THE EUGENIDES FOUNDATION KICKS OFF CELEBRATIONS MARKING 70 YEARS OF SERVICE

Alexandroupoli: The kickoff of the anniversary celebrations and the announcement of significant initiatives that add value to the local community

Alexandroupoli, February 17, 2026. The year 2026 marks a milestone for the Eugenides Foundation, as it celebrates 70 years of uninterrupted and meaningful contributions to education, knowledge, and the development of skills among young people in Greece. For seven decades, the Eugenides Foundation has been on a collective journey: along with students and teachers, families, scientists, technicians, and professionals. A journey that kept knowledge alive, open, and accessible. Which paved the way, provided direction, and helped shape a better tomorrow.

Because the future doesn't just happen. We're shaping it together. And the future has a history.

Thrace at the Center of History and the Future



With the place where it all began and with our eyes set on the future, the Eugenides Foundation kicked off its 70th-anniversary celebration with an opening event held today, Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Alexandroupoli.

Initiatives that add value and strengthen our impact on the local community:

1. Presentation of a Study on Identifying Cutting-Edge Skills in the Labor Market in the Regional Units of Evros and Rodopi 
2. Strategic partnership with the Democritus University of Thrace, through the newly established Eugenides Foundation Institute of Skills and the Democritus University of Thrace Center for Lifelong Learning, with an emphasis on the agri-food sector 
3. Establishment of the“Eugenios Eugenides” Chair “Eugene Eugenides” at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Democritus University of Thrace 

The opening event marked the official start of the anniversary celebrations and included the announcement of significant donations, strategic partnerships, and initiatives aimed at both supporting the local community and boosting regional development, with an emphasis on skills, education, and employment.

As part of the event, among other things, additional initiatives were presented that reaffirm the Eugenides Foundation’s commitment to the local community:



- Donations of educational infrastructure and state-of-the-art simulators, to the following schools in the region:

1. Installation of a simulator for captains and engineers at the 1st Naval Academy in Alexandroupolis, in the “Eugene Eugenides”
2. Visit to the Special Vocational Education and Training Laboratory (EEEK) in Alexandroupoli, where a donation for a special mobility classroom was announced
3. The inauguration of the “Nikolaos Vernikos – Eugenides” Arts Hall at the 6th Elementary School of Nea Orestiada
4. Donation of a simulator to the 1^st Vocational High School of Didymoteicho “Eugene Eugenides” 

- Speech by Prof. Manolis Pleiades “A Contemporary View of the Universe,” at the Cultural Center of the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupolis 

- Informational event on employment prospects in the shipping industry “We’re Heading to the Sea,” organized by Isalos.net and under the auspices of the IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Eugenidis

Study on Identifying Cutting-Edge Skills in the Labor Market in the Regional Units of Evros and Rodopi

This study was conducted and funded by the Eugenides Foundation, in collaboration with the National Technical University of Athens and the Expert Unit of the Ministry of Labor, and is part of the Eugenides Foundation’s broader framework of initiatives aimed at systematically identifying labor market needs and the development of targeted training programs in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Its purpose is to identify and prioritize the most important productive sectors in the prefectures of Evros and Rodopi with the goal of training and developing technical and applied skills directly linked to employment and the sustainable development of the region.

Statements

Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou, former President of the Hellenic Republic, stated in her opening remarks: “The 70th anniversary of the Eugenides Foundation is not only a historic milestone, but also an opportunity to highlight the Foundation’s enduring mission, which consists of strengthening the technical and scientific education of young people as a fundamental pillar of the country’s progress and prosperity.” And he continued, saying: “True to its mission, the Foundation has established a significant presence in remote and island regions—and particularly in Thrace—through a network of initiatives in education, social welfare, the environment, and other sectors—initiatives that go beyond mere symbolism and address the region’s real and complex needs, contributing to the sustainable development and cohesion of the local community.” In closing, he said: “I hope that the Eugenides Foundation will continue in the years to come with the same consistency, effectiveness, and dedication to its mission, and that it remains a vital supporter of the younger generation, for the common good not only of Thrace but of Greek society as a whole.” 

ThePresident of the Eugenides Foundation, Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis Eugenidisemphasized: "Eugene Eugenides was born on this land. He learned early on what hard work, the sea, and trust in words and deeds mean. And believe in something simple: Personal gain has no value unless it is returned to society. It was out of this belief that the Eugenides Foundation was established in 1956—with a clear mission: to support the education of the Greek people, particularly technical and maritime education.  Today, from Alexandroupoli, we are returning to where we started. Seventy years after the founding of the Eugenides Foundation, we stand where the original idea was conceived: "that knowledge, when shared generously, becomes a life-giving force imbued with dignity." He went on to say: “Over the past twenty years, with donations totaling 5 million euros, the Eugenides Foundation’s impact in Thrace is clear: It is not limited to the public good. It is a comprehensive development initiative centered on knowledge. From elementary school classrooms to vocational training workshops, and from social inclusion to sustainable development, the strategy remains consistent. Thrace is not viewed as a region in need of support, but as a place of opportunity. "And investing in knowledge is the most meaningful way to show confidence in these possibilities." 

The President of the Eugenides Foundation concluded by expressing the hope that all stakeholders will work together to foster a conducive ecosystem that will create new professions and modern jobs and provide meaningful incentives to boost employmentand sustainable development in Evros.

Mr. Ioannis Golias, Director of the Foundation pointed out: “From the very beginning of its operations, the Eugenides Foundation has viewed science and technology not as abstract concepts, but as fundamental prerequisites for the advancement of applied technical professions and, through them, for improving citizens’ daily lives and strengthening the national economy.” "This fruitful and effective journey of the Foundation has forged a special relationship of communication and trust with Greek society—a legacy of trust."  He continued, saying: "The Eugenides Foundation’s central strategy, therefore, is to contribute to the scientific and technical education of young people with the aim of producing well-trained professionals in the technical field. We actively support technical and vocational education because we believe that a country’s sustainable development does not depend solely on academic excellence, but also on the strength of applied skills. Consequently, methodology, and a long-term perspective, we are building a skills ecosystem in Thrace that will help support the local economy and offer young people opportunities for professional growth right where they live.”

As part of the event, the Rector of Democritus University of Thrace, Mr. Fotios Marisstated: “It is with great honor that we announce today the collaboration between the Centers for Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning of the Eugenides Foundation and the Democritus University of Thrace, aimed at developing and implementing adult education programs.” This collaboration is based on shared values and principles, such as a commitment to the quality of education, scientific rigor, social responsibility, and the promotion of lifelong learning as a public good.” He also pointed out that: “Today’s announcement marks not merely the start of a partnership, but the creation of a dynamic framework for skills development and the promotion of lifelong learning, with a substantial social and economic impact.”

The event was honored by the presence of representatives from the political, government, and academic communities, who, through their speeches and participation, praised the work and initiatives of the Eugenides Foundation and its decisive contribution to the broader local community.



You can find the event on the Eugenides Foundation’s YouTube channel here. 



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70 Years of the Eugenides Foundation 

The year 2026 marks a milestone for the Eugenides Foundation, as it celebrates 70 years of uninterrupted and multifaceted contributions to education, knowledge, and the development of skills among the youth of our country. This 70-year journey was the result of a collective effort. A journey shared with thousands of people: students, teachers, families, scientists, technicians, and professionals. A journey that kept knowledge alive, open, and accessible to everyone. A journey that paved the way. Which provided direction. Which shaped a better tomorrow. Because the future doesn't just happen. We shape it together. And the future has a history.