The Sydney University Greek Society (SUGS) is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year with a ball on Friday, March 10 at Le Montage in Lilyfield, Sydney from 6.30pm.
The 65th anniversary celebrations mean SUGS is Australia’s oldest university Greek society.
To mark the milestone, The Greek Herald spoke with some members of the Society’s Executive Committee and they shared what SUGS means to them.
Kosta Plegas, President
What does being a part of SUGS mean to you?
SUGS has been an integral part of my university life as it has provided me with the opportunity to make lifelong friends throughout my time at uni. I became involved with SUGS in my second year of university when one of my friends asked me to join the general committee. I have not looked back since – going to all of the events, talks and meetings that we have held and forming friendships with people from our sister societies in the Combined Universities Greek Association (CUGA). SUGS has also brought me closer to my Greek heritage, culture and language, something which I am very passionate about.
What is the importance of SUGS celebrating its 65th anniversary?
65 years of SUGS is amazing to say the least. I feel very proud that this society has continued its tireless work throughout the years to maintain and preserve the Greek culture and language through our various events. The rich history of the Society is not lost on me and I feel proud that I have had the opportunity to lead the Society throughout some pretty crazy times. As the oldest Greek university society in Australia, I feel like this anniversary is a reminder to everyone the power and longevity that a Society like ours can have with the support of its members, friends and the wider Greek Australian community.
Christina Kokkinis, Treasurer
What does being a part of SUGS mean to you?
Being a part of SUGS means embracing my culture and heritage, and helping others celebrate it too. Even before I began university, I had always been a part of the Greek community, such as making my debut at the Kytherian Debutante Ball and attending different youth events, so it only felt natural to join SUGS as soon I could. SUGS isn’t just a society, it’s a way of a life, it’s a way to connect with like-minded individuals and make lifelong friends.
What is the importance of SUGS celebrating its 65th anniversary?
It seems unbelievable that SUGS was created 65 years ago and is still going strong today. It’s a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of Greek youth at the University of Sydney. We are the oldest Greek university society in Australia and to have 65 years of continual cultural celebration is absolutely phenomenal. I’m so proud to be a part of SUGS and even though I’m only a small part of our momentous history, it’s an honour to be able to promote our Greek culture and heritage.
Martina Theodorakakos, Secretary
What does being a part of SUGS mean to you?
Leaving my Greek family behind upon deciding to move from Adelaide to Sydney in 2020 to attend Law school, I was quick to miss the warmth of my Greek community. I joined SUGS in hopes of finding a Greek family in Sydney and to embed myself in a society of young people committed to maintaining Greek culture.
SUGS has been everything and more than I hoped for and that led me to join the committee to ensure SUGS lives on to represent Greek Australians and the beautiful nature and history of our rich culture. I love meeting new Greek people and learning about the ways our generation are involving themselves in new initiatives and pursuits. Seeing Greek people do amazing things inspires me to work hard and SUGS is a platform where Greek students can collaborate so we can solidify the place of Greeks in the world as innovators.
What is the importance of SUGS celebrating its 65th anniversary?
65 years of SUGS represents the coming and going of students excited to celebrate and share Greek culture. With many Greek Australians now born in Australia, retaining a close connection with our motherland ensures that we remember our roots. This fosters a genuine passion about issues close to our hearts, such as those concerning the return of the Parthenon Marbles.
65 years simultaneously represents the journey that our Greek population has made since the hardships endured by many of our grandparents in their migration to Australia. Our young generation can use SUGS to remember and honour our families, and become inspired to propel ourselves into an era of modern and progressive Greeks.
Nicola Skouteris, Marketing Officer
What does being a part of SUGS mean to you?
I was introduced to SUGS in my first year of university when I came along to a meeting to support a friend and was so impressed with the passion and commitment of the SUGS committee members that I decided to join the committee and contribute.
As the SUGS Marketing officer, I’m honoured and proud to be part of the long and distinguished history of Australia’s oldest university Greek society. We aim to promote and celebrate Hellenic culture, history and language and bring together students and supporters of our Greek heritage. We endeavour to promote and continue the Greek spirit of filoxenia and make memorable friendships and fun events that unite our community. A highlight of my university experience is the memories of creating our taverna nights, souvlaki BBQs and bouzoukia nights.
What is the importance of SUGS celebrating its 65th anniversary?
The 65th anniversary of SUGS is a momentous occasion that unites past and present students in celebrating our glorious history. It is a time to commemorate the enduring traditions of our Greek heritage and celebrate being a part of the Greek student community. We encourage everyone to come along and party with us and Greek dance the night away.
Elefteria Antonelli, Modern Greek Department Liaison
What does being a part of SUGS mean to you?
Being a part of SUGS means being part of a legacy that has transcended generations. SUGS was shaped by the passion and commitment of so many before me and it is my privilege to continue the labour of love. It means keeping in touch with my Greek heritage and meeting people who can also celebrate Greek culture.
I became involved in SUGS and subsequently the Greek Department representative as I studied Modern Greek as part of my double degree. The teachers in the department are incredibly intelligent and great mentors, making the role so appealing.Â
What is the importance of SUGS celebrating its 65th anniversary?
It feels great to be celebrating 65 years of SUGS and to know that we are furthering SUGS. is a source of pride. As Australia’s oldest University Greek society, it is enshrined and embodies the enduring Greek culture.
