By Hailey Heinz

This is the final in a four-part series detailing the background of buildings on Northeastern’s campus.

When George Behrakis donated $8 million toward construction of the Behrakis Health Sciences Center, it became the largest private donation in Northeastern’s history. Oddly enough, this record-breaking sum did not ex-actly come from an alumnus.

Behrakis graduated from the New England College of Pharmacy in 1957. In 1962 that college became part of Northeastern’s College of Pharmacy.

“I think it’s important to understand that he was a graduate of the New England College of Pharmacy, so he didn’t technically go to school on Huntington Avenue. His feelings for Northeastern have really grown as sort of an adopted son, if you will, and in that respect, his support of the university is noteworthy,” said Deanna Jantzen, director of the Office of the Board of Trustees.

Jantzen has worked with Behrakis over the years, as Behrakis is currently the vice chair of the Board of Trustees, and has been a member of the board since 1991. Jantzen said Behrakis has been an active advocate for students.

“He just likes to be a doer. He has been particularly supportive of health science, but he also cares a lot about students. He wants to make sure the quality of life for students on campus is the best it can be,” Jantzen said.

Behrakis had the same hands-on approach with the development of the building that bears his name.

“He was actively involved in the design of the building. It was his vision to give the open feel to the building rather than just a classroom building,” said Stephen Zoloth, dean of the Bouv