The couple’s support came to fruition following a commitment by the Greek Community of Melbourne to underwrite the funding needed to keep the programme fully operational, alongside subsequent lobbying efforts through its membership and wider network.

The university celebrated the Mitrakas family’s contribution at a special morning tea, recognising the couple’s generosity and the Greek Community of Melbourne’s longstanding commitment to the programme.

“La Trobe is proud to be the only university in Victoria offering a comprehensive programme in Modern Greek Studies. Support from the Greek Community of Melbourne and Peter and Mary Mitrakas’ generosity will help our students continue their studies at an advanced level and protect a distinctive pathway into Greek language, history and culture. Their support makes a highly valuable contribution to our future students,” said Professor Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University.

Professor Farrell and Professor Matthew McGuire, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “This event is a powerful example of what can be achieved when universities form genuine and meaningful partnerships with their local community. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Greek community and further enhancing the strength and standing of Greek Studies at La Trobe University.”

Peter Mitrakas said: “It was a great pleasure and honour to be welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University and the Dean of Humanities and Languages, alongside Mr Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, and Ms Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Consul General of Greece in Victoria.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our commitment to funding the Advanced Modern Greek programme at La Trobe University for the next three years.

“Supporting the teaching and promotion of the Greek language is something we are truly proud of. By investing in this important programme, we are helping preserve our rich cultural heritage and ensure that the Greek language continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

“Thank you to La Trobe University for this warm welcome and for sharing our commitment to keeping the Greek language and culture alive for generations to come.

“The Vice-Chancellor placed significant importance on our donation, without which Modern Greek would have been significantly impacted and may have ceased altogether.

“The Vice-Chancellor was particularly impressed that, as a 14-year-old, I was involved in fundraising for the Chair of Modern Greek at the University of Melbourne. He considered it rare for an adolescent to be so conscious of language and community. He also noted that it was commendable that the Greek Community had members such as ourselves who are so deeply committed to our language and culture.

“Finally, Mary and I are particularly thankful to the Modern Greek students who took time away from their exam studies to attend today and show their appreciation to us.”

Bill Papastergiadis and the Greek Community of Melbourne, which he leads, have been active in recent years in championing tertiary-level study of Modern Greek and played a significant role in connecting the Mitrakas family with the programme.

Speaking at the morning tea, Papastergiadis said: “We are grateful to the Mitrakas family for their generosity. The Mitrakas family have also offered to participate in any subcommittee formed to ensure that the Modern Greek programme does not face any future funding difficulties.

“Clearly, their commitment goes beyond that of a conventional benefactor. The Greek Community of Melbourne stands with the university to ensure the long-term viability of this programme and once again thanks Peter and Mary for stepping up to save it. Benefactors like the Mitrakas family are an important part of our community.”