08/28/2026
The Webster community mourns the passing of Webster Athens Rector and Managing Director, Professor Vasilis J. Botopoulos.
Professor Botopoulos served Webster Athens as its inaugural rector and managing director since 2014.
Read more: https://news.webster.edu/2026/webster-mourns-athens-rector-botopolous.php
Webster Athens Mourns the Passing of Rector Professor Vasilis J. Botopoulos
It is with profound sorrow that the Webster Athens community announces the passing of our Rector and Managing Director, Professor Vasilis J. Botopoulos.
His sudden passing has left our community in deep shock and sorrow. A respected academic leader, Professor Botopoulos dedicated more than three decades to advancing American higher education in Greece. Since 2014, he served Webster Athens as its inaugural Rector and Managing Director, leading with integrity, dedication and a deep commitment to education and its students.
“Our beloved Vasilis has passed away,” shared his wife, Professor Ino Korbaki, and their daughters, Anastasia and Eleni. “He departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
“We are all deeply saddened by the devastating news of the passing of our beloved and respected Rector Vasilis Botopoulos,” said Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Dr. Susie Michailidis.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at 11:30 a.m. at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Basil in Tripoli, Arcadia, Greece, his hometown.
The Webster Athens community extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Ino, his daughters, Anastasia and Eleni, and all his family and loved ones.
May his memory be eternal.
