Professor honored

Kat Mabry / Roundup

Leo Sirakides, an overall joy to be around and an educator who truly devoted his life to his students died Monday, March 21, 2011.

Sirakides served as what is the equivalent to a contemporary Dean of academic affairs at Los Angeles City College and as vice president of student services at Los Angeles Southwest College before coming to Pierce.

He stepped down from his position as dean to focus on his students.

Sirakides joined the computer application and office technologies department in the 1970s on campus.

“This is the kind of guy where people just loved to take his classes,” said Bob Lyons, fellow instructor at Pierce and long time friend. “He was dedicated to his students.”

He will be missed.

Services were held for friends and family Monday March 14 at the Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral.