Fanning the Greek studies flame

"We strive to keep the spark of Hellenism alive in the United States, in this great melting pot, in an environment that does not favor the preservation of the Greek cultural identity. Securing the continued survival of Greek studies abroad is a battle," says Michael Cosmopoulos, professor of Greek history and archaeology at the University of Missouri-St Louis and holder of the Hellenic Government-Karakas Family Foundation Professorship in Greek Studies. One of the first ever established in the United States, the program celebrated its 30-year anniversary on September 22.

The sailing has not always been smooth, but hard work, persistence, passion and vision have helped overcome the obstacles along the way and resist the tides wiping out linguistic and cultural diversity.

Thanks to his rich body of publications and work, Cosmopoulos kept the beacon alight. His...