The ceremony began with an address by the Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor Michael Sfakianakis, and was followed by the presentation of the commendation speech (Laudatio) by the Chair of the Department of Banking and Financial Management, Professor Seraina Anagnostopoulou.

The Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor Michael Sfakianakis, in his opening speech, stated that the award is an act of the highest honor that the University reserves for personalities who promote successful entrepreneurship as well as their contribution and solidarity to the people and society. This is the kind of entrepreneurship we need, the one that creates prospects for the country, hope for the younger generations and teaches by example, acting as a paradigm.
The Chair of the Department of Banking and Financial Management, Professor Seraina Anagnostopoulou presented the truly impressive life path of the honoree. Georgios Chrysikos combined his dual academic background as an engineer and as a financier, in order to open new avenues of entrepreneurship in our country. She further emphasized that multi-skills often become a stand-alone skill with multiplier benefits due to the combination of the individual traits and is an example that, as academic teachers, we seek to impart to our students.
The awarding ceremony ended with the speech of the honoree, who thanked the University and the School for the honor they bestowed upon him and emphasized that education is the basis for the progress and development of a society, and towards this end, he strives to contribute with all his powers. After so many years of work, his successes came based on team spirit and personal sacrifices including the undivided support of Fairfax's Founder and CEO Mr. Prem Watsa. However, corporate ethics and transparency in business are always his guiding principles. The impart of morality for everyone, begins at home from one’s family and then develops through schools and universities. He closed his speech with the wish that we should reflect on the possibilities we have and dream of the future, strive for excellence, promote innovation and remain committed to the values of education and knowledge.
Representatives from the political and wider business field, executives of independent administrative authorities as well as a number of academics and students honoured the ceremony with their presence.