SAE 30.04.2010
The Greek Society of Adelphi University offered a taste of Greece to American students and professors at the University Centre of the institution in Garden city, last Tuesday.
In a hall full of students and parents, the members of the Greek Society presented videos and photographs from Greece, showing Greece’s contribution to the western civilization and the importance of restoring Greek values in our daily lives. Students Katerina Spanopoulou (President), Vicky Karatzias (Vice President), Katerina Pougiouklides (Secretary), Harry Zikos (Treasurer), Aris Kourkoumelis, Melina Giakoumis and Panayotis Lafatzis (newly elected President), presented topics on Greek mythology, philosophy, archaeology, culture and language, concluding with a brief reference to the Greek diet.
The walls of the hall were decorated with posters, whilst images from Greece were being projected, using material which was provided by the head of the GNTO (Greek National Tourism Organisation) in the US, Mr. Chrysanthos Petsilas. The guests had the opportunity to taste Greek delights and enjoy Greek music. Dimitris Monias was the DJ for the evening. The event was attended by the President of SAE Education Committee, Ms Stella Kokolis.
“In American Universities very important work is being carried out and the value of Greek education and education in Greek language is being highlighted”, stressed Ms. Kokolis. “All students and the Councilor of the Greek Society of the University, Ms. Gioula Serpanos, deserve praise for promoting Greece and its culture, gaining particular importance in the current context.”
“It’s not Greek to you” stated the President of the Society to the audience. “You speak Greek every day through the English language and employing the Greek Culture, as Greek values were incorporated to the American Culture, since the establishment of the country”.
Aris Kourkoumelis analyzed the myth of Plato’s Cave, concluding with a reference to Socrates on the need for man to study life and live as a decent and brave walker. Melina Giakoumis presented her experience through her participation in Dr. Anagnostis Angelarakis’ excavations in Eleftherna of Crete. Katerina Pougiouklides made reference to the importance of Greek Mythology and Panayotis Lafatzis on the visions, the future and activities of the Society.
The students enthralled the audience and especially their parents. The well-known entrepreneur Mr. Kourkoumelis, overwhelmed by the presentations of the students, suggested the organization of joint events among neighboring Greek Student Associations. “At such times, we see the justification of our efforts. These children deserve every form of support and encouragement to pursue similar initiatives”, stated among other things, Mr. Kourkoumelis.
