A performance by two Greek divas at UCSB's Campbell Hall, Friday, November 1 (8 p.m.) will mark the first of many public performances planned to celebrate Greek culture supported by an endowment established by James and Sarah Argyropoulos of Santa Barbara.
In addition to supporting Greek cultural events, the gift made possible the creation in the Classics Department of an endowed chair in Hellenic Studies, which is held by Apostolos Athanassakis, a member of the UCSB faculty for 33 years.
Although some of the endowment funds are used to support Athanassakis' research in Greek poetry and classical linguistics, "most of the income is given in scholarships to the best students in classics," Athanassakis said.
"Thanks to the generosity of James and Sarah Argyropoulos, modern Greek is taught at UCSB."
Every endowed chair has a mission, Athanassakis added.
"Ours is to continue to invigorate the teaching of the ancient Greek language and culture, and to promote modern Greek studies."
Athanassakis is also in the process of creating summer sessions in classical studies in Greece, which are set to begin in July 2003.
Tickets for the inaugural musical event featuring singers Maria Farantouri and Maryo are available by calling UCSB's Arts and Lectures Ticket Office at 893-3535.
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