Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο

From a dream of educational renaissance, Panteion University emerged. Here we stand before Panteion University, a testament to the vision of two men, Georgios Fragoudis and Alexandros Pantos. They dreamt of bringing the spirit of the Sciences Po in Paris to Greece. Panteion University, often simply called “Panteion,” stands as the oldest university of social and political sciences in Greece, founded in 1927. It started as the School of Political Sciences, a project fueled by Fragoudis’s passion and fundraising efforts, primarily from Greeks abroad. Construction began in Kallithea in 1927. In a twist of fate, funds dwindled in 1930, the same year Alexandros Pantos, a key figure in this story, passed away. Pantos, in his will, bequeathed his fortune to the school. Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos ensured this wish was fulfilled, enabling the completion of the university. In 1931, to honor this generous benefactor, the school was renamed the Panteion School of Political Sciences. Panteion University initially offered five fields of study: Politics, Law, Economics, Sociology (including Criminology and Corrections), Journalism, Geography, and Philosophy. The university’s first classes commenced on November 18, 1930, with 200 students. Panteion continued to evolve. By 1937, it was recognized as a “legal person of public law,” solidifying its place in the Greek academic landscape. In 1989, it officially became Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. The university now boasts a vibrant student body of around 19,000 students, both graduate and postgraduate. The library, a four-story haven of knowledge, holds a vast collection of 70,000 monographs and subscribes to nearly 800 journals. It offers a wide range of printed and digital resources, supporting the university’s commitment to research and education. Panteion is more than just classrooms and books. It has a dedicated gym in Neos Kosmos, near the metro station. Panteion University also actively participates in European academic networks, including the Erasmus+ Programme and the Jean Monnet Programme, fostering international collaboration and exchange. Over the years, Panteion’s influence has spread far beyond its campus walls. Numerous prominent figures in science, business, and politics have passed through its halls. This university stands as a testament to the power of vision, generosity, and the enduring pursuit of knowledge.