– Thanks to a major gift from Drexel Hall of Famer and long-time supporter John Daskalakis, renovations will begin this summer on the Daskalakis Athletic Center, the home of the men's and women's basketball teams at Drexel.Daskalakis, a Drexel alum and former standout on the lacrosse field, donated $3 million for renovations of the athletic center that already bears his name. The DAC, as it is affectionately known, is a 300,000 square-foot athletic and recreational building that is most known for being the home to Drexel's men's and women's NCAA Division I basketball teams. The building also hosts a list of other events, including Drexel wrestling, swimming and diving and the 2012 Men's and Women's U.S. Squash Open. As part of the renovations to the DAC, new locker-rooms for the basketball teams are planned, as well as improved arena seating and the completion of an athletics hall of fame.“The education and athletic experience John received while a student at Drexel University had an important impact on his life,” Director of Athleticssaid. “His past and current commitment to Drexel athletics is inspiring. John is a very special alumnus, who embodies the spirit of loyalty and friendship. We are lucky to call him a Drexel Dragon.”“I am very grateful about the opportunity I had on the field and in the classroom during my days at Drexel,” said Daskalakis. “I'm happy to be able to help out Drexel in any way that I can.”“John has been a great supporter of Drexel basketball ever since I arrived here 11 years ago,” said Drexel Head Men's Basketball Coach James “Bruiser” Flint. “He has done so much for our program. I am sure his generous gift will encourage more people to come forth and help our efforts to improve the DAC and make it one of the toughest places to play in the CAA.”“John has been an integral part of Drexel basketball as long as I can remember,” said Head Women's Basketball Coach. “He helped fund our trips to both Spain and Italy and his generosity has helped our program continue to grow.”The gift from Daskalakis is the start of Drexel's “I am a Dragon” campaign. This campaign will help Drexel Athletics renovate, improve and build facilities which will help raise the prominence of its teams. With these goals in mind, the department has a goal of generating $15 million in donations. This campaign will create an even bigger and brighter window through which all can see Drexel University and its consistent commitment to excellence.