Greek expatriate hematologist and oncologist Paul Eliadis, donated an impressive 1 million dollars to the University of Queensland in order to create a Chair of Ancient Greek History.
“I believe that any University that doesn’t offer Ancient Greek History lessons is like it does not have a birth certificate,” said Dr. Eliadis, who is known for his donations to the arts. The University of Queensland is the only State university that offers history lessons on civilizations and literature of Ancient Greece and of the Roman Empire.
Dean of the University, Dr. Peter Hotz, characterized Dr Eliadis’ donation of “great importance,” the university will create the Paul Eliadis Chair in Classics and Ancient History.
“Knowledge is the root of freedom and democracy,” said the 60-year-old Dr. Eliadis, who also has an impressive collection of paintings of the most well-known Australian and Aboriginal artists. He donated part of the collection to the Queensland Art Gallery in order “for everyone to enjoy and appreciate these works of art.”
Dr. Eliadis sees himself as an Australian of Greek origin and notes that while the parents and grandfathers of Greek immigrants were uneducated, they made sure that their children and grandchildren became scientists. During his free time he also studies ancient Greek history.
Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Eliadis established the Haematology and Oncology Clinics of Australia which are specialized in preventing and treating cancer.