PRESS RELEASE
In a brilliant ceremony, in the presence of H.E. the Ambassador of the U.S.A. to Greece Kimberly Ann Guilfoyle, the Department of International and European Studies of the University of Piraeus presented the President of the International Propeller Club Kostis Fragoulis, with the first Samuel Gridley Howe Award, recognizing his national contribution and his international leadership in the field of shipping.
During his speech, the Rector of the University of Piraeus Professor Michael Sfakianakis, emphasized that in the person of Kostis Fragoulis a modern exponent of Philhellenism and a leader who transformed his business vision into a national contribution is being honored.
Referring to the extroversion strategy and the international orientation of the University, the Rector referred to the partnerships of strategic importance developed by the institution, among them with leading American institutions, indicatively:
The first Dual Master Program «Global applied AI» with Purdue University of Indianapolis.
The International Conference “AI: Consequences and limits” co-organized with Purdue University of Indianapolis, on May 28-29 at the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
The educational visits of postgraduate students to universities of the U.S.A. e.g. Loyola University of Chicago, Florida International University, University of Miami.
«The historic election of Kostis Fragoulis as the first non-American International President in the 98-year history of the International Propeller Club, proves that leadership has no nationality, but it has character», the Rector pointed out, likening his work to the humanitarian contribution of the American Philhellene Samuel Gridley Howe.
Subsequently, the President of the Department of International and European Studies and Director of the Master’s Program American Studies:Politics, Strategy and Economics (in cooperation with New York University), Professor Aristotle Tziampiris presented the Award for the Promotion of Greek-American friendship which bears the name of Samuel Gridley Howe, an American Philhellene, who actively participated in the Struggle for Greek Independence. Followed by H.E. the Ambassador of the U.S.A. to Greece Kimberly Ann Guilfoyle, who underlined the importance of academic cooperation and dialogue for the strengthening of bilateral relations. This initiative she mentioned, constitutes an example of commitment to the promotion of friendship and cooperation between our peoples. The Laudatio of the honoree was delivered by the Vice President of the Department of International and European Studies of the School of Economics, Business and International Studies, Professor Foteini Asderaki. With deep maritime roots from Kasos and Kefalonia, Kostis Fragoulis founded Franman in 1991, the first Greek trading house that introduced the Japanese “one stop shop” model with representation today of 238 international shipping brands. As the longest-serving President of the Propeller Club of Piraeus, he increased sixfold its active members (from 230 to over 1.100), making it the largest worldwide, while the Club was honored twice as “Club of the Year” and was awarded by the American Coast Guard. In October 2025 he was elected International President of the International Propeller Club, sealing his role as a leading ambassador of Greek-American friendship. Having received important distinctions (Efkranti & Lloyd’s List Awards) and offering rich social work as an Ambassador of the Sailors’ Society and a mentor to the new generation, Kostis Fragoulis constitutes the example of the leader who proves that Greek seamanship has global reach and resonance.
From his side, Kostis Fragoulis, visibly moved, thanked the University of Piraeus for the exceptional honor, as well as his partners for their timeless support. This distinction he emphasized moreover constitutes not a personal success but a collective recognition. Finally, he expressed his commitment to continue serving the relationship of friendship and cooperation between Greece and the United States.
The ceremony took place in the presence of H.E. the Ambassador of Korea Juseong Lim, foreign delegations, representatives of the armed forces, academics, the business world of shipping, press representatives as well as a multitude of students and guests, confirming the importance of the contribution of Kostis Fragoulis to the steady development, friendship and cooperation of the two peoples of Greece and the U.S.A.
