University boosts revenue with memorabilia
With the country’s protracted financial crisis pervading all aspects of Greek society, Athens University has begun selling memorabilia as a way to boost its revenues.
“Respecting the history of the institution, we are trying to increase revenue,” said university rector Thanos Dimopoulos.
Among the items on sale – available at four distribution points – are T-shirts, bags, pins, writing blocks and others, all bearing the ancient Greek goddess Athena (the university emblem that was redesigned in 2012).
The paper items are all produced in-house while the others are made by companies commissioned by the university. Prices range from 1.50 euros to 30 euros.
According to university authorities, the collection will be boosted in September with sweaters, key rings, umbrellas, vinyl bags and other items.
The university is the country’s oldest, and is considered one of its most prestigious institutions. According to a recently published book by University of Stanford
Professor John Ioannidis, its professors rank among the world’s best. In his book, “Tractatus on the Sixth Fame,” Ioannidis says that 714 Greek academics rank
among the world’s influential researchers and scientists and that 26 of these academics are from the University of Athens.
