The Greek Ambassador, Alexios Christopoulos and the Greek Consul General for Melbourne Christos Salamanis visited La Trobe University on April 23 where they met with La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Johnson and other university officials.
While on the campus the Greek Ambassador and the Greek Consul inspected the University’s extensive archive, which includes materials related to the migration of Greek immigrants to Australia.
The offering of Hellenic Studies by universities such as La Trobe University are important according to Mr Christopoulos because it “connects with the fundamental nature of our culture and society.”
The Greek Ambassador expressed his confidence about the University’s on-going support for Hellenic Studies.
“It is very helpful to meet the Vice-Chancellor here and having understood his feeling and capabilities I’m sure about the future of Hellenic studies at La Trobe,” he said.
In December last year, Professor Chris Mackie, an internationally recognised scholar with a publication record and research agenda combining the ancient and modern worlds, was appointed to the position of Professorial Director of the Research Centre for Greek Studies at La Trobe University.
The Research Centre was established earlier in 2009 replacing the National Centre of Hellenic Studies and Research also known by its Greek acronym EKEME.
The new centre is within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and promotes multidisciplinary research in topics related to Greece, its language, modern history and the study of Greek Diasporas around the world.
Professor Johnson was delighted to welcome the Greek Ambassador to La Trobe and paid tribute to the enormous contribution of volunteers and donors from the Greek community who have generously contributed their time and money over the years to supporting La Trobe’s Hellenic programs.