What began as a series of porch conversations and long walks during the COVID-19 pandemic evolved into an international artistic collaboration connecting Shenandoah University students with the rich cultural heritage of Greece.

In Spring 2024, Athena Michael, Ed.D. ’11, PhilotimoNOW founder and executive director, partnered with Shenandoah Conservatory Dance Division Chair and Associate Professor of Dance Maurice Fraga, M.F.A., to develop a unique three-credit senior-level course centered on the ancient Greek concept of philotimo.

The course challenged students to explore the meaning of philotimo through dance, literature, and cultural immersion. The culmination of their work was a performance tour throughout Greece, including appearances in Ikaria, Diavolitsi, and Karystos, where students presented original choreographic works inspired by four poems selected from Neo-Hellene Poets: An Anthology of Modern Greek Poetry 1750–2018, translated and compiled by anthologist Manolis Aligizakis.

To deepen the authenticity of the performances, students collaborated internationally with Koilon Productions, an Athens-based theater company, whose actors recorded the poems in Greek for use as voiceovers during the performances.

“This expansive learning experience was developed with PhilotimoNOW director and founder Athena Michael, who helped our students to internalize the values of philotimo and create dance moments for a Greek audience,” said Shenandoah Conservatory Dance Division Chair and Associate Professor of Dance Maurice Fraga, M.F.A.

The interdisciplinary project also fostered meaningful artistic partnerships across continents.

“Working as a collaborative team was a pleasure, and none greater than with Koilon Productions of Athens,” said Shenandoah Conservatory Professor of Theatre Kirsten Trump, MFA. “We spoke about the essence of each poem, as well as the feelings evoked from the movement. Koilon company members recorded the poems in Greek, which were included in the performance. This brought our worlds together on an even deeper spiritual and artistic level.”

What Is Philotimo?

The Greek word philotimo has no direct English translation, yet it lies at the heart of Greek identity and culture. To the ancient Greek philosophers, philotimo represented a call to action rooted in honor, duty, and moral responsibility.

Philotimo embodies:

• Unconditional Honor and Duty — Living with a profound sense of self-respect and acting virtuously because it is the right thing to do, not for personal gain or recognition.
• Selflessness and Generosity — Offering help, hospitality, and kindness without expecting anything in return.
• Empathy and Compassion — Understanding that we are all connected and sharing in both the joys and struggles of others.
• Community and Collective Pride — Recognizing that individual actions reflect upon one’s family, community, and society, and striving to bring honor rather than shame through one’s conduct.

For Michael, the project represented far more than an academic exercise. It was an opportunity to give back to the university that helped shape her professional and personal journey.

During the doctoral process, I was honored to be part of the Global Citizenship Program,” said Michael. “I had the opportunity to travel to Jordan with several university leaders, including School of Business Dean Emeritus Miles Davis, Ph.D.; Shenandoah University Board Of Trustees member Mary Shockey; and former Senior Vice President & Vice President for Academic Affairs Byron L. Grigsby, Ph.D.”

“The application process for the GCP included a section asking applicants how they would give back to the university,” said Michael. “Somehow that lingered in my heart—my philotimo—and this opportunity became a way of honoring my roots and more importantly, the professors, particularly, Director of the Institute for Business, Sustainability, and Society Giles Jackson; Professor Emerita Former Associate Dean of Student Affairs Ting-Yu Chen; Adjunct Associate Professor Cathy Loranger ’15 (pictured right), and Director of Creative Services Colby Smith, who provided me with the business tools and expertise to develop the nonprofit, PhilotimoNOW.”

Through PhilotimoNOW and her collaboration with Shenandoah Conservatory, Michael has helped create a transformative educational experience that bridges cultures, disciplines, and generations while bringing the enduring values of Greek heritage to life through the arts.

To learn more about PhilotimoNOW, visit PhilotimoNOW.com.