The American School of Classical Studies at Athens is pleased to announce a gift from Stella Phillips, Executor of the Estate of Costa Constantine, to name the exhibition hall in the Makriyannis Wing in memory of her late brother, Costa Constantine. Costa, a devoted benefactor of the American School, was an Overseer of the Gennadius Library from 2018 until 2021.

The Costa Constantine Hall will showcase a diverse range of exhibitions, displaying the American School's collections and other items that align with the School’s mission.  These exhibitions, offered free of charge, enable the American School to engage in a broader dialogue with the general public as well as the scholarly community.

Reflecting on her brother's legacy, Stella Phillips remarked, “This room embodies the dedication and pride Costa had for his heritage, his insatiable thirst for knowledge, and his devotion to the American School—particularly the Gennadius Library—where he served as an overseer.” She continued, “It is an honor for our family to have future generations enjoy, learn, and benefit from all the School has to offer in his memory, in tribute to Costa and his beloved wife, Yvonne.”

Maria Georgopoulou, Director of the Gennadius Library, shared her memories of Costa, saying, “Costa served the Overseers of the Gennadius Library with great passion and dedication. I will always remember his kind friendship, generous support, love for travel and Greek cuisine, and, above all, his intellectual curiosity about all things Greek.”

Executive Director George Orfanakos said, “We are deeply thankful to Costa and to the Phillips family for choosing to honor Costa's memory in this magnificent way. Costa was beloved by many and is truly missed. By naming our main exhibition space after him, his family ensures that his spirit and memory will embrace every visitor who enters this hall.  Costa’s love and passion for Greece's historic past will be shared with generations to come.”

About Costa Constantine (1935–2021)

Costa Constantine was born in 1935 in New York. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from St. John's University in 1956, followed by a Bachelor of Laws in 1958.  His legal career included distinguished tenures at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, and, later, Skadden, Arps. Costa was married to his beloved wife, Yvonne, for 41 years until her passing in 2018.

Costa’s role as an Overseer of the Gennadius Library began in 2018 and continued until his passing on March 11, 2021.  Despite his relatively short tenure, Costa’s contributions to governance and his numerous acts of philanthropy significantly impacted the Gennadius Library and the American School.

Costa led a vibrant and fulfilling life, driven by his passions for travel, classical music, and learning. He relished excursions in Greece with trustees and overseers and frequently traveled abroad to immerse himself in different cultures. An avid reader and book collector, Costa's pursuit of knowledge was both intellectual and deeply personal, reflecting his profound connection to his Hellenic heritage.

To learn more about naming a space at the American School, please contact Nancy Savaides, Director of Stewardship and Engagement, at nsavaides@ascsa.org or 609-454-6810. Naming opportunities for a variety of spaces are still available. Donors can choose from a wide range of gift levels to name a room or area in honor of themselves, an American School scholar, or a family member, friend, or group.

Please click the links below to view the nameable spaces and options that remain: