Leaders in Toronto's Hellenic Community to Officially Sign Agreement Setting up York U. Chair in Hellenic Studies, Sign Over 1st $500,000 to Advance Greek Language, Culture

TORONTO, January 27, 2000 -- After choosing York University last May as the Toronto university in which to establish a Hellenic Studies Program and Chair, the Hellenic Heritage Foundation and The Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto Inc. will make it official this Friday, January 28, 2000 during an official signing ceremony and cheque presentation from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Faculty Club, Ross Building, York University, 4700 Keele St.

York University, whose emphasis on internationalization and commitment to programs relevant to the communities it serves, will conduct an international search for a Chair who will be a leading scholar with specialized expertise in the study of contemporary Greece. This will enhance the educational opportunities of York students -- including the more than 1,000 students of Greek heritage enrolled each year -- who want to study the Greek language, literature, history and culture.

"The Greeks recognized the fundamental importance of education in the civilizing process: the process of creating citizens who can think and act critically," said Vice-President (Academic) Michael Stevenson. "The establishment of the Hellenic Chair at York University reflects the strategic importance of modern Greece and the University's growing success in innovative international and European studies," he said.

WHO:
York University President Dr. Lorna Marsden
York University Vice-President (Academic) Michael Stevenson
York University Vice-President (University Advancement) Gary J. Smith
Steve Mirkopoulos, President, Hellenic Heritage Foundation
Costas Menegakis, President, The Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto Inc.
*Bishop Christoforos, The Consul General of Greece, the Consul General of Cyprus, and elected officials, will also be in attendance.

WHAT:
Ceremony and official signing of agreement establishing Toronto's first permanent endowed Chair of Hellenic Studies, at York University, cheque presentation of the first installment of $500,000

WHEN:
Friday, January 28, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

WHERE:
Faculty Club, Ross Building, York University, 4700 Keele St.

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For more information, please contact:

Ken Turriff
Media Relations
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
kturriff@yorku.ca
YU/011/00