When Antonis Samaras graduated from Harvard Business School in 1976, it probably never occurred to him that 47 years later he would return to receive one of the university’s most prestigious awards, given to outstanding alumni. It was inconceivable that even outside the residence hall where he then resided, McCulloch Hall, there would be a poster with his face to remind today’s students that education and heavy equipment create not only character, but also role models in leadership. And the leader for Americans since the time of gold diggers and the conquest of the Wild West is not the one who galloped to success without hindrance, but the one who is called upon to cope with difficulties, defeats, unpopular choices with steadfastness and morality.

All of these waves of adversity passed unscathed for the former prime minister, who was, in fact, the only European among the recipients of the Alumni Achievement Award. It has been a great honor for our country at the international level, which may force us Greeks to reconsider our standards, the criteria by which we evaluate those who excel in the political, business or social arena. At a recent ceremony, Harvard School of Economics Dean Shrikant Datar spoke about the deeds and life choices of five individuals who exemplify leadership in today’s world. In addition to the messianic politician, the recipients included Reshma Kevalramani, President of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Depelsha Thomas McGruder, a senior executive at the Ford Foundation, recognized for his tremendous work in the African American community, and Raymond J. McGuire, President of Lazard. and Steven Schwartzman, head of Blackstone.

All of them proved to them that they managed to meet the challenges, to go beyond. As prime minister, Samaras took over the reins of our country during the most difficult period since the Post-Colonization, with huge losses to GDP, constant negotiations with creditors, anger and disdain of citizens for the political system, a cauldron that was literally boiling without a safety valve. As he himself explained in a very beautiful video prepared by the university staff from the words of each laureate, it was important to remain true to the moral measure, the inner voice of conscience, even if this could lead to defeat in the elections, huge political costs, but also personal loss of vision for one eye.

Of course, all this is connected with his upbringing, the patriotic traditions of his family, but also with something else, which Shrikant Datar pointed out in his speech: “Antonis Samaras, the son of a cardiologist, was expected to follow in the footsteps of his father. But one day a friend invited him to the chemistry lab at Amherst College to hear Galbraith speak. With enthusiasm, he changed the subject of his studies and became engaged in economics. Add the dean: “Few careers are as complex and unpredictable as politics. However, Samaras from the very beginning focused his attention on what motivated him. That is, in love for their compatriots and in the desire to solve their problems. The duty and respect he embodies will also define his political legacy, setting a shining beacon for future generations of leaders.”

At this special moment in his career, Antonis Samaras was accompanied by his beloved wife Georgia and daughter Lena. His son Kostas was absent as he is doing military service. However, perhaps the most important congratulations to the former prime minister came from the greatest living diaspora leader, Michael Dukakis, who invited him to his home along with our consul in Boston, Simeon Tego.