Hellenic College Sustaining Excellent Programs

Brookline, MA — On Wednesday, November 1st, 2006, Hellenic College welcomed Kimberlee Maphis Early of the Programs for the Theological Exploration of Vocation, Lilly Endowment Inc., as she visited with faculty, staff, and administration involved in the Endowment-funded programs of the Office of Vocation and Ministry (OVM). Maphis Early’s visit comes on the heels of the happy news that the Lilly Endowment will award Hellenic College $500,000 in matching funds to sustain the OVM programs from 2008–2010.

Kim Maphis Early met with CrossRoad alumni and Hellenic College students; the school’s president, Rev. Nicholas C. Triantafilou; Dean of the college, Dr. Lily Macrakis; faculty; Orthodox Christian Fellowship college students and staff; the advisory board and staff of the OVM; and the grant evaluator, Dr. Frances Kostarelos. Maphis Early told the Hellenic College faculty, “We are pleased that Hellenic College is a willing contributor to the national conversation on the theological exploration of vocation.” Hellenic College juniors Nicole Hillas and Andrew Horvath shared their reflections on the OVM. Hillas stated, “The OVM connects with the students on a personal level, and it has helped me define my future in a positive way. I always look forward to the retreats and symposiums, as they have really enhanced my college experience. The OVM provides me with opportunities that I could not receive at other colleges.” Andrew Horvath continued, “The OVM helps shed light on the fact that my vocation is something that unfolds more and more every day, and every event offered by the office has helped me grow in understanding my purpose. I now approach each decision in life with the ‘how’ in mind, not simply the ‘what.’” Maphis Early remarked to the OVM Director, Ann Bezzerides, “It was particularly rewarding for me to hear from students about their experiences with the project, and to meet with leaders of the various facets of your work. You are a terrific team!”

The Office of Vocation and Ministry runs CrossRoad, a ten-day intensive summer program for Orthodox high school juniors and seniors; leadership training, retreats, career service workshops, and strengths-based assessments for Hellenic College students; and faculty vocation grants for Hellenic College professors. Additionally, the OVM works in collaboration with the North American Orthodox Christian Fellowship office to give out $25,000 annually in vocation grant funding to Orthodox Christian Fellowship chapters on college campuses nationally. For more information on the Office of Vocation and Ministry, see www.vocations.hchc.edu or call (617) 850-1308.