The Foundation for Hellenic Studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has announced that the Greek Studies summer subject on Greek mythology (officially known as ‘Gods, Heroines and Heroes in Greek Myth’) has smashed university records by attracting 320 students in the recently completed course.
The fantastic result is doubly pleasing as the students were overwhelmingly of non-Greek heritage.
Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, the Greek Studies Convenor, was delighted by the number and also confirmed that there were 21 students enrolled in the language course which will begin on February 17.
This comes as the Foundation has initiated a new scholarship programme – 1821 – to encourage more students to enrol in Greek.
There is, however, more work ahead. As a result of the historically low interest rates and policies by the government and university, the Foundation’s Fund has been depleted.
Foundation Chairman Costa Vertzayias said: “…reluctantly, after 30 years, we now need the Community’s support again. The good news is that we have a good relationship with the University, as can be seen by our mythology subject being the top summer university course by far.”
Mr Vertzayias also thanked the following community organisations that have contributed, to date, to the Foundation’s appeal:
- Pan Arcadian Association: $5,000
- Greek Orthodox Community of NSW: $3,000
- Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney: $2,000
- Kalymnian Association: $1,500
- St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Community of Burwood: $1,000
- Athenian Association: $500
- Pan Achaian Association: $500
- Bi-Lingual Bookshop: $300
- Castellorizian Association: $200
Found out how you can support the Foundation at unswgreek.com.
