MODERN GREEK began at the University of Michigan in the Department of Classical Studies of the College of Literature, Science, and Arts in September 1990. In the beginning there was a 2-year language sequence, Professor Traianos Gagos's labor of love when he was still an untenured lecturer. Today there is an endowed Professorship in Modern Greek, named after world famous poet C. P. Cavafy, an interdisciplinary program offering courses for undergraduate and graduate students, and regular events for students, faculty, and the broader community. How did all this come about? Language offerings later benefited from the teaching of Mihalis Fotiadis, the advocacy of the department Chairs Ludwig Koenen and Sharon Herbert, and a long-term visit by Karen van Dyck of Columbia University.

Despite these efforts, the future of Modern Greek was not guaranteed, and, in fact, at times looked bleak, until the Department of Classical Studies and the Program in Comparative Literature joined forces, applying together to the University's International Institute for one of its new joint positions in 1996. They won a Professorship in Modern Greek, a position to be shared by Classical Studies and Comparative Literature.

Next the University turned to the Greek community for support. The community responded enthusiastically. The Foundation for Modern Greek Studies, a dynamic, progressive, grass-roots Greek American organization established in Michigan, undertook to raise $750,000, to be given to the University in three installments. When the Foundation met its first fundraising goal, the University upgraded the position to an endowed Professorship as it broadened its commitment to modern Greek. The endowing of the professorship meant that the University committed itself to offering modern Greek for as long as the University survives. In the Spring of 1999, it hired Professors Vassilis Lambropoulos, Artemis Leontis, and Konstantina (Kostalena) Michelaki to teach undergraduate and graduate courses and develop a vital program as well as a minor and major concentration in Modern Greek. Despina Margomenou joined the teaching staff in 2001.  

When the Foundation fulfilled its commitment in 2001, University students, faculty, administration, and community together celebrated the establishment of the C. P. Cavafy Professorship in Modern Greek with a series of events, exhibits, and the publication. The celebration marked a journey's beginning rather than an end, as Professor Gagos puts it, "We may have reached "Ithaka" but the greatest journey lies ahead."