In Memoriam: Lloyd Cotsen

The American School is saddened to learn of the death of Lloyd Cotsen on May 8, 2017. Lloyd was a remarkable Philhellene and friend of the School of the highest order. He built our Cotsen Hall, supported the Gennadius Library’s lecture series, and funded two School fellowships. In addition, Lloyd was a member of the School’s Board of Trustees (and later served as its President) from 1977–2010, and was the first chairman of the Gennadius Library Overseers from 1995–2010.

We celebrated his life at our gala last evening where he was the recipient of the Gennadius Prize for outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge of post-antique Greece. With two of his children, Corinna and Eric, accepting on his behalf and other family members present, we celebrated his life through his love for Greece and the Greek people.

At the gala, Trustee Chairman emeritus Jim Ottaway remarked, “It is no exaggeration to say that Lloyd Cotsen was the greatest benefactor of the Gennadius Library since its founder, Joannes Gennadius himself.”

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and his impact on the School and Library will be felt for years to come.

Watch our tribute video:

To read more about Lloyd, see the ASCSA’s award announcement.