious career as a professor of economics, Dr. Kondonassis has lectured throughout the globe and published a wealth of books and articles. His keen intellect and commitment to education reflect on the greatness of the University of Oklahoma as well as Oklahoma as a whole. He is truly a treasure in our world of academics."

Adds Chancellor Risser, "Alex Kondonassis is one of the most thoughtful and wise faculty members I have ever known. He is one of those persons who represents great wisdom, and is an example of the extraordinary benefits that students derive from learning with outstanding members of our faculty."

After graduating from DePauw with a bachelor of arts degree in economics, Kondonassis received his master of arts and doctoral degrees in economics from Indiana University. He joined the University of Oklahoma faculty in 1958 and served as chairman of the department of economics from 1961 to 1971, director of economics from 1979 to 1986 and director of the advanced graduate program in economics since 1960.

Professor Kondonassis' specialties include economic history and development, economic theory and economic integration movements, with special emphasis on the European Economic Community. He has directed more than 50 doctoral dissertations, published 80 books, monographs and articles, presented more than 85 papers at professional meetings in the United States and abroad and lectured in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

A 1998 inductee of the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame, Kondonassis is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Economic Association, North American Economic and Finance Association and Southwest Economics Association. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, has served as president of the Southwest Social Science Association, Missouri Valley Economic Association and International Executive Board, National Economics Honor Society. He currently is serving as economics editor for the Journal of Applied Business Research and as a member of the editorial board of the North American Journal of Economics and Finance.

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