Plans for the Future
Building on our past accomplishments, there is a great deal more we plan to do in the future to benefit both the Universities of Crete, as well as members of the Pencretan Association, young and old.
Medical Internships at the University of Crete
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.
Summer 2000: Travels, Gatherings and Impressions
The long hot days of summer are becoming distant memories for most of us, along with those fun-filled days and travels both here and in Greece. And now we are slowly preparing ourselves for the return to our schools and offices for another busy round of life. As for myself, before I get my own preparations underway, I can't help but find myself sitting in front of my computer wanting to recount and record my thoughts about those summer travels, impressions, sites, places and people that made this past summer so special.
Summer Youth Camp Pilot Program
This pilot program was offered for the first time during the summer of 1998 on campus at the University of Crete. More than 15 Pancretan youths participated in the program which consisted of the following programming:
Summer Programs at the University of Crete
In 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.
The Botanical Park in Acrotiri, Chania
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. Even in the mountains and higher elevations, one can see the destruction of much of our native animals and their habitats. If expansion continues at this rapid pace - and indiciations are that it will - in a short span of time there will be little left of Crete's pristine environment and wildlife.
To preserve a piece of this unique habitat and the wildlife it supports, the Polytechnical School, under the leadership of its past Rector Professor Yiannis Phillis, set aside 300 acres of land in the midst of Acrotiri for the purpose of creating a Botanical Park.
The Pancretan Endowment Fund has since supported this important effort financially at a cost of nearly $120,000. The Botanical Park is still in its infancy at this time. However, in another 10 to 15 years the full beauty of Botanical Park will be realized. Hopefully it will act as an inspiration and a beacon for environmentalists, professors and students, and also locals of the region who simply wish to enjoy the rough beauty of nature that was at one time prolific in Crete.
The Crete University Press (CUP)
