In a highly significant event of strong symbolic importance, the University of Piraeus presented the first Samuel Gridley Howe Award to Costis Frangoulis, President of the International Propeller Club, honoring his longstanding contribution to shipping, his role in strengthening Greek-American relations, and his international leadership within the global maritime community.
The ceremony took place in the presence of H.E. the United States Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Ann Guilfoyle, and brought together representatives of academia, the maritime industry, the armed forces, diplomatic missions, as well as numerous students and distinguished guests. 
During his address, the Rector of the University of Piraeus, Michail Sfakianakis, described Costis Frangoulis as a modern advocate of philhellenism and a leader who transformed entrepreneurial vision into meaningful national contribution. He also highlighted the University’s strategic commitment to international outreach and referred to its collaborations with leading American universities, including Purdue University Indianapolis, Loyola University Chicago, Florida International University, and University of Miami.
He made special reference to the new international dual master’s program “Global Applied AI,” developed in collaboration with Purdue University Indianapolis, as well as to the international conference “AI: Consequences and Limits,” which will take place in Athens with the participation of distinguished scientists and researchers.
The Rector further emphasized that Costis Frangoulis’ election, as the first non-American International President in the 98-year history of the International Propeller Club constitutes a historic milestone demonstrating that leadership and service transcend borders and nationalities.
Subsequently, the Chairman of the Department of International and European Studies and Director of the graduate program “American Studies: Politics, Strategy and Economics,” Aristotelis Tziambiris, presented the Greek-American Friendship Promotion Award, which bears the name of American philhellene Samuel Gridley Howe, who actively participated in the Greek War of Independence.
For her part, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece underlined the importance of academic cooperation and dialogue in further strengthening bilateral relations between Greece and the United States, noting that initiatives such as this one make a substantial contribution to promoting friendship and cooperation between the two nations. 
Professor Asderaki Foteini, Vice Chair of the Department of International and European Studies, delivered the laudatio for the honoree, highlighting Costis Frangoulis’ distinguished international career and contribution to global shipping. With deep maritime roots from Kasos and Kefalonia, Costis Frangoulis founded Franman in 1991, establishing the first Greek trading house to introduce the Japanese “one stop shop” model to the Greek maritime sector. Today, the company represents 238 international maritime brands.
As the longest-serving President of the Propeller Club of Piraeus, he increased active membership from 230 to more than 1,100 members, transforming it into the largest Propeller Club worldwide. During his tenure, the Club received the “Club of the Year” distinction twice and earned recognition from the United States Coast Guard.
In October 2025, the International Propeller Club elected him International President, confirming his role as one of the leading ambassadors of Greek-American friendship in the maritime sector. Through his extensive social contribution as Ambassador of the Sailors’ Society and mentor to younger generations of maritime professionals, along with prestigious distinctions such as the Efkranti Awards and Lloyd’s List Awards, Costis Frangoulis exemplifies the global reach and enduring influence of Greek seamanship. 
In his acceptance speech, Costis Frangoulis expressed his deep appreciation for the distinction and thanked the University of Piraeus, his colleagues, and his long-time collaborators for their enduring support. He stressed that the award represents not a personal achievement, but rather collective recognition of a shared effort to strengthen shipping, international cooperation, and relations between Greece and the United States.
The event concluded in a particularly warm atmosphere, reaffirming the important role that shipping, academic cooperation, and international outreach play in strengthening the ties between Greece and the United States.