university of patras
The University of Patras was founded in the city of Patras on 11 November 1964
as a self-governed Academic Institution under the supervision of the Greek
Government. The University was initially established with the intention to focus
on natural sciences, technology, economics, business administration and social
sciences. The role of the University of Patras was to set an example of a highly
qualified Higher Education Institution, thus serving as a stimulus for the
modernization of the entire Greek Higher Education System, with priority given
to the fields where highly trained personnel would be able to contribute to the
economic development of the country. In the course of time, the above objectives
had to be adapted to the new prospects arising from the recognition of the key
role of knowledge and technology in social and cultural growth and of the
contribution the University was expected to make towards addressing major
regional, national and even international challenges. The inauguration of the
University of Patras took place on 30 November 1966, on the same day as the
celebration of Saint Andrew, the patron Saint of the city of Patras. For this
reason, the emblem of the University is an X-shaped cross symbolizing the one on
which St. Andrew was crucified.
