The Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation held its 2025 AGM with matters discussed including an exciting collaboration that will allow students to study at the University of Ioannina.
The Foundation had its AGM on Sunday 22 June at the AHEPA Hall, wherein various matters were discussed, among which was confirmation that the Foundation accepted an offer made by the University of Ioannina to give university students in Australia the opportunity to attend a course in the Greek language and culture.
The course, which is supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, is likely to be held in winter, with the President of the Foundation authorised to finalise the details.
The Foundation noted in their press release on the AGM that they have pledged to assist with the costs of the course with the amount of €1,500 per student.
The AGM also featured discussions on the financial implications coming with the discontinuation of Greek at Macquarie from 2027.
The Foundation noted that its establishment back in 1986 saw the efforts of its founding members alongside the support of the wider Greek Australian community and Greek Government raise $375,000.
They noted in their press release on the AGM how the Foundation had reached an agreement with the University that if Greek was to discontinue, the principal sum of $375,000 would be refunded to the Foundation.
The University refunded to Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation approximately $500,000 and kept enough funds for the teaching out the existing courses until the end of 2026.
The Foundation stated they now have in their account in excess of $500,000, further noting that, over the period, additional amounts in excess of $1,000,000 were raised and donated to the course.
They noted that since there will be no more Modern Greek language courses offered at Macquarie University from 2027, the ex officio presence of the co-ordinator of the Modern Greek program to the Board of Directors has been cancelled.
Other matters raised included the creation of a CEO position which was decided upon and put into their Constitution.
Similarly, the simplification of membership was considered and accepted into the updated Constitution.
The Foundation thanked its outgoing board members: John Kallimanis, Theodora Koutzoumis, Zoe Re, Mary Vartzoumas and Dr Patricia Koromvokis.
The 14-member Board consists of the following:
Paris Paranomos
Dean Gongolidis
Dean Ohtaras
Sam Giovas
Leonidas Bombotas
Panagiota Georgiou
Anastasia Karakominakis
Peter Michalos
Ted Dorotheos Tzovaras
Connie Hilloudakis
John Theodoridis
Theophilus Premetis
