Queens College Byzantine Center Receives $300K State Grant

Photo Credit: The National Herald/Maria Athanasopoulou

NEW YORK—The Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies at Queens College has received a transformative $300,000 grant from the State of New York, announced during the 47th Annual Certificate of Achievement Awards Ceremony on May 22.

The National Herald reports that the funding, secured with the help of State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris and community advocate Philip Christopher, will support the Center’s academic and operational sustainability.

Gianaris praised the Center’s contributions to students and the broader community, calling the development a “game changer” for an institution that has long operated without regular state support. The grant follows a detailed proposal submitted by Center Director Dr. Gerasimus Katsan and Assistant Director Dr. Maria Athanasopoulou.

The event also featured the annual Harry J. Psomiades Memorial Lecture, delivered by Consul General of Greece Iphigenia Kanara. Her address focused on expanding global perceptions of Greek identity beyond classical antiquity, highlighting the need to promote modern Greek culture through cultural diplomacy.

In addition to the lecture and grant announcement, dozens of scholarships were awarded to students pursuing studies in Modern Greek. Funded by various cultural and community organizations, the scholarships recognized academic excellence and support for Greek heritage education.

The evening underscored the Center’s vital role in preserving and advancing Hellenic studies, and the new funding is expected to significantly enhance its impact on both the academic and Greek-American communities.

For more information on the Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies at Queens College, click here.

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