A truly unique moment took place for the University of Piraeus on Thursday, September 25th, 2025, when the University bestowed the title of Honorary Doctor to Anthony S. Papadimitriou, President of the Onassis Foundation. The ceremony, hosted at the Onassis Stegi (Stegi of Letters and Arts), marked a historic milestone — for the first time in the University’s history, the honorary degree was awarded by a unanimous decision of all academic departments.
This unique decision reflects the deep respect of the academic community for a man who embodies, in an exemplary way, all the dimensions of the scientific, entrepreneurial, and social mission that the University of Piraeus seeks to serve.
The ceremony began with an address by the Rector, Professor Michail Sfakianakis, who also delivered the Laudatio, highlighting the personality and distinguished career of the honoree. The Rector described Mr. Papadimitriou as a multifaceted and charismatic figure in international business, but also as a man of knowledge and action, who skillfully combines legal, economic, and political thinking with education and a deeply humanistic outlook.
“Through the triad of health – education – culture, Anthony Papadimitriou contributes decisively to the social development and cohesion of our country,” the Rector stated, emphasizing that his dynamic leadership has elevated the Onassis Foundation into a global point of reference.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Papadimitriou described the honorary distinction as a milestone in his personal and professional journey. He spoke of the crucial role of family and outlined the strategic priorities of the Onassis Foundation — including the upgrading of the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, the creation of the Onassis Transplant Center and Onassis Children’s Hospital, the operation of the Onassis Stegi, the establishment of the Onassis Public Schools, the scholarship programs, and the pilot introduction of Artificial Intelligence in education.
He also addressed key issues of social equality, privacy, and the geopolitical implications of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that “the future of education is not about enhancing the intelligence of machines, but the wisdom of people.” Acknowledging the collective contribution of his colleagues at the Onassis Foundation — whom he personally thanked by name — Mr. Papadimitriou underlined that “true progress is measured by the social impact of our actions, not by numbers.”
The ceremony concluded with warm applause and emotion, in the presence of leading academics, government officials, and institutional representatives, whose attendance underscored the high symbolic and cultural significance of the event for both the academic and wider social community.