The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has written to over 20 Greek community organisations to join in a broad coalition to tackle La Trobe University’s plans to terminate its Greek Studies program.

La Trobe University made known its decision on 11 November, causing waves of disappointment throughout the Greek Community. The Victorian Greek community organisations have been invited to a meeting that will be held on Monday 16 November to come up with an action plan.

“The Greek  Studies program at Latrobe University is the only program in Victoria offering the opportunity for students in Victoria across all Victorian campuses  to study Greek language and culture at Tertiary level,” said Theo Markos, Vice President of the GCM.

In an open letter, the GCM stressed that the Greek Studies program was in fact experiencing growth and that it even had students looking to do Honours in 2021.

It also noted that the program was in receipt of significant support via the Vasilogiannis bequest and the Dardalis Archives supported by the GCM.

“The Greek Community of Melbourne has worked closely with the program to deliver an array of highly regarded cultural activities such as the Culture and Lecture Series. Both Stephie Nikoloudis, current coordinator of the Program, and her predecessor Maria Herodotou, have been active contributors to our own education and cultural program. The possible loss of the Program would have a devastating effect on the future  of Greek language teaching in the state of Victoria. The repercussions are too countless to mention. It would also be a blow to the unique identity of La Trobe University and is something that we do not accept lightly.”

READ MORE: An open letter to La Trobe University: You can help save the Greek language course!

The President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis also expressed his concern with the University’s plan to exit Greek Studies.

“Melbourne’s broader Greek community has for many years looked to La Trobe with pride for its program and has backed this pride with resources and offers of support,” Mr Papastergiadis said.

“Numerous members of our community, myself included, have met with University executives on more than half a dozen occasions proposing a number of initiatives. Whilst we appreciate the impact of the pandemic, Greek Studies at La Trobe has seen an increase in student numbers in recent years. The program has attracted postgraduate students and there is even interest in students undertaking Honours in Modern Greek Studies next year.”

READ MORE: La Trobe University’s Greek language programme under threat

Following the letter, La Trobe university agreed to meet up with the GCM on Friday 20 November.

Meanwhile, the GCM further urged all Victorian Greeks and phihellenes to sign the NUGAS petition that has been launched.Throughout the years, the GCM has been an extensive supporter of the Greek Studies program constantly helping it gain momentum.