Sunday 20 May 2012
The History of the Pancretan Endowment Fund
Our History The Pancretan Endowment Fund was established during the 1974 Pancretan Association of America Convention in Pittsburgh, PA. An initial fund-raising effort created a $200,000 financial base for the fund. Read more
The Crete University Press
The Crete University Press The idea of the University Press was first proposed to the PEF in the early 1980s. The Press was to be the first of its kind in Greece. Read more
The Botanical Park
The Botanical Park The rapid development of the island of Crete has had a very serious impact on its ecology. Very few areas are left untouched by the expanding population and influx of tourists. Read more
The University of Crete Summer Programs
Summer ProgramsIn co-operation with DIAS International Academic Studies, college level courses have been offered for students at the University and Polytechnical Institute of Crete during the summer months. Read more
The University of Crete Medical Internships
Medical Internships Two to three students of Cretan descent who currently attend medical schools in the United States are eligible to participate in the summer internship program at the University of Crete in Heraklion. Read more
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You are here: Welcome

Welcome to the Pancretan Endowment Fund


George A. Papadantonakis, Ph.D.

From George A. Papadantonakis, Ph.D., PEF Chairman:

As the chairman of the Pancretan Endowment Fund (PEF), I want to welcome you to our website. I hope you will take a few moments to go through the site's menu to learn more about the PEF and its role as a not-for-profit charitable fund. I think you will be impressed with what the PEF has done over the years to enhance the relationship between Crete and the United States.

The PEF's primary purpose is to benefit the University of Crete (UC) and the National Technical University of Crete (NTUC), also known as Polytechnic Institute of Crete. The PEF is also charged with the duty of promoting the history and culture of the island of Crete.

MonasteryThese objectives are as important today as they were when first expressed decades ago in the PEF's Trust Agreement which sets out the scope and purpose of the PEF. Throughout its history, the PEF has honored the committment of its founders, since projects consistent with the framework of education and culture are solely eligible for funding by the PEF.

In the course of reading about the PEF, you will learn more about its fundraising efforts and the generous support the PEF has given to such programs like the Crete University Press (CUP), the Park for the Conservation of Flora and Fauna, the Medical Internships Program at the University of Crete, and the DIAS summer courses in Crete. Hopefully, you will be moved to embrace the mission of the PEF and become a contributor to its many programs.

The PEF trustees have established various ways to recognize those of you who choose to be contributors -- from someone who gives a modest donation to more generous contributors who decide to become “Friends of the Universities of Crete.” At whatever level, the PEF appreciates and is thankful for any assistance.

We would be grateful for your moral support and financial contribution at any level of participation in order to carry out the mission of the PEF. Thank you.