President Nikias and Niki Nikias with US Ambassador to Germany John Emerson, and his wife, Kimberly

USC President C. L. Max Nikias, joined by first lady Niki C. Nikias, received a warm welcome upon returning to his undergraduate alma mater earlier this week for a special ceremony held in front of more than 100 faculty, senior administrators, family, and friends. President Nikias graduated from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) in 1977 and on Tuesday, was presented with an honorary doctorate in electrical and computer engineering by NTUA’s vice rector, Dimitrios Papantonis, and dean of the department, Dimitrios M. Tsamakis.

President Nikias was commended for his achievements as a scientist, scholar, and leader, and for being a global Hellenic ambassador.

President Nikias and Niki Nikias with NTUA Vice Rector Dimitrios Papantonis
President Nikias and Niki Nikias with NTUA Vice Rector Dimitrios Papantonis

Reflecting on the occasion, President Nikias said, “My time at NTUA represents some of the most important and formative years of my life, and as a result, the university still holds a very special place in my heart. It was a thrill to be invited back, and I was humbled to receive this honorary degree in the company of my esteemed peers, friends and family.

“NTUA has built a well-deserved legacy as one of the world’s top technical universities. It is a legacy from which I have greatly benefited, and one of which I will always be proud.”

In addition to Athens, the Nikiases visited Germany, where the President delivered a lecture entitled, “Online Education – Current Realities and Promise for the Future” at the American Academy in Berlin. During their stay in the German capital, the Nikiases were honored guests at a dinner hosted by Ambassador to Germany, John Emerson, and his wife, Kimberly.

“We were both taken by their devotion and dedication to honorably representing America’s interests abroad,” added President Nikias.