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On Thursday, May 12, 2022, the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ hosted its sixth annual Gala to honor Edward E. Cohen. Dr. Cohen was presented with the School’s prestigious Athens Prize for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge of Ancient Greece.

Presentation of the Athens Prize at the American School's Gala 2022.

Edward E. Cohen receives his Athens Prize at Gotham Hall. From left: Daniel Cohen, Jonathan Cohen, Betsy Cohen, Edward Cohen, Trustees President Rob Loomis, Trustees Chairman Alex Zagoreos, Managing Committee Chair Mark Lawall, and Gennadius Library Director Maria Georgopoulou.

The Gala raised more than $1 million, making it the most successful event in the School’s history. Over 350 guests enjoyed an evening of inspiration, education, and celebration at the spectacular in New York City. All proceeds from the Gala directly benefit the School’s academic, archaeological exploration, outreach, publications, and research programs. These vital funds help the School strengthen its position as one of the preeminent centers for the study of the Greek world and continue its mission of preserving, promoting, and protecting Greece’s past from antiquity to the present day. A replay of the Gala can be watched at this .

Dr. Cohen is an acclaimed economic historian, author, businessman, and educator. He is the author of many articles and several books on Athens, including . His parallel career as the founder and leader of prominent enterprises in the energy, real estate, and banking sectors gave him the practical experience and insights needed for understanding how ancient economies actually worked. He holds doctorates in classics (Princeton) and law (Penn). An alumnus of the American School (Regular Member 1961–1962), he was a Trustee from 1981 until 2009, when he became a Trustee Emeritus and an Overseer of the Gennadius Library.

Ed Cohen delivers Athens Prize acceptance speech at the American School's Gala 2022.

Edward E. Cohen delivers his Athens Prize acceptance speech.

The Cohen family at the American School's Gala 2022.

The Cohen family at the Gala. From left: Daniel, Edward, Betsy, and Jonathan Cohen.

During the Athens Prize presentation, Dr. Cohen’s wife, Betsy, and sons, Jonathan and Daniel—who served as the Gala’s co-chairs—delivered heartwarming and inspiring speeches. The School also premiered Edward E. Cohen and the Archaeology of Democracy, an insightful new short film produced in collaboration with and dedicated to the memory of Eleni Zachariou by Charles O. Yoder.

Distinguished guests attending included  and , Chief Financial Officer of the . Videos showcasing the School were also shown, including its fascinating work in restoring the wall frescoes in Corinth (), its Hippos: The Horse in Ancient Athens exhibition at the School’s Makriyannis Wing (), and the new Gennadius Library fellowships (click to watch).

Archbishop Elpidophoros with Alex and Marine Zagoreos

Archbishop Elpidophoros (center) with Marine (left) and Alex Zagoreos.

Save the Date

Please save the date for next year’s Gala on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Gotham Hall in New York City.

The American School's Gala 2022 at Gotham Hall.

The American School's Gala at Gotham Hall.

Support the American School

Your generosity enables the American School to maintain its standing as one of the world’s preeminent overseas research and teaching institutions. Please consider helping us preserve Greece’s past by investing in our future. Kindly visit to pledge your support today.

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Dinner American School's Gala 2022.

Guests enjoy dinner at the Gala.

View the Photo Gallery

Please click this  to view photos of Gala 2022.

All photos by .