ACS Athens proudly hosted the signing ceremony for the Blue Frontiers Program, an inspiring international partnership between Roger Williams University, the International Propeller Club Port of Piraeus, the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, and ACS Athens. This collaborative initiative establishes a strategic alliance dedicated to advancing maritime education and ocean stewardship for the next generation of leaders.
The program, centered on a commitment known as "Our Pledge," offers students a real-world summer exploration of the Earth’s oceans and the burgeoning global Blue economy. By combining academic rigor with scientific research and industry networking, the partners aim to inspire youth to protect and sustainably manage marine environments.
The event featured impactful remarks by ACS Athens President Dr. Peggy Pelonis and Mr. Costis Frangoulis, President of the International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, whose vision and leadership continue to champion environmental stewardship and youth opportunity. The ceremony also welcomed Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Greek Prime Minister’s Envoy for the Ocean and Chair of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Environmental Protection, who underscored the national and global importance of such initiatives.
A significant highlight of the partnership is the generous scholarship support provided by Mr. Frangoulis and the Propeller Club, which helps make this transformative experience accessible to students. Additional insights were shared during the ceremony by Ms. Carla Tanas, Dean of the Institute, and Ms. Beatriz Tintoré of the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, who both emphasized the vital intersection of research, sustainability, and experiential learning.
Through the Blue Frontiers summer program, students are challenged to embrace Conscious Global Citizenship—applying their skills, compassion, and learning to protect the oceans and improve life and living for future generations.
The official agreement was signed on May 13, 2026, at ACS Athens, marking a new chapter in international educational collaboration for the benefit of the global maritime community.
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LV-NEVADA- On June 6th, remembrance of D-Day, Allegiant Stadium became the site of Day of Gratitude II, a massive community celebration honoring veterans, military families, and first responders. And the numbers tell an incredible story: more than $3 million in donated goods, services, and gifts went directly to roughly 20,000 families across Southern Nevada and beyond.
One of the most touching moments of the day came when nine World War II veterans were flown in from across the country, with every expense covered, to be celebrated for their service during one of history's most pivotal chapters. Having members of the Greatest Generation in attendance was a powerful reminder of just how much we owe to those who came before us.
Event Chairman Peter Palivos, who is also an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, said the heart of the event is bringing people together around something everyone can agree on: showing appreciation for those who've served, and making sure military and first responder families feel seen and supported. He noted the outpouring of support from around the country was a clear sign of how generous people can be when they rally behind a shared cause.
The event also drew an impressive lineup of leaders and dignitaries, including high-ranking military generals, Congresswoman Dina Titus, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, and representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the White House—all showing up to lend their support to the cause.
In a fun surprise twist, Mayor Berkley presented Palivos with the Key to the City of Las Vegas, recognizing his role in helping build Day of Gratitude into one of the largest military appreciation events anywhere in the country.
None of this would have been possible without a great group of partners and sponsors, including City Serve, Love Has No Limits, Voice for the Veterans, The Duffield Foundation, and Trina's Kids Foundation organizations that helped turn generosity into real resources for families who've earned it.
The celebration also got a musical boost from country duo Big & Rich and singer-songwriter Coffey Anderson, both of whom donated their time and talent to help set the tone for the day—equal parts heartfelt and festive.
More than anything, Day of Gratitude II was a reminder that no matter our differences, there's something we can all rally around: honoring the people who've served and showing up for the families who've sacrificed alongside them. Organizers say this is just the beginning, and they're already looking ahead to building on this momentum for future events.
Source: Day of Gratitude II press release, June 9, 2026, Las Vegas, Nevada.