This year, the University of Washington Hellenic Studies Program hosted a range of unique events that brought international scholarship, cultural exchange, and student research to the forefront. From visits by leading scholars to student participation in academic conferences, these events reflect the dynamic and growing impact of our program within the broader Hellenic Studies community.
Building Bridges: UW and the Gefyra Initiative
The UW Hellenic Studies Program is proud to be part of the West Coast Consortium of Hellenic Studies Programs, a growing network that connects universities across the region. One exciting initiative of this collaboration is Gefyra (Bridge), a pilot program launched by Simon Fraser University and the University of California, Los Angeles with support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Gefyra brings scholars, artists, and performers from Greece to Vancouver and Los Angeles, with the opportunity to visit Seattle as well.
Exploring Greek-Jewish history with Leon Saltiel
Leon Saltiel, a historian of the Holocaust in Thessaloniki, visited the UW this year for a discussion on Greek-Jewish history and international diplomacy. Saltiel currently serves as Director of Diplomacy and Representative to the United Nations and UNESCO for the World Jewish Congress in Geneva.
Music, nemory, and migration: A Fulbright Scholar’s research
We also welcomed Fulbright Scholar Maria Papavasilopoulou, a Ph.D. candidate in ethnomusicology at the University of Athens. From October 2024 to February 2025, she conducted research into music and songs in Ladino-speaking communities in the United States while engaging with students and faculty at UW.
Exploring Greek culture through student perspectives
Undergraduate Logan Tsui and graduate student Alexandra Ritsatos participated in the April conference East Meets West: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Greece’s History and Culture in Los Angeles. The conference brought together thirteen students from seven West Coast colleges and examined themes like ancient roots and influences, memory and diachronicity, and modern society and relations.