USC President Nikias honored by Federation of Cypriot American Organizations
A native of Cyprus, Nikias is recognized by the leading organization dedicated to the promotion of Greek Cypriot cultural heritage in the U.S.
USC President C. L. Max Nikias was the honoree at the 2016 Testimonial Dinner hosted by the Federation of Cypriot American Organization (FCAO) in New York on Friday.
Nikias was recognized for outstanding academic achievements and leadership and was presented a replica of the Kyrenia ship by Republic of Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and FCAO President Kyriakos Papastylianou. A merchant ship that sailed the Mediterranean in the fourth century B.C., the Kyrenia ship is a symbol of national pride for Cyprus.
“Throughout my upbringing in Famagusta, my parents placed a high value on education, allowing me to immerse myself in the sciences as well as in Greco-Roman classics, theater and history,” Nikias said.
I take great pride in my roots and am tremendously honored as a Cypriot-American to receive this prestigious award.
C. L. Max Nikias
“I take great pride in my roots and am tremendously honored as a Cypriot-American to receive this prestigious award, which serves as an important reminder of the many ways in which my heritage shapes and defines me to this day.”
The FCAO is the leading organization dedicated to the promotion of Greek Cypriot cultural heritage in the United States, promoting a wide range of social, educational, philanthropic and cultural activities.
Explaining the selection of Nikias for this honor, Papastylianou said: “Dr. Nikias is one of America’s pre-eminent Greek Cypriot ambassadors. He has been fascinated by the richness of classical Greek civilization from a young age and has been guided throughout his academic and private life by the democratic ideals enshrined in western civilization. Dr. Nikias is a proud Hellene and in his capacity as president of USC exemplifies the best of the classical Greek spirit while charting a bold path for one the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.”
The FCAO’s annual Testimonial Dinner is held every September in New York. Past honorees have included: Michael and Mary Jaharis and George David for their dedication to Hellenism, Orthodoxy, humanity and philanthropy; the American Jewish Council for its advocacy in the United States and abroad for the restoration of the human rights of the people of Cyprus; and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., for his ongoing efforts to achieve a just and viable solution for Cyprus.