Join us as we celebrate Greece's rich heritage with the American School at their Virtual Gala on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. EDT. Experience an extraordinary evening of culture, education, and inspiration—from the comfort of your own home! This year, the American School will honor Professor Curtis Runnels for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge of post-antique Greece. Watch inspiring stories about the incredible people and work of the American School and help support their essential mission.
Schedule of Events
Virtual Gala Pre-Show: 5:30–6:30 p.m. EDT
A Journey Through Assassin's Creed Odyssey with the American School and Ubisoft
Join Dr. John Camp, Director of the Athenian Agora Excavations at the American School, and Dr. Stéphanie-Anne Ruatta, Historian at Ubisoft Québec, on a journey through ancient Greece in Assassin's Creed Odyssey, a video game featuring a virtual world created in part using American School research. To watch the trailer, please click here.
Virtual Gala Program: 6:30–7:30 p.m. EDT
Sneak Peek of the Upcoming Gennadius Library Exhibition
Enjoy a preview of The Free and the Brave: American Philhellenes and the Glorious Struggle of the Greeks (1776–1866), an exhibition that commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution. To read more, please click here.
Gennadius Prize Presentation and World Premiere of the School’s New Short Film
The world-renowned Gennadius Library will present their prize to Professor Curtis Runnels for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge of post-antique Greece. This will be followed by the premiere of "Curtis Runnels: Philhellene, Scholar, Bibliophile, Benefactor," a new film that documents our honoree's passionate pursuit and acquisition of rare Greek books, manuscripts, and artifacts. To watch a sneak peek, please click here.
Conservation of Paintings at Corinth
Witness the major restoration of Roman wall paintings discovered by the American School at ancient Corinth.
Learn how innovations in technology are helping to bring Greece’s past to life.
Breakout Rooms: 7:30–8:30 p.m EDT
Immediately following the Gala, you are encouraged to join our exclusive breakout sessions and interact online with renowned scholars, including Professor Runnels, and special guests who are at the heart of the American School. For more info, click here.
A Note from Anastasios Koularmanis
The Office of the Director of Greek Education is committed to the promotion, preservation, and growth of all Greek Schools in the Archdiocese. It strives for the development of programs of educational excellence that preserve and promote the Faith, language, and culture. Therefore, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA), an organization that shares a similar mission.
Founded in 1881, the American School is the oldest and largest U.S. overseas research center. A consortium of nearly 200 affiliated North American colleges and universities, the School provides graduate students and scholars a base for the advanced study of all aspects of Greek culture, from antiquity to the present day.
In admiration of the significant aims of the Department of Greek Education and with respect to our shared mission, the Trustees of the American School have offered us complimentary admission to their upcoming Virtual Gala on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. EDT. Please save the date and time!
The Virtual Gala promises to be a very informative and educational program. Of particular interest to students will be the virtual tour of ancient Greece featured in “A Journey through Assassin’s Creed Odyssey with the American School of Classical Studies and Ubisoft.”*
Warm regards,
Anastasios Koularmanis
Director, Department of Greek Education
*Although Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is an action-adventure video game with a mature rating, the virtual tour of ancient Greece was filmed using the educational mode of the software that is appropriate for all audiences.
About the School
Founded in 1881, the American School of Classical Studies at Athens is the oldest and largest U.S. overseas research center. A consortium of nearly 200 affiliated North American colleges and universities, the School provides graduate students and scholars a base for the advanced study of all aspects of Greek culture, from antiquity to the present day. Watch their Discover the American School video by clicking the link above.
For more information about the American School, please contact Nancy Savaides, Director of Stewardship and Engagement, at [email protected] or 609-454-6810.