The Antonis Fragoudakis Memorial Award is given out annually to a student who has demonstrated excellence in the study of Modern Greek language and culture at Boston University. The gift was made possible by a generous gift in 2022 by Prof. Roselita Fragoudakis, in honor of her father. Read more about the life of Antonis Fragoudakis below.
ANTONIS FRAGOUDAKIS
1950-2017
Antonis Fragoudakis was born in Athens, Greece in June 1950. After receiving his diploma from the Leontios High School he trained in the field of gemology in order to work in the family business, focusing on the design and manufacturing of luxury jewelry.
In 1974 he married Giolanda Vadoka. Together they inaugurated the second jewelry store of the family business, with exclusive designs by Antonis himself. Their family grew with the birth of their two daughters Dr. Roselita Fragoudakis, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Merrimack College, and Mirka Fragoudakis, a psychologist working in the Human Resources sector of Giolanda’s company.
Apart from the design of luxury jewelry and working with precious stones, Antonis loved anything that had to do with car design, from aerodynamics to engine mechanics. This second passion of his lead him slowly to build a large collection of diecast scale model cars, one of the largest in the Balkan region.
Antonis loved sharing his knowledge on his work and hobbies with his peers and mostly the younger generations, thus becoming a mentor to many new jewelry designers as well as car collectors. His mentees appreciate his enthusiasm and passion, as well as the patience with which he approached them.
The History of Greece and the Greek language held a special place in his heart, as one can observe from the books that are included in his home office library. Antonis loved the outdoors and the sea. He passed away in June 2017.