Webster Athens Welcomes US Congress Members, AHEPA Delegates

Webster Athens leadership pose with U.S. members of Congress and AHEPA delegates during their visit to the Webster Athens Cultural Center.

As part of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Family Overseas Leadership Excursion to Greece, 35 U.S. Congress members and more than 140 AHEPA delegates, benefactors and friends visited the Webster Athens Cultural Center in Plaka on April 19, following their tour of the Acropolis.

The delegation was welcomed by Webster Athens Rector Vasilis J. Botopoulos and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Susie Michailidis. Faculty, staff and students of the Webster Athens community also attended the event.

“This historic visit highlighted the critical role Greece plays as a key ally and strategic partner on defense and security issues in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said AHEPA Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos, who led the excursion. “The annual AHEPA Family Overseas Leadership Excursion is a multi-country diplomatic and cultural mission that underscores our commitment to strengthening ties between the United States and countries of strategic and historic significance to the Greek American community.”

Rector Botopoulos emphasized the significance of the visit: “The presence of such a powerful delegation from the U.S. government and AHEPA—the oldest Greek American organization in the U.S.—underscores the strong ties and close collaboration between our university in Athens and the vibrant Greek American community. We are proud to offer educational and experiential learning opportunities that allow young Greek/Americans to reconnect with their roots through an American institution that understands their heritage and provides a high standard of education within the dynamic context of Greek culture.”

Since its founding, AHEPA has prioritized educational advancement for future generations. A hallmark of this mission is the AHEPA Journey to Greece program—an educational and cultural immersion initiative in collaboration with Webster Athens—which enables high school seniors and college undergraduates to earn up to six college credits.

“The program offers students the opportunity to enroll in engaging courses, travel across Greece, visit archaeological sites and museums, and participate in curated cultural and political experiences,” said Michailidis. “Students benefit academically while also building lifelong friendships and deepening their connection to their Hellenic heritage.”

Tsivicos echoed these sentiments: “The Journey to Greece is more than just an academic experience; it’s a full cultural immersion. As stewards of our heritage, it is essential that we pass on our rich traditions to the next generation of Hellenes and Philhellenes.”

Tsivicos encouraged college-aged students to apply for this summer’s program. “It promises to be an unforgettable journey, filled with meaningful connections and memories that will last a lifetime.”

The AHEPA and U.S. congressional delegation’s leadership excursion began April 12 and concluded April 24, with additional visits to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul and Israel. Tsivicos was joined by Past Supreme President and Board Chairman Nicholas Karacostas, Executive Director Basil Mossaidis, and members of the AHEPA Supreme Lodge.

“Through this annual initiative, AHEPA continues to foster dialogue and strengthen ties between the United States and the global Greek and Orthodox communities—championing our shared values of democracy, religious freedom and cultural heritage,” said Mossaidis.

About Webster Athens & Journey to Greece Program

Webster Athens is part of the global Webster University network, committed to academic excellence, international understanding and global citizenship. Located in the heart of Athens, the campus promotes inclusive education, intercultural dialogue and community engagement.

Webster Athens and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) have a long-standing relationship through their joint study abroad program, AHEPA-Journey to Greece, which is specifically designed to help students of Hellenic descent travel to Greece in order to recognize, embrace and come to understand their Hellenic heritage and to establish a Hellenic identity. Students learn the language, culture and history of Greece, while earning up to six college credits. The 2025 AHEPA JTG program is accepting applications for individuals eager to delve into the rich culture and history that Greece offers.