Cyprus Federation to Honor University of Southern California President C. L. “Max” Nikias

Dr. Chrysostomos L. “Max” Nikias

Dr. Chrysostomos L. “Max” Nikias, Cypriot-American and President of the University of Southern California, will be honored at the 2016 Testimonial Dinner of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations which will take place on Friday, September 23rd, 2016, 7:00 pm at Terrace on the Park. The annual testimonial dinner organized by the FCAO—the leading organization dedicated to the promotion of Greek Cypriot cultural heritage in the United States—will be co-chaired by Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Born near Famagusta, Cyprus, Dr. Nikias became the University of Southern California’s 11th president in 2010. In addition to this role, he holds faculty appointments in both electrical engineering and the classics, chairs the USC Health System Board and teaches an undergraduate course on the democratic culture of ancient Athens. During Dr. Nikias’ tenure as president, USC has emerged as a global research university of undisputed academically-elite status, with a transformative, world-class faculty and richly diverse student body. Kyriakos Papastylianou, President of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO), stated, “Dr. Nikias is one of America’s pre-eminent Greek Cypriot Ambassadors. He has been fascinated by the richness of classical Greek civilization from a young age and has been guided throughout his academic and private life by the democratic ideals enshrined in western civilization. Dr. Nikias is a proud Hellene and in his capacity as President of USC, exemplifies the best of the classical Greek spirit while charting a bold path for one the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.”

“Throughout my upbringing in Famagusta, my parents placed a high value on education, allowing me to immerse myself in the sciences as well as in Greco-Roman classics, theater and history,” said Dr. Nikias. “I take great pride in my roots and am tremendously honored as a Cypriot-American to receive this prestigious award, which serves as an important reminder of the many ways in which my heritage shapes and defines me to this day.”

He lives in San Marino, CA with his wife, Niki C. Nikias, who is also from Famagusta. They have two daughters, Georgiana and Maria.