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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The Greek-American presenter posted a series of snapshots on her Instagram account. In one of the images, she is seen with her husband, while other photos feature their daughter, Athena.
Prior to her marriage, Marianne worked for a Middle East Embassy as the Program Director for Cultural Affairs. She oversaw the admittance and study programs for 2,500 graduate students studying in universities and colleges throughout the United States. While still at the Embassy she was offered a position with the Office of Protocol at the State Department. During the interim period of accepting the position at the State Department, she met Dean and they married.
The Hellenic Initiative (THI), the largest global non-profit uniting the Greek Diaspora – with supporters in over 47 countries – will host its 12th Annual New York Gala on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Cipriani 55 Wall Street in New York City.
Funds raised support THI’s vetted humanitarian partners and economic/entrepreneurial development in Greece. Prior to the event, THI’s hotly anticipated annual online auction will go live showcasing luxury items from renowned Greek designers. A bidding website is under development and will be available soon.
This year’s event will honor noted philanthropists Marianne and Dean Metropoulos. The Gala will celebrate their contributions to supporting the people of Greece and recognize their philanthropy worldwide. (Please see full biographies listed below.)
Themed “Dare to Dream,” the black-tie evening will open with cocktails and auction item viewing
at 6:30 p.m. Dinner and awards will begin at 8:00 p.m. and dancing will kick off at 10:00 p.m. The event will feature a special performance by Greek singer Thanos Petrelis and dancing by the Jimmy Vali Band.
Special guests include Antonios Tsapatakis, 2024 Paralympian Silver Medalist in Swimming – 100m breaststroke and Alexandra Stamatopoulou, 2024 Paralympian Gold Medalist in Swimming – 50m backstroke.
More than 800 invitees, benefactors, and dignitaries are anticipated at this important annual celebration of community, heritage, and culture, which unites the Greek diaspora in a meaningful manner.
TICKETS: Individual $800, THI New Leader (45 years old or younger) $400. Table prices start at $15,000.
ABOUT THI: Founded in 2012, THI is a global, nonprofit, secular institution mobilizing the Greek diaspora and philhellene community to support sustainable economic recovery and renewal for the Greek people. THI's programs address crisis relief through strong nonprofit organizations and build entrepreneurial skills in a new generation of business leaders. Since its founding, THI has raised more than $37 million and has grown to be the largest Greek Diaspora organization in the world. Visit: TheHellenicInitiative.org.