Frederick University honoured individuals who have contributed to education in Cyprus and supported the Organization, each in their own way, helping shape and advance its 60-year presence in the country’s educational landscape.

The honorary distinctions were awarded during the landmark ceremony marking 60 years of the Frederick Organization’s contribution to education in Cyprus, held on 18 February at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre. Among those honoured were the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, Professor Mary Koutselini, as well as members of the academic, administrative, and research staff who have served the Organization for more than 30 years. The honourees were selected by a special committee established by the University for this purpose.

President Christodoulides received an honorary distinction for his institutional support of education in Cyprus. In the award citation, read by the University Rector, it was noted that “in the person of the President of the Republic, Frederick University honours the institutional continuity of the state and the enduring commitment of the government to the advancement of education and culture. This distinction represents the highest recognition of the contribution of all Presidents of the Republic, Ministers of Education, and state officials who, through political will and strategic planning, have laid the foundations of Cyprus’s educational system.” As a symbolic gift, the President received an original artwork by Georgia Michael, a graduate of the Department of Arts and Communication at Frederick University, who, as part of her thesis, documented, recorded, and artistically interpreted the experiences of women and girls who lived through the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Professor Mary Koutselini was awarded an honorary distinction for her contribution to quality assurance in higher education and the promotion of equality in education, in her capacity until recently as Chair of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA). According to the award citation, Professor Koutselini “guided with determination the effort to ensure the quality of our academic institutions, substantially strengthening their international credibility and enhancing the academic landscape of Cyprus. At the same time, as founder of the UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Empowerment, she demonstrated her enduring commitment to promoting equal opportunities and inclusion across all levels of education and social life. This distinction constitutes due recognition of an outstanding and impactful career in the academic and public life of the country.” The award was presented by the Chair of the Council of Frederick University, Ms. Natassa Frederickou.

A particularly moving moment of the ceremony was the recognition of 24 members of the academic and administrative staff who have linked their professional journey with the long-standing development of the Organization, serving for more than 30 years. “Frederick University expresses its gratitude to those who have contributed substantially to its foundation and course, as well as to the establishment of Frederick University in 2007 and the shaping of an academic institution that promotes excellence and serves the intellectual progress of the country.” The awards were presented by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Vasilis Palmas.

The audience offered warm applause to Ms. Despo Frederickou, who received an honorary distinction for Historical Contribution and Foundational Service to the Organization. Ms. Frederickou played an active role in the establishment and development of Frederick Educational Institutions and, together with the late Thomas Frederickou, was a close collaborator and companion of her husband, Michalis Frederickou, founder of the Organization. Through her enduring presence, she “contributed to maintaining the human-centred culture of the Institution, serving as a living bridge connecting its origins in 1965 with its contemporary university trajectory. This award constitutes a minimum tribute to a priceless and continuous contribution spanning decades.” The award was presented by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Mr. Marinos Mousiouttas.

The final award of the evening was dedicated to a tradition that began in the 1960s and continues today at Frederick University: the construction of a Formula-type racing car.

The Award for Scientific Innovation and Historical Continuity was presented to the initiators, the current mentor, and the leaders of the Formula Student teams. This award highlights the Organization’s long-standing commitment to technical innovation, applied research, and engineering excellence—from the first experimental designs of the 1960s to the team’s current international successes. The awards in this category were presented by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Alexis Vafeades.

The professor who laid the foundations of this tradition and inspired his students to build the first Formula car was Iakovos Parikian. The award was received on his behalf by Mr. Angelos Heracleous, a member of the first team that constructed the car in 1968.

The same award was also presented to Professor Antonis Lontos, who has continued this tradition and has been guiding and inspiring the University’s Formula team over the past decade.

In the same category, the FUF Racing Team was also honoured, having achieved 2nd place in the International Formula Student competition in August 2025. The award was received by Michalis Michaelides, team leader of the 2025 team.

A final, special distinction in this category was dedicated to the memory of the University graduate George Nicolaides. George was an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering student who, in his final year in 2014, chose as his thesis topic the organization of a Formula Student team. His vision did not remain theoretical. In 2017, the first car was built and raced, marking the revival of the Formula tradition at the University. The award, presented as a tribute to his memory and contribution, was received by his mother, Ms. Anthousa Nicolaidou.

The awards themselves feature the symbol of the University’s compass—representing the direction and values that have guided the Organization for 60 years. They were designed and created by University alumnus Marios Charalambous, founder of Studio & Lab Digital Fabrication Space.