La Trobe Greek Studies students shine amid renewed concerns over program cuts

It was so an honour and a privilege to beryllium fixed the accidental to present, connected behalf of the Zangalis family, the Zangalis Prize for Excellence successful Greek Studies to a young student whom I precocious met, Alexander Gerasimidis, for his work successful Greek

The student prize ceremonial took spot astatine La Trobe University connected the 5th of May 2026 and was organised by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Apart from the Zangalis Prize, 4 Vassilogiannis Prizes for Excellence were awarded to different students successful the Greek Studies program, which is coordinated by Dr Stephie Nikoloudis , an fantabulous teacher and world who is wholeheartedly committed to the preservation ,enhancement and promotion of the Greek connection astatine La Trobe University.

For those who whitethorn not know, the precocious Anastasios Vassilogiannis bequeathed a important magnitude of wealth to the La Trobe University Greek Studies program, to beryllium used successful perpetuity. I was besides pleased to conscionable members of his family, Maria and John, who proceed to amusement an progressive involvement successful the programme and were connected manus to contiguous awards to the winning students.

Alexander (M) with Professor McGuire and Theo Markos (R). Photo: Supplied

It was besides important to perceive from the Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Matthew McGuire, who thanked each the prize donors for their continuous support of students, their generosity, and their designation of world achievement.

The La Trobe University Greek Studies programme continues to bash an fantabulous job, and this was intelligibly reflected successful the speeches delivered by the students connected the night. Both students acknowledged Dr Nikoloudis’ thrust and passionateness and thanked her for her invaluable guidance and support.

However they besides expressed interest regarding the caller cuts to the programme and called connected the university to reconsider its decision.

Alexander, who said that his Greek classes were among the astir enjoyable and memorable moments of his university life, told the assemblage that the Greek programme is erstwhile again under threat. He expressed his disappointment , oregon rather, arsenic helium described it, his devastation , that helium could nary longer proceed studying Greek due to the fact that the precocious connection levels, Greek 7 and 8, person been discontinued. He went connected to emphasise the nonstop transportation betwixt connection learning and the true essence of multiculturalism.

(L-R) Caitlyn, Alexander, Theodore and Christian. Photo: Supplied

Penelope, who was awarded 1 of the Vassilogiannis Prizes for Excellence, spoke astir the request to safeguard the programme so that different students tin person the aforesaid accidental she had to study Greek astatine an precocious level. Penelope stated that learning Greek made her consciousness implicit and afloat connected to her heritage.

Kudos besides to Theodore Kompogiorgas, Christian Demelis, and Caitlyn Terpou, who were besides awarded Vassilogiannis Prizes for Excellence.

So, it whitethorn erstwhile again beryllium clip for our assemblage to rotation up its sleeves and advocator for the connection programme astatine La Trobe — the ONLY Greek connection programme near astatine tertiary level successful Victoria.

Having spoken with the Dean connected the night, I was encouraged to perceive that helium is willing to conscionable with members of the Pharos Alliance and different representatives of our community. Professor Joe Lo Bianco, Chair of the Alliance, has already written to him outlining the concerns shared by some students and the wider Greek Australian community.

Let us anticipation that this gathering produces a fruitful outcome. Our assemblage needs a strong and broad Greek connection studies programme astatine La trobe University .We indispensable support, beforehand and support it!