Democritus University of Thrace bids farewell to Sofia Corradi, known as the “Mother of Erasmus.” Corradi regarded Erasmus—the exchange program through which around 16 million students have studied abroad across Europe—as her “personal peace mission.”

Sofia Corradi, professor of education at Roma Tre University in Rome, won a US Fulbright Scholarship at the age of 20, which led her to Columbia University, where she earned a Master’s degree in Law. When the courses she had completed in the United States were not recognized by the Italian education system upon her return, she began to envision the idea of a student exchange program. This vision became reality in 1987 with the development of the Erasmus Program, that for decades has inspired, transformed, and united millions of young people across Europe and beyond—opening new paths and changing lives.

Corradi’s legacy has offered thousands of students of the Democritus University of Thrace the opportunity to live a part of her dream—receiving support to spend a study period at another university or to undertake an internship in another country. Through these experiences, they have broadened their horizons, gained life-changing experiences, and contributed to building a Europe without borders, grounded in shared values.

Her legacy has also enabled hundreds of academic and administrative staff members to participate in exchanges—either by visiting other universities or hosting colleagues—collaborating, teaching, receiving training, and developing new skills, while bringing the benefits of these experiences back to the university, their peers, and their students.

Indicatively, over the past two years, 260 students and 243 staff members (academic and administrative) of DUTH have had the opportunity to take part in mobility activities within Erasmus partner countries, and these numbers continue to grow steadily as the university secures increasing funding.

The memory of Sofia Corradi will remain linked to courage, vision, and the conviction that education can be a tool for peace and progress—a reminder that we can build bridges, not walls.

From the Rectorate

Komotini, 21.10.2025