April 27, 2016

Newly Established Greek Alumni Association Hosts First Public Event on Refugee and Migration Issues

The Hellenic U.S. Alumni Association, the newly-established association of Greek U.S. government-funded exchange program alumni, held its first public event on April 15, 2016 when it gathered 70 alumni and members of the public to discuss the ongoing influx of refugees and migrants into Europe. The four speakers – all of whom are alumni of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) – discussed the current status of the refugee and migrant influx and its implications for Europe at a political and economic level, as well as its effects on the Greek educational and health system in particular. The majority of the audience included alumni of various USG-funded exchange programs, including IVLP, Fulbright, Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI), the Benjamin Transatlantic Fellowship Program (BFTF), and more. The event gave alumni the opportunity to offer insights and discuss ideas on how to tackle the current refugee and migration “crisis.”

Following the discussion, alumni explored potential themes to be addressed in future association events, such as global security issues and entrepreneurship at times of crisis. As Association President Danae Bezantakou remarked, “today’s event marks the beginning of many more discussions on current affairs that hopefully will raise the level of public discourse in our country.”  

For more information on the new Hellenic U.S. Alumni Association, please visit the association’s Facebook page.