CYA President, Alexis Phylactopoulos, and administrators Peggy Myresiotou, Popi Triantafyllidi, Katie Sievers, and Alexia Lingaas had the joy of hosting CYA alumni, friends, and partners at a reception on May 31^st. The event took place at the incredible GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live® in conjunction with the NAFSA Annual Conference in Los Angeles. Guests enjoyed Greek food, an open bar, and the lively conversation that comes with great company and many years of shared memories.

While we could not pass up the chance to gather with those in our field who are usually scattered throughout the world, it was also a perfect chance to celebrate 55 years with the local alums who embody CYA’s vibrant life. We are very grateful to the alums who spent their Wednesday evening with us, some after traveling hours to get to downtown Los Angeles.

To honor CYA’s 55^th anniversary, we asked those who know us well to share their CYA experience in our guestbook. The entries, scrawled with enthusiasm in colorful ink, told the story of CYA with goosebump-inducing feeling. Thank you to those who shared such candid thoughts—we are lucky to have such a warm, and ever-growing, CYA family!

Here are a few great guest book entries…

Greece changed my life. I reconnected with my heritage, learned my language and fell in love with the country of my father and ancestors. Thank you for everything. Ellada will always be in my heart. – Greg Bibas, ’90-91

Studying abroad with CYA was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. Not only did I have an enriching educational experience, but my outlook on the world was broadened. Thank you for enabling me to have these experiences. I will forever be grateful. – Brooke Bennett, Fall ‘09

All my students, all of them, absolutely love CYA and Athens. It truly becomes the trans-formative experience educators hope it will be. I have seen my students return from Athens transformed personally, academically and intellectually after a semester with CYA. Thank you, from my office and my students! – Mike Rainaldi, Rollins College

See the full photo album from of the CYA Reception here!