Christos Paraskevopoulos

1934 – 2007

Christos Paraskevopoulos was born in Kalavryta of Peloponessos, Greece in 1934 and studied economics at the Economics University of Athens.  He was a brilliant student and was selected to be a Fulbright Scholar to do graduate work in the U.S..  Upon completion of his Ph.D. in Economics from Wayne State University he joined the faculty of the Department of Economics at Atkinson College of York University and rapidly became a distinguished faculty member with excellent research publications in urban economics, econometrics and trade.

Beyond his regular duties of teaching and research and service, Chris was driven by his Greek heritage to promote both dialogue and debate of significant economic issues.  He believed that economic problems such as economic development, integration in the European Union, NAFTA and globalization require intense debate because of their complexity. Analysis alone cannot offer definitive answers.  To promote opportunities for dialogue and debate Chris organized the ATHENIAN POLICY FORUM in 1989 and served as its President for 18 years.

Under his leadership, the ATHENIAN POLICY FORUM became an internationally recognized forum for conferences and scholarly publications.  Over the years more than 30 Conferences were organized around the world and more than 40 books were published.  These conferences attracted more than 200 scholars who discussed and debated numerous current economic topics.

The remarkable success of the ATHENIAN POLICY FORUM encouraged Chris and the Board of Directors to take a further step and publish the JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ASYMMETRIES that is currently completing its 3rd year of publication.

As associates, colleagues and friends of Chris, we are all very sad to lose him but all celebrate his remarkable life.  He inspired and challenged all of us to be passionate about economics. Such passion enriches our lives. This is his precious gift to us all.

Tassos Malliaris

June 7, 2007

Chris was a person of unfailing courtesy and kindness, as well as economic acuteness.  We are indebted to him for his generous friendship and professional leadership.

Richard Eckaus

June 7, 2007