Welcome to the Pancretan Endowment Fund

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.

These 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.