The University of Sydney’s (USYD) School of Languages and Cultures held its annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 3 at the Holme Building, in a proud celebration of academic achievement across language disciplines.
Among the standout moments of the event was the recognition of outstanding students in Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies, a program that continues to enrich Greek language and culture education in Australia.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, who warmly congratulated the recipients of this year’s awards and commended the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Hellenic heritage through academic excellence.
Award highlights in Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies
On the night, a range of prestigious prizes were presented to students excelling in Greek studies:
- Maria Kakali was a standout recipient, taking home two major honours: Order of the Australian Hellenic Education Progressive Association (AHEPA) Scholarship in Modern Greek; and The Politis Family Scholarship in Modern Greek and/or Byzantine Studies.
- Gabriella Michalopoulos was awarded the Modern Greek Studies Foundation Prize in Modern Greek Studies 1.
- Zijun Tang received both the Robert William Henderson Memorial Prize and the Modern Greek Studies Foundation Prize in Modern Greek Studies 2.
- Stavroula Nterzoti received the Modern Greek Studies Foundation Prize in Modern Greek Studies 3.
- Anargyros Kallos earned the Sydney University Greek Society (SUGS) Prize for Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies.
- Savvina-Elisavet Turner was awarded the Zarax Prize, recognising the best senior essay in Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies.
Each award represents not only academic merit but also a commitment to preserving Hellenic language, identity, and inquiry.
These prizes are made possible through generous donations from benefactors and associations such as AHEPA NSW, the Modern Greek Studies Foundation, and the Politis family—along with active support from the Sydney University Greek Society (SUGS).
The enduring success of the Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies program at the University of Sydney is largely credited to its devoted academic leaders, Professors Vrasidas Karalis and Anthony Dracopoulos, whose guidance and mentorship continue to inspire generations of students to engage deeply with Greek culture, history, and language.
