Basketball star Nikos Galis greeted first-year students at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki during a ceremony held at the university's Alexandroudi hall. The event welcomed incoming students beginning their studies in the city. Attendees were described as expecting a major surprise, with Galis's appearance filling that role. His connection to Thessaloniki gave the gathering a strong local sporting presence. The report focused on the welcome rather than the academic program or admission details for particular faculties. It did not explain in greater detail what the announced surprise involved.