The University Library mourns the passing of Prof. Speros Vryonis, Jr., one of the most eminent scholars of Hellenic and Turkish civilizations of the 20th century and the architect of the University Library’s Tsakopoulos Hellenic Collection. “It’s easy to marvel at Dr. Vryonis as a towering intellect and prolific scholar, but his accomplishments, as he would tell you, had as much—if not more—to do with hard work and discipline,” notes George I. Paganelis, Curator of the Tsakopoulos Hellenic Collection. Upon the closure of the Speros Basil Vryonis Center for the Study of Hellenism, Vryonis was instrumental in the decision to bring the center’s library to Sacramento State, where it was renamed in honor of its benefactor and Sacramento State alumnus Angelo K. Tsakopoulos. He also advocated for the creation of a full-time curatorial position to oversee its care and growth in the University Library. “Dr. Vryonis was a consistent supporter of my work to enhance the collection. He was very generous with his time and encouragement, and his praise was the highest compliment I have received in my professional life,” Paganelis adds.
Read Vryonis’ full obituary at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sacramento-ca/speros-vryonis-8202677.