Boston University Named 2026 Philhellene Award Recipient

BU has reportedly earned this unique award from this council with a long history.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Sep 8, 2026 12:37 PM EDT

Boston University has a longstanding connection to the study and advancement of Hellenic culture and scholarship through its Department of Classical Studies. (Dena Panagopoulos)

BOSTON, MA — A local institution will be honored this fall for its contributions to education, scholarship, and the broader community.

Boston University will receive the 2026 Philhellene Award from the Alpha Omega Council during the organization's Annual Honors Gala on Friday, Oct. 2. BU President Melissa L. Gilliam will accept the award on behalf of the university as part of the council's 50th anniversary celebration.

The Philhellene Award is presented annually to an individual or organization whose work promotes the ideals of Hellenism and makes a meaningful contribution to the broader community. Previous recipients include Professor Mary Lefkowitz, Professor Loren J. Samons II, and the Boston Red Sox.

Boston University has a longstanding connection to the study and advancement of Hellenic culture and scholarship through its Department of Classical Studies. Samons, a professor in the department and internationally recognized scholar of ancient Greece, received the Alpha Omega Council's Philhellene Award in 2024.

"Boston University represents the very best of what the Philhellene Award celebrates — a commitment to education, scholarship, intellectual curiosity and service to the broader community," Alpha Omega Council President Harry Vlachos said. "Boston University's dedication to expanding access to education and advancing knowledge makes it an exceptional institution that has made such a meaningful contribution to Boston and beyond."

Gilliam became Boston University's 11th president on July 1, 2024. An interdisciplinary researcher in medicine, public health, and the humanities, she has focused her career on advancing education, research, health, and opportunity.

The council will present the award during its 50th Anniversary Honors Gala at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. Nancy Agris Savage will also receive the 2026 Founders' Award, while Telemachus "T.A." Demoulas will receive the 2026 Emerging Leader Award.

The gala is part of a three-day celebration recognizing the Alpha Omega Council's 50th anniversary. Greek singer Konstantinos Argiros will perform at Agganis Arena on Saturday, Oct. 3, followed by the organization's Leadership Luncheon at Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Founded in 1976, the Alpha Omega Council is a Boston-based nonprofit philanthropic organization dedicated to cultivating the ideals of Hellenism and supporting charitable causes. The organization supports scholarly, athletic, medical, charitable, scientific, literary, religious, and educational initiatives throughout New England and the United States.

The council has contributed millions of dollars to philanthropic causes since its inception and supports the annual Peter Agris Memorial Awards. Its annual events include the Marathon Education Essay Event, Boston Marathon Wreath Ceremony, Greek Heritage Night with the Boston Red Sox, Golf Classic Fundraiser, and Honors Gala.