It should be expected that the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens would honor expatriates – benefactors, and others whose contributions are so significant that they bring relief to communities, further the country’s development, and enhance its global reputation.

After all, the first and largest university in the country bears the name of an expatriate, the founder of modern Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias.

In this context, it could not have honored another expatriate more deserving than Mr. Andreas Dracopoulos.

On Wednesday evening, silence filled the grand, imposing hall of the university in acknowledgment of the important event about to take place.

A President of the Hellenic Republic, two former Prime Ministers, and five Ministers were in attendance.

The process of awarding Mr. Dracopoulos with an honorary doctorate was befitting the historic institution.

The speech by the rector, Professor Gerasimos Siasios, was impressive, filled with pride and gratitude for the honored benefactor.
“The SNF, under the leadership of Andreas Dracopoulos,” he said, “continues the tradition of national benefactors who played a crucial role in the early steps that led to the creation of the Greek state. Today, with your globally impactful philanthropic work, you maximize this tradition and elevate it to a global endeavor,” he added. “Your work is an inspiration for all, the recognition of which today makes us proud.”

Mr. Dracopoulos, moved, concluded his brief speech as follows:
“I want to share with you… a saying from American psychiatrist and author Theodore Isaac Rubin, who said that ‘kindness is more important than wisdom, and the moment you realize that, it will be the beginning of your own wisdom.’”

This is indeed a case where the one conferring the award is as deserving as the honoree.