In this edition of our “Interview” section, we are honored to introduce Paris Arnopoulos, a key member of our community whose commitment to education, Greek culture, and international diplomacy transcends borders. Dr. Arnopoulos, Professor Emeritus at Concordia University in Montreal, recently made a generous donation of $50,000 to the Socrates-Démosthène School, demonstrating his trust in our educational mission.
An Exceptional Academic and Professional Journey
Born in Athens in 1933, Dr. Paris Arnopoulos immigrated to Canada in 1948. He pursued studies in physics, mathematics, and philosophy at Concordia University in Montreal, before specializing in political science and international affairs at New York University and Columbia University. He taught for 33 years at Concordia University and also served as a professor at Florida International University and California State University. Dr. Arnopoulos has held consulting roles for international organizations such as the UN, UNESCO, and the OECD. His expertise in global politics, diplomacy, and the humanities has defined his career.
A Major Commitment to Canada-Greece Collaboration
Recently, Dr. Arnopoulos made a substantial donation of $70,000 to the Canadian Institute in Greece, with the aim of establishing an endowment to fund conferences and public events highlighting partnerships between Canada and Greece. This fund, named The Arnopoulos/CIG Lecture and Public Engagement Fund, will support academic events, lectures, and exhibitions, including an annual lecture in honor of Dr. Arnopoulos. This gesture reflects his dedication to fostering the exchange of culture and knowledge between the two nations.
A Life Dedicated to Peace and Research
In addition to his academic involvement, Dr. Paris Arnopoulos has been a key player in several international organizations, working with prestigious institutions such as the UN, UNESCO, and UNITAR. He has also held leadership roles with the United Nations Association of Montreal and the Canadian Peace Research & Education Association, furthering his influence in the fields of diplomacy and world peace. As the author of several influential works, such as Sociophysics, Sociopolitics, Cosmopolitics, and Exopolitics, he has introduced innovative concepts to understand societal dynamics through the metaphors of physics.
An Invaluable Support to Our School
Today, as a Professor Emeritus, Paris Arnopoulos splits his time between Montreal, Athens, and Miami. We are honored that he has chosen to support the Socrates-Démosthène School with a generous donation of $50,000, a valuable contribution that will enhance the educational opportunities for our students and strengthen the ties to our Greek heritage. His ongoing involvement in education and support for our school is a true inspiration for our school community.
We sincerely thank Mr. Arnopoulos for his generous support, which reflects his deep respect for education, the sharing of knowledge, and the preservation of our culture.
