On Monday, November 4, 2024, Nikiforos Diamantouros '61 spoke to Athens College - Psychico College seniors at the College Theater on the topic "Culture and Politics in Modern Greece". During his speech, he developed the concept of civic culture, how the younger generation adapts to the value system of Greek society and how important the role of our School is to the development of this value system.

Mr. Diamantouros was introduced by President Professor Spiros N. Pollalis.

An fruitful discussion with the students followed.

About Nikiforos Diamantouros

Nikiforos Diamantouros graduated from Athens College in 1961. He is a member of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation and a former member of its Board of Directors. He holds a PhD from the University of Columbia (1972), he is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Athens and since 2012 a Visiting Professor at the College of Europe (Bruges). From 2003 to 2013 he was the Ombudsman of the European Union, and from 1998 to 2003 the first National Ombudsman of Greece as well as Director and Board Chairman of the Greek National Center for Social Research (EKKE).  In 2014, he was elected member of the Academy of Athens and in 2016, he was appointed member of the Advisory Committee to the New Pact for Europe, which is chaired by Herman van Rompuy. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Panteion University in 2015 and by the American College of Greece in 2011. 

He has been decorated by the Presidents of France (Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur 2014), of Poland (Golden Cross of Merit 2010), and of Greece (Grand Commander of the Order of the Phoenix 2004).  His most recent publications focus on democracy, the rule of law, the institution of ombudsman, public administration, and the relationship between politics and culture. Between 1978 and 1983, he served as assistant to the President of Athens College John Summerskill and Director of the Development Office.