On Sunday afternoon, October 12, the Department Art History and Archaeology and the John and Penelope Biggs Department of Classics at WashU, the Hellenic Government–Karakas Family Foundation Professorship in Greek Studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and the Classical Club of St. Louis hosted the 2025 George E. Mylonas Lecture in Greek Archaeology at the St. Louis Art Museum. This year’s lecture, titled “Pilgrimage, Prayers, and Picnics on a Greek Mountaintop,” was delivered by Dr. Mary Voyatzis, Professor Emerita of Classical Archaeology at the University of Arizona.

Dr. Voyatzis shared a deeply engaging presentation that wove together decades of archaeological research with personal reflections on her connection to the region. Her work on ancient Greek mountaintop shrines revealed the rich ritual life of these sacred spaces, where worshippers gathered for prayer, pilgrimage, and communal celebration. The audience was especially moved by her account of converting her family home in the area into a research station—an act that beautifully bridges personal heritage and scholarly pursuit.

This year’s lecture also marked a significant milestone for the department: thanks to the generosity of Bill Tragos, the Mylonas Lecture has now been endowed in perpetuity. Mr. Tragos’s support ensures that this cherished tradition will continue to bring leading voices in Greek archaeology to our community for years to come.

Throughout the afternoon, the memory of George E. Mylonas—renowned archaeologist and founder of the Department of Art History and Archaeology at Washington University—was honored and felt. His legacy of rigorous scholarship and passionate teaching was reflected in the spirit of the event, the curiosity of the attendees, and the enduring relevance of classical studies.

The department extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Voyatzis, Mr. Tragos, and all who attended for making this year’s Mylonas Lecture a celebration of learning, legacy, and connection.