CHRISTODOULOU, Anastasios 1932-2002

OBITUARY NOTICE—See index for CA sketch: Born May 1, 1932, in Akanthou, Cyprus; died after a stroke May 20, 2002, in Milton Keynes, England. University administrator and author. Christodoulou, as founding secretary of the Open University, was an influential advocate of distance learning and higher education for all. A graduate of Queen's College, Oxford where he earned a master's degree in 1959, his love of the British Commonwealth began with his work for the British Overseas Civil Service in what is now Tanzania. Returning to England in 1962, he joined the University of Leeds as assistant registrar, becoming deputy secretary from 1966 to 1968. His interest in higher education for all citizens, including those in the Commonwealth nations, led to his appointment as secretary of the Open University, which was established in 1969. As secretary, Christodoulou was in charge of finances, administration, and staff, and his leadership helped make the university a resounding success. He left the Open University in 1980 to become the secretary-general of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, where he remained until his retirement in 1996. In this capacity he worked to advocate the improvement of educational opportunities through distancelearning programs. He was recognized for his leadership in education when he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1976; he was also the recipient of several honorary degrees. Christodoulou's publication contributions include coeditorship of Commonwealth Universities Yearbook, including the 62nd edition (1986), and as a contributor to The Commonwealth Universities: The Story of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, 1963-1988 (1988).

OBITUARIES AND OTHER SOURCES:

BOOKS

Who's Who, 152nd edition, St. Martin's (New York, NY), 2000.

PERIODICALS

Scotsman (Edinburgh, Scotland), June 8, 2002, p. 15. Times (London, England), May 30, 2002, p. 33.