The Queens College Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies awarded Assistant Professor Dr. Despina Afentouli the Recognition for Excellence in Teaching Award during the school’s 48th annual Graduation and Student Awards Ceremony, which celebrates outstanding graduates, honorees and community organizations dedicated to promoting Greek and Greek-American studies across the United States.
Dr. Afentouli noted that the Queens College Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies serves as a vital intellectual bridge that connects the university with the global Greek diaspora.
“I firmly believe that the Greek language, literature and culture are not simply academic subjects, but living bridges of communication, historical memory and intercultural understanding,” Dr. Afentouli said. “This is what I strive to convey to my students every day through teaching. I dedicate this honor to my students and to all global supporters of Greek education and the humanities.”
In addition to her work at Queens College, Dr. Afentouli has applied expert educational guidance and editorial coordination to the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in West Nyack, overseeing the publication of the Greek School’s student newspaper, written entirely in Greek, in the prestigious international publication “To Vima.”
This local newspaper, which is published under the high aegis of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, spotlights the work of local diaspora youth. Published contributors include students Michael Aspras, Eliana Zacharopoulos, Giorgos Zacharopoulos and Giorgos Aspras, as well as school alumnus Manthos Papadacos.
