A special honorary distinction for the completion of 100 years since the foundation of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki was awarded to the Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Professor Charalambos Feidas, by the President of the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Macedonia (RUMCΜ), Ignatios Kaitezidis. The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, during the annual cake cutting event of RUMCΜ, at a central hotel in Thessaloniki.

This distinction is an expression of recognition by the Mayors of Central Macedonia for the significant scientific and social contribution of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to the development of the region.

The Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Professor Charalambos Feidas, stressed in his speech that the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is inextricably linked to the history of Thessaloniki and has played a decisive role in higher education and scientific research in the country. “Thessaloniki would be different without the operation of its university, which just a few years after the liberation of the city gave the youth the possibility of mass access to higher education. The AUTH was a key pillar of education, scientific research and knowledge and an important contributor to the social, economic, intellectual and cultural development of the country“, he said.

Mr. Feidas stressed that the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has trained hundreds of thousands of scientists, who have staffed the public administration and the productive structure of the country. At the same time, the university functions as a centre of scientific research, contributing to the production of high value-added products and services. He also highlighted the significant economic contribution of the AUTH, noting that its operation is estimated to create a total GDP of about one billion euros, which corresponds to 7.7% of the GDP of the Region of Central Macedonia, while creating more than 8,000 jobs.

“The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki completes a century of life, a century of contribution to education, scientific knowledge and culture. In the next century, we will continue to fight the same ‘fair fight’, shaping the future of our country“, said the Rector, closing his speech.