Dean Mark Lodato (left) presents Peter (center) and Aphrodite Tsairis with the Newhouse School Medal for Distinguished Service during a Newhouse School ceremony. (Photo by Amy Manley)
Founders of The Alexia at Newhouse Awarded With School’s Highest Medal
Peter and Aphrodite Tsairis turned grief into purpose following the death of their daughter Alexia in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.
Their commitment is galvanized through an initiative named after their daughter, honoring Alexia’s passion for photography and promoting the power of visual storytelling to shed light on significant issues around the world.
In recognition of the Tsairises’ dedication and generosity that dates back more than three decades, the presented the couple its highest honor, the Newhouse School Medal for Distinguished Service, during a ceremony held March 27 at the school.
It is thought to be the first time that Newhouse had awarded the medal since 1977, when legendary CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite received the award from publisher S.I. Newhouse, for whom the school is named.
“It is fitting and long overdue that we recognize Peter and Aphrodite for their contributions to the mission of the Newhouse School and their extraordinary efforts to promote the power of visual storytelling,” said before awarding the medal.
The ceremony took place during this year’s judging weekend for The Alexia competition. Before an audience that included their family and friends, along with Chancellor Kent Syverud, Chancellor-elect J. Michael Haynie and Provost Lois Agnew, the Tsairises thanked Lodato and highlighted the decades-long collaboration with previous deans and visual communications faculty.
From Tragedy to Purpose: The Story Behind The Alexia
was a 20-year-old photography major in Newhouse when she was one of 35 killed in the terrorist bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, as they were returning home from a semester abroad in London. The victims are honored on campus in a memorial in front of the Hall of Languages.
Now in its 35th year, the initiative has become an internationally recognized granting organization that supports documentary photographers and filmmakers worldwide. Also, the is a marquee experiential learning opportunity at the University for visual communications students.
“The welcoming support extended from Newhouse to us for these 35 years is the glue that has held us all together, united in one goal—to inspire visual storytellers to go where we cannot, to bring us stories that enlarge our understanding and to give us hope in the future of humanity. Thank you so much,” Aphrodite Tsairis said.
The Tsairises remain close with David Sutherland, professor emeritus of visual communications and the former Alexia Chair. Sutherland taught their daughter in London and worked with the couple to establish The Alexia following the tragedy.
A Legacy of Support for Visual Storytellers Worldwide
Over its history, the foundation has awarded about $1.7 million in grants to 170 student and professional photographers and filmmakers through annual competitions.
Peter and Aphrodite Tsairis “might not realize that they have affected [the lives] of that many students around the world,” Sutherland said. “The ones that they gave awards to obviously ended up with life-changing events—getting scholarships and grants.”
The Alexia also has deep roots with the current Alexia Endowed Chair, , an associate professor of visual communications. who also teaches graphic design and writing in the Newhouse School, is The Alexia’s curator of communications, design and exhibitions.
Aphrodite Tsairis said The Alexia will continue to thrive under the leadership of the Strongs.
“Your story is not the darkness. You refused to stay there,” Bruce Strong told the Tsairises from a podium. “You struck a match. That small act of creating light in a moment of overwhelming darkness became something far greater.”
The Newhouse School Medal for Distinguished Service recognizes friends of the school whose contributions have a lasting impact on students, the Newhouse School’s mission and the wider world.
Peter Tsairis smiles and holds a thumbs up while posing with his wife, Aphrodite, and other family members in the lobby of Newhouse 1. (Photo by Amy Manley)
