Selah Yearbook 1991-92

Skoumbourdis Enjoys Opportunities

By Ruth Gutierrez M a n y westerners k n o w the city of Nazareth, Israel, as the place where Jesus Christ grew up, but to Dr. Evangelos Skoumbourdis, it is home.

His educational background in Israel has been very beneficial to him. "By the time you graduate from high school, you would have been exposed to a m i n i m u m of three languages and four years of math, physics, and chemistry," he said.

Education in Israel is also free until the age of 18.

"Education is a privilege," Skoumbourdis said. "You don't buy an education, you earn it."

At the age of 19, Skoumbourdis' parents m o v e d to Greece. H e decided, however, to m a k e a different m o v e and pursue his career. "It was an opportunity to come to the United States," he said.

In 1980 Skoumbourdis became a U.S. citizen because of his agreement with the Constitution. "The U.S. is great for those w h o love it and want to serve it and become a citizen," he said.

Although freedom is important to those coming to America, Skoumbourdis said that the U.S. offers m u c h more. "There are people w h o come to the United States and want an opportunity," he said.

Skoumbourdis has been busy since his arrival in the U.S. H e acquired a scholarship while doing his undergraduate work at Tennessee Polytechnic Institute. During his third and fourth year, he became a part-time Photo by Vangie instructor teaching physics labs. H e attained two bachelor's degrees, in physics and math. H e also tions. "Teachers become so involved at times in rereceived a master's degree in mathematics.

After moving to Oklahoma, Skoumbourdis acquired search, that they forget they are teachers," he said.

His goal is to help his students become the best they a master's degree in physics and a doctorate in mathcan possibly be in whatever field they choose to go ematical physics at Oklahoma State University.

Skoumbourdis has noticed m a n y differences be- into. "I want to educate others so that they can become tween his native country and his n e w home. Acquiring successful and promote Christ," he said.

For Skoumbourdis, learning is a lifelong process. "I a teaching position in Israel is very competitive compared to the United States, where cities and counties learn something n e w every day," he said. "I go to m y are trying to recruit more teachers. W h e n applying to colleagues and interact and ask questions."

During his spare time, Skoumbourdis likes to drive a university, examinations are given by the State Board his Chevy u p into the mountains or play Bach and of Education.

Family values are also different. "At h o m e w e have Schubert classics on his piano.

Skoumbourdis loves the Lord and gives H i m all the a stable society and family stability," he said.

Family ties and activities are basics in Israel. glory for his accomplishments. Although he has been Skoumbourdis also described Israel as being a "multi- able to achieve m a n y goals throughout his life, the cultural" country, rich in tourism, trade and transpor- most important thing to him has been his relationship to the Lord. " M y greatest accomplishment is being a tation.

Skoumbourdis is an associate professor of math- Christian," he said. "Live for today, and trust G o d for ematics and also teaches physics. H e is n o w in his sixth every day." year of teaching at Liberty. H e dedicates his time to his students and is glad w h e n they learn and ask ques-