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- Ελληνικά
At a special ceremony held yesterday, 23 September 2023, in New York, the Authorities of Queens College honoured the President of the Republic Mr.Nicos Christodoulides with the President's Medal.
The President of the Republic began his academic studies at the Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies at Queens College, where he graduated in 1997 with majors in Political Science, Economics, Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies.
At the ceremony, where the President of the Republic was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Philippa Karsera Christodoulides and members of the Cypriot delegation, Queens College President Frank Wu, in presenting the Medal of Honour, said, among other things, that President Christodoulides is the most distinguished graduate of the College, noting that his life course demonstrates his dedication to duty.
He added that everyone admires the progress President Christodoulides has made in his career, noting that this was evident from his early student days.
He also referred to the fact that President Christodoulides was versatile and active in various fields, since while studying at the College, he also took foreign language classes and was also President of the Greek Orthodox Association.
"He then pursued postgraduate studies in political science at New York University, as well as studies in Diplomacy at the University of Malta's Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies and a PhD in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Athens," said Mr. Wu.
He added that President Christodoulides taught at the University of Cyprus and has authored a number of books, and also referred to his diplomatic and political career.
Mr Wu also praised President Christodoulides' abilities, noting that it is admirable how effective he is in every post from which he is called upon to deliver.
Receiving the Medal, the President expressed his deep emotion and said, among other things, that it was at Queens College that he first developed a keen interest in academia, noting that when he first came to New York to study he very quickly felt safe because of the people who make up the Center for Byzantine Studies, such as the professor in the Department of Political Science, Mr. Harris Psomiadis, as well as Efi Lekkas.
The President of the Republic also referred at length to what his academic career at Queens College offered him, providing him with the motivating force to continuously strive to contribute and achieve more, with its encouragement and constant intellectual stimulation.
"One question I constantly ask myself, both in my previous capacities as an academic, Government Spokesperson, Foreign Minister, and now as President of the Republic of Cyprus, is how do we shape and protect environments that are characterized by positive motivations that encourage us to strive to be the best at what we do," said President Christodoulides.
Referring to New York, the President of the Republic also said that it is a city he loves, which has offered him experiences and friendships that he will always value.
Finally, President Christodoulides said: "Looking to the past, the experiences and knowledge I gained during some of the best years of my life here at Queens College, which have defined who I am today, I am using those lessons and experiences in the ongoing struggle, as President, to bring about improvement and change in my country and its people."
(PM/MB)
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