Security Director Remembered with Dedication Ceremony

Ask anyone who knew Rich Stankovis and they’ll tell you about his always smiling face and his laughter. As director of Safety and Security, Salus at Drexel University, Stankovis touched the lives of nearly everybody involved with the institution. That’s why it was such a shock to the Salus family when Stankovis suddenly and unexpectedly passed away June 12, 2024.  

But his presence will never go away. The University recently dedicated a bench to Stankovis at the Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, campus and celebrated his memory with a ceremony on Sept. 17, 2024, that included not only the Salus community but members of his family.

“We thought it was only fitting that we honor him with a bench and people can sit here and remember him for all his service to our students and our community,” said Maura Keenan, vice president of Human Resources and Administrative Services. 

Elizabeth Moy, chief of staff, said what set Stankovis apart beyond his leadership was the quality of care and attention he gave to everyone who knew him.

“Rich nurtured relationships that are deeply personal and wonderfully supportive. His door was always open,” she said. “He had a smile for whomever he encountered and his ethic for generosity was truly unmatched.” 

As further evidence of that, Juliana Mosley-Williams, PhD, special assistant to the president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, pointed out that Stankovis had a side gig as a driver for a transportation company that the University contracted with for its Robert E. Horne Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). Students enrolled in that program were housed at a hotel in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and Stankovis was responsible for safely transporting the students from their hotel to the Elkins Park campus. In that capacity, he formed relationships with the students in the program. 

“I had the incredible honor of getting to know Rich as a part of that program. And, that was an invaluable experience in itself,” said Klaesyn Sibless ‘27OD, who spoke at the ceremony. “Rich was so incredible, he was truly the warmest welcome to Salus. I couldn’t imagine coming here without meeting him, without knowing him. He was our first friend here at Salus and he encouraged us to always keep our heads up. He wanted the best for everyone in his life.” 

Another SEP student, Kristen Cubillos ‘27OD, recalled how Stankovis introduced out-of-state students to Yum Yum Bake Shop in Warminster, Pennsylvania, and that he would bring pizza and other gifts to them weekly on Fridays. And, how he was always “ready to go” at 7 a.m. every morning. 

“To see that he's not here with us anymore is so heartbreaking,” said Cubillos. “I’m so sorry for your loss and we feel it here everyday that he’s not with us, but he was a wonderful, wonderful guy.” 

Speaking for the family, Dion Stankovis said her husband had told her all about his Salus family and that the bench and dedication ceremony was “amazing” and “beautiful.” 

“It’s hard to believe that we’re standing here today,” she said. "I just want to thank you so much. I feel like we're all family here. Don't be surprised if you see us here sitting on this bench, because we will be. It’s beautiful, we’re touched.”