CYA hosted a memorable event, the “Beyond the Skamma: A Symposium on Greek Athletics,” on Saturday, June 22. This event was in honor of the late CYA Professor Harold ‘Hal’ Evjen, a distinguished scholar of ancient Greek athletics. The day-long symposium featured ten renowned Classics professors who discussed the cultural impact and enduring legacy of Greek athletics.

The recorded event, can be seen here.

Harold Evjen was an esteemed academic and a cherished member of the College Year in Athens (CYA) community, known for his profound dedication to classical studies and inspiring approach to education. As a distinguished professor, he was deeply respected for his unique course on Ancient Greek Athletics, which became a student favorite at CYA. This course explored the origins of competitive athletics in ancient Greece and included a significant field trip to Olympia, highlighting his commitment to immersive learning experiences. Hal’s academic prowess was complemented by his athletic achievements; while a student, he was the captain of his swim team at the University of Arizona, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Classics degree, embodying the spirit of both a scholar and an athlete.

In recognition of his contributions and to honor his memory, the Harold Evjen Scholarship was established at CYA in 2016, thanks to his family’s generous support, particularly his widow, Professor Hara Tzavella-Evjen. This scholarship supports incoming students who major in Classics or History each semester, helping them experience the transformative education CYA offers. Furthermore, Harold’s legacy is celebrated this year at CYA, on his birthday and the eve of the Paris Olympic games, with a special academic conference that focuses on themes of athletics from the ancient Greek world and beyond, reflecting his passions and academic focus.

Harold Evjen’s influence inspires and shapes students’ lives, fostering a deep appreciation for classical education and athletics aligned with his lifelong values and achievements.

Hal Evjen taught ancient Greek Athletics and Ancient Greek History at CYA from 1994 to 1995 and again from 1999 to 2002.

For more information, please contact:
Robert Pitt at [email protected]
Angelos Papadopoulos at [email protected]