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When Demetrios Papacostas ‘77 ‘77G began studying mechanical engineering at Lehigh University, he didn’t realize he was laying the foundation for a five-decade international career as a senior executive and corporate officer across a wide variety of industries.

Papacostas has 50 years of professional experience in defense, energy, oil and gas, petrochemical, industrial, and construction sectors. He most recently worked as CEO of the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), which is responsible for the manufacture and maintenance of military and civilian aircraft in Greece and abroad.

As a former international student himself, Papacostas understands the importance of a global focus in education. He has maintained strong ties with Lehigh and is eager to help the university grow its global reach, particularly in fostering educational and cultural exchanges between Lehigh and Greece.

“Today, there are no educational borders,” said Papacostas, 71. “In a globalized world, where education is expanding and becoming more diversified, it’s important to have cooperation between educational institutions, R&D centers, and industry. I’d like to help build those connections.”

Cheryl Matherly, Vice President and Vice Provost for International Affairs at Lehigh’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), maintained connections with Papacostas since first meeting him in 2022, when the Greek government invited Lehigh and a delegation of other U.S. higher educational institutions to visit Greece.

“It’s truly inspiring to hear Demetrios describe his time as an international student at Lehigh as life changing,” Matherly said. “The impact that his studies at Lehigh have had on his career and worldview underscore how education not only transcends borders but also profoundly influences global perspectives and professional paths.”

Finding His Way to Lehigh

Born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece, Papacostas was a high school senior when, at age 17, a friend suggested he apply for a Fulbright Scholarship to study in the United States. The concept sounded like a “summer dream” to him at the time, but he received the scholarship and came to study mathematics and physics at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa.

“It all happened by chance, really,” Papacostas said. “I wasn’t familiar with the area, and they picked the school for me. It was like fate, one of those unpredictable moments that change the course of your life.”

After graduating from Muhlenberg in 1974, Papacostas studied mechanical engineering at Lehigh, obtaining both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1977. His thesis work involved automatic control systems and dynamics, and he conducted research in military aircraft funded by NASA. He also worked as a teaching assistant at Lehigh for three years.

After finishing his education, Papacostas returned to Thessaloniki. NASA offered him a job at the Edwards Air Force Base in California, which he planned to accept, but family and personal circumstances led him to remaining in Greece for the next several decades.

A Global Career

Upon completion of his army service, Papacostas worked for the next 20 years at Esso Pappas, a subsidiary of Exxon that was renamed Hellenic Petroleum after it was acquired by the Greek government in 1983.

After departing there in 1997, Papacostas transitioned into the construction industry and became involved in the emerging field of photovoltaics, more commonly known as solar panels. He has held several executive or manager positions since then, including CEO of the Hellenic Vehicle Industry, a manufacturer of civilian and military vehicles based in Thessaloniki.

Papacostas was hired by Shell in 2017 to become the general manager of the Athens Natural Gas Distribution Company, which serves a population of more than 5 million in the Athens metropolitan area. He worked there until 2020 when he began his role as CEO of HAI, where he remained until January 2024.

Though he did not have such an international career in mind when he first studied at Lehigh, he now credits the academic rigor and opportunities afforded to him at the university with helping prepare him for that path.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always been in an international business environment,” he said. “Having studied in the U.S. for almost seven years during my late teens and early 20s forged my character. It’s an age of my life that afforded me many experiences and opportunities.”

Lasting Connections with Lehigh

Over the course of his career, Papacostas has maintained a close relationship with Lehigh and explored potential collaborations with the university. He has consistently expressed a desire to help expand the university’s international presence, especially in Greece.

“I want to help Lehigh as much as possible, because it’s my alma mater,” he said. “I think there are many opportunities to grow and expand the international strategies at Lehigh, and I’m excited about all the possibilities and how I can be a part of it.”

Papacostas has advocated for facilitating connections between Lehigh and Greek educational institutions. He assisted Iacocca Institute’s Global Village and, during his time at HAI, he hosted visiting delegations from Lehigh, and held discussions about possible corporate education programs at Lehigh for HAI employees.

He has also helped guide and mentor several Lehigh students and graduates seeking job opportunities in Greece. Particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, Papacostas feels there has been a fast rise in distance learning and easier access to information, which has opened greater international education opportunities for Lehigh University.

“I believe in education,” he said. “Providing young people with hands-on educational opportunities and international experiences is so valuable.”