The Logothetis family’s Libra Philanthropies has announced a new student sponsorship scheme in the US to honour Greek shipowner Philip Embiricos.
The independent Libra Philanthropies foundation said the Philippe A Embiricos (1968) Fellowship in Ocean Engineering will be set up with a gift of $500,000 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Embiricos died in 2021 at the age of 78.
His daughter, Nitzia Logothetis, is married to George Logothetis, the owner of New York-headquartered Libra Group, which is active in six sectors including maritime and aerospace.
The fellowship aims to inspire and empower talent from Greece to become trailblazers in maritime innovation, Libra said.
The Libra foundation was established last year and aims to continue and expand the social responsibility initiatives carried out by the wider group.
Work includes social impact programmes, strategic giving and the support of independent non-profit organisations.
The MIT fellowship will last five years, with the possibility of renewal.
Nitzia Logothetis is the founder and clinical director at Seleni Institute, a non-profit organisation dedicated to women’s physical and mental health, in New York, alongside Logothetis.
She said: “I loved my father dearly, and dearly love that his legacy will endure through this scholarship. He would be so very proud, and that makes me proud.”
Legendary shipping family
Embiricos was a scion of one of Greece’s most famous shipping families.
His full name was Philip Alexander Embiricos-Coumoundouros.
Embiricos led shipowning and ship management companies Andros Maritime and Aeolos Management.
He was also a director of his family’s shipbroking business in the UK.
As a qualified naval architect, Embiricos was a knowledgeable authority on the works of the Panama Canal, so much so that he wrote a book on the subject in 2006.
The sponsorship will be a “valuable bridge between people at MIT and in Greece as we work together to develop the next generation of ocean engineering leaders in pursuit of a sustainable maritime future”, said Themis Sapsis, the William I Koch Professor and director of the Center for Ocean Engineering at MIT.
Nicholas Georgiou, chief executive of Libra-owned Lomar Shipping, said: “Philippe Embiricos’ passion, love and meaningful contributions to the shipping industry are widely known.
“His wisdom and intellect shone through in his unique out-of-the-box ideas, setting him apart from others tackling maritime challenges,” he added.
Georgiou said that Embiricos was always there as a support for Lomar staff, especially through the most difficult times.
“As a friend and a mentor, he had a special ability to share words of wisdom with complete precision and clarity. This fellowship is a fitting tribute to his legacy, and we are immensely proud to see this programme launched in his honour,” Georgiou added.
