Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis inaugurated this year’s celebrations for the 135th anniversary of The American College of Greece with a moving lecture titled “A Woman’s Story: a conversation with Olympia Dukakis”.The lecture was delivered to an audience of over 350 people, at the College’s John S. Bailey Library. In the audience there were many alumni of the College as well as actors, directors, film and theater critics, who came to hear and admire one of the most accomplished actors of her generation.

Sometimes with humor and at other times in a voice trembling with emotion, Dukakis spoke of her experiences as the child of Greek immigrants growing up in multiethnic Lowell, Massachusetts, as well as of her experiences as a woman and mother living and working in a male-dominated society.

The audience responded with numerous questions which followed the lecture, and which Ms. Dukakis answered in depth.

Dukakis, who received an Oscar for her role in the 1986 film Moonstruck, was introduced by fellow actor and Greek parliamentarian Giannis Vouros, who extolled Dukakis’ contribution to the theater and the movies.

In his opening remarks, President David G. Horner of The American College of Greece said that Dukakis’ “personal story as a woman of extraordinary achievement not only glitters with celebrity but also reveals Olympia Dukakis as a person of principle and passion committed, as were [The American College of Greece’s] founders, to making a difference in the world.”

Deree’s Theater Arts program stands to benefit greatly from Ms. Dukakis’ presence on campus. Its students were able to attend two master classes by the veteran actress on January 20 and 21, at the College’s black box theater. Another master class will be held exclusively for alumni who are pursuing careers as actors.