Anthony S. Papadimitriou Awarded Honorary Doctorate by the University of Piraeus

This is one of the highest distinctions that a university can bestow on an individual who contributes to society, dedicating his life not only to building an innovative path in the business sector but also to consolidating institutions that serve people, culture, education, and healthcare. The ceremony was presented by Michael E. Sfakianakis, Rector of the University of Piraeus and Professor, who welcomed the honoree into their academic community, wishing him to continue striving for a fairer and more participatory future for the younger generation.

“Today’s conferment is a unique milestone […]. For beyond personal recognition, it is also a reminder of the adventure of curiosity, perseverance, and the determination to remain faithful to your values. In other words, all the qualities that make up what we call the great family of the Onassis Foundation.”

—Anthony S. Papadimitriou, President of the Onassis Foundation

Anthony S. Papadimitriou, lawyer and economist, studied at the Law School of the University of Athens and obtained a master’s degree in Transport Law from the University of Aix-en-Provence in France. He holds a PhD from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. His dissertation was entitled “The Aesthetic Commentary on the Administration of Justice.” He is also a graduate of the Department of Economics at the London School of Economics. In 1989, he was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Greece. From 1992 to 2010, he served as Managing Partner of the law firm A.S. Papadimitriou & Partners. In 1988, he was elected a member of the Board of Directors of the Onassis Foundation, upon recommendation of then-President Christina Onassis. In 2008, he was named an Honorary Master of the Bench of Middle Temple, London. Since 2005, he has been President and Treasurer of the Onassis Foundation.

“The title of Honorary Doctor, an institution inextricably linked to the outward-looking nature of universities, is an act of the highest honor that the University reserves for outstanding individuals with exceptional contributions to science, society, the economy, and the nation. It is a tribute to those whose actions embody a system of best practices and whose values serve as a shining example, guiding society. It is the greatest accolade, deserved by those who fought the good fight, set lofty goals and achieved them, even under adverse conditions.
Today, we honor a man of knowledge and action, a man who uniquely combines legal, economic, and political thought and education. A man who has dedicated his life not only to building an innovative entrepreneurial path but also, with respect and responsibility, to establishing institutions that serve people, culture, and knowledge.”

—Michael E. Sfakianakis, Rector of the University of Piraeus

“I accept today’s honor with a deep sense of gratitude. However, I receive it not personally but as a representative of an entire group of people […]. The fact that this conferment comes from a place of ideas and is presented in a space that defends their freedom carries its own special significance. Every business initiative, every innovation, every change in our lives starts precisely from this: a powerful idea capable of inspiring thousands more. If we owe one reminder to the graduates of Economics, it is that true success is ultimately measured by the qualitative difference we bring to the lives of many.

That is the real return on investment. It is good to remember that out there, markets shift, technologies evolve, challenges emerge and fade. What remains as enduring capital is curiosity, integrity, and courage.”

—Anthony S. Papadimitriou, President of the Onassis Foundation