Newsroom
A book presentation in Nicosia has celebrated the life and achievements of C. L. Max Nikias, the Cypriot academic who rose to lead the University of Southern California (USC), one of the leading universities in the United States.
The event, held on Thursday, October 15, at the historic Pancyprian Gymnasium, marked the presentation of American Trojan: Leadership, Resilience, and the Renewal of Higher Education. The book recounts Nikias’s personal and professional journey, from leaving Cyprus following the 1974 Turkish invasion to reaching the highest levels of American university leadership.
Nikias is the honorary president and a life trustee of USC. His career was presented at the event as an example of perseverance, academic achievement and dedication, with speakers reflecting on the experiences that shaped his life and work.
The ceremony took place under the auspices of President Nikos Christodoulides, who was represented by Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodimos Damianou.
Former deputy minister of research Kyriakos Kokkinos and former transport, communications and works minister Pavlos Pavlou, who is also chairman of the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC), were among the participants. Speakers discussed the book and its account of Nikias’s contribution to higher education.
One of the evening’s most significant moments came when Dimitrakis Paschalis, community leader of Komi Kebir, Nikias’s home village, presented him with an honorary plaque. The presentation recognised his achievements abroad and his continuing connection to Cyprus.
The choice of the Pancyprian Gymnasium, one of Nicosia’s historic educational institutions, provided a fitting setting for an event centred on education, personal determination and national roots.
The presentation concluded with a message to younger generations about the value of learning, hard work and excellence, drawing on Nikias’s experience as a Cypriot who built an international career after leaving his homeland.
