The Samuel Gridley Howe Award for Greek-American Friendship and Cooperation was awarded to the President of the International Propeller Club and the Propeller Club of Piraeus, Costis Frangoulis, in the presence of the United States Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Frangoulis is the first recipient of this distinction, which was established by the Department of International and European Studies of the University of Piraeus in collaboration with the postgraduate programme “American Studies: Politics, Strategy and Economics,” with the aim of recognising individuals who make a substantial contribution to strengthening Greek-American friendship and cooperation. The award bears the name of the great philhellene Samuel Gridley Howe, who became closely associated with the Greek War of Independence and support for the Greek people, and who remains one of the most emblematic figures in Greek-American relations.
The ceremony at the Hellenic Yacht Club was opened with a greeting by the Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor Michalis Sfakianakis. This was followed by remarks from the United States Ambassador, Kimberly Guilfoyle, who referred to Frangoulis’ long-standing contribution to the strengthening of Greek-American relations and his role as President of the International Propeller Club, making special mention of his contribution to the further rapprochement of the maritime communities of Greece and the United States, while also warmly thanking him for their friendship and cooperation.
The award and the honouree were presented by the Dean and Head of the Department of International and European Studies, Aristotelis Tziampiris, who also read the relevant resolution of the award. The presentation of Frangoulis’ work and career was delivered by the Vice Chair of the Department of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus, Professor Fotini Asderaki, who highlighted his long-standing contribution to shipping, entrepreneurship, and the strengthening of Greek-American relations, both through his professional activity and his institutional role in the Propeller Club, outlining the key milestones of his career from his early professional steps to the present day.
A particularly moving moment of the evening was the tribute video dedicated to the career of Kostis Frangoulis, featuring messages from former US Ambassadors Geoffrey Pyatt and George Tsunis, as well as current Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle.
“It is not only part of our history, but also our future”
In his speech, Fragkoulis referred extensively to the enduring relationship between Greece and the United States, the role of the shipping community and the Greek diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations, as well as the contribution of the Propeller Club of Piraeus since its establishment in 1935.
Referring to the Club’s role during periods in which Greek-American relations faced difficulties, he noted that “the two flags were always side by side at every one of our events. Symbolic, yes — but also a statement.”
At the same time, he emphasised that the relationship between Greece and the United States “is not only part of our history, but also our future,” while making special reference to the contribution of recent U.S. Ambassadors to the further strengthening of bilateral relations.
“I feel that this award does not belong to me alone. It belongs to the Club, to its former Presidents and Governors, to my Co-Governors, and of course to our Members. The Propeller Club was, after all, the vehicle that brought me here this evening,” Fragoulis underlined.
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