Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
40th Anniversary OF THE American Hellenic Institute Saturday, March 14, 2015 • The Capital Hilton • Washington, DC
THE SALUTE THE AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE AND THIS YEAR’S HELLENIC HERITAGE & NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD HONOREES IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO YOUR COMMUNITY.
PROGRAM Opening & Introduction of Master of Ceremonies Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq.
Treasurer, Board of Directors, American Hellenic Institute
Master of Ceremonies Larry Michael
Senior Vice President and Executive Producer of Media The Washington Redskins
Presentation of the Colors
The Marines of Headquarters Battalion Headquarters, United States Marine Corps
Greek and American National Anthems Maria Pearce
Invocation
Rev. Konstantinos A. Pavlakos
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Falls Church, VA
Greetings
Spiro Spireas, Ph.D.
President, American Hellenic Institute Foundation
Nick R. Larigakis
President, American Hellenic Institute
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Hellenic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award Gene Rossides Dinner
R
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service Awards Ted G. Spyropoulos (posthumously) Accepted by his wife, Erika W. Spyropoulos & daughter Mariyana Spyropoulos
George Lois Aris Melissaratos Hellenic Cultural Achievement Award Anthony Quinn (posthumously) Accepted by his wife, Katherine Quinn
R Benediction
Rev. Konstantinos A. Pavlakos
Silent Auction
Music Provided by APOLLONIA
M ENU Freshly Baked Assorted Rolls & Flat Breads with Butter — SOUP —
Cream of French Onion Soup with Asiago Croutons & Chives — SALAD —
Greek Spiced Grilled Shrimp with Spaghetti Squash, Mixed Greens, Orange Segments and Pea Emulsion — ENTRÉE —
Montreal Seasoned Beef Tenderloin & Herb Seasoned Sea Bass with a Rosemary Demi Sauce Duchess Potatoes, Jumbo Asparagus, Baby Carrot & Roasted Cippolini Onion — DESSERT —
Trio Dessert: Butter Scotch Pudding with Roasted Apples in a Mason Jar Mini Fruit Tart Chocolate Phyllo Freshly Brewed Premium Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee & a Selection of Fine Teas — WINE —
Hatzimichalis Estates
AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE, INC. Board of Directors
Nick Larigakis, President Aleco Haralambides, Esq., Chairman James Lagos, Esq., Vice President Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq., Treasurer Kostas Alexakis, Esq., Secretary
Leon Andris Peter Bota Nicholas E. Chimicles, Esq. Van Coufoudakis, Ph.D.
James L. Marketos, Esq. James Pedas Gene Rossides, Esq. George Tsetsekos, Ph.D.
AFFILIATES Area Representatives Andonis Neroulias, President, AHI-New York George Moutsatsos, M.D., President, AHI-Delaware Paul Sogotis, President, AHI-California Mariyana Spyropoulos, Esq., President, AHI-Chicago Constantine Larigakis, President, AHI-New Jersey
AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE FOUNDATION, INC. Board of Directors
Spiro Spireas, Ph.D., President Nickolas G. Karambelas, Esq., Secretary / Treasurer
John Alahouzos James H. Lagos, Esq. Nick Larigakis Gene Rossides, Esq.
Gus Andy Eleni Rossides Kyriakos Y. Tsakopoulos
Fellows Van Coufoudakis, Ph.D., Chairman Lt. Col. Harry Dinella, USA (Ret.) Constantine Hatzidimitriou, Ph.D. S. Victor Papacosma, Ph.D. Dan Georgakas, Ph.D. Alexander K. Kyrou, Ph.D.
Ambassador Clay Constantinou (Ret.) Andre Gerolymatos, Ph.D. Christos P. Ioannides, Ph.D. George Tsetsekos, Ph.D. Ambassador Andreas Jacovides (Ret.) Elizabeth H. Prodromou, Ph.D.
AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE – Athens Chapter Ilias Malevitis, President, AHI-Greece George C. Economou, President, AHI-Athens Chapter Panagiotis Madamopoulos-Moraris, Director of Development Katerina Papathanassiou Sylvia Gavalla
Staff Yola Pakhchanian, Director, Publications Georgea Polizos, Legislative Director Stephen Kakouris, Office Manager
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Larry Michael Senior Vice President and Executive Producer of Media The Washington Redskins
Larry Michael is Senior Vice President and Executive Producer of Media for the Washington Redskins. However, sports fans know Michael best as the Voice of the Washington Redskins. A ten-time Emmy Award winner, Michael’s iconic voice and style are a part of NFL Sundays for hundreds of thousands of fans in the national capital area. In addition to his play-by-play work, Michael hosts Redskins Nation on Comcast Sports Net and Inside the Redskins on WRC NBC 4. In his executive role, Michael is responsible for the multimedia content on Redskins.com and the Redskins Broadcast Network.
and even appeared in the EA Sports video game, Knockout Kings. As a broadcaster and journalist, Michael has covered eight Olympic Games, twenty-one U.S. Open Golf Championships, fourteen Masters Tournaments and fourteen Super Bowls. If it is happening in the wide world of sports, Michael is there.
Prior to his work with the Redskins, Michael was an NFL and NCAA Basketball play-byplay announcer for Westwood One, where he eventually became executive producer and senior vice president, responsible for negotiating broadcast rights with entities as varied as the NFL and the USGA. Michael is also familiar to boxing fans for his work on HBO’s Boxing Beat and hosting the Notre Dame pre-game Coach’s Show on Westwood One. He has served as the radio voice of the George Washington University Colonials
A graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Radio, Television & Film, Michael is a lifelong member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC. He is certainly no stranger to AHI or the Greek American community. Michael is returning for the fourth time to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards and was himself honored with the Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award in 2011.
Michael gives generously of his time and talent to a variety of charitable endeavors, including The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Joe Gibbs Youth for Tomorrow Youth Home, where he serves the organization as a trustee.
Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Award
The illustration of the Hellenic Heritage and National Public Service Award is based upon the many images of the Goddess of Victory that appear on the approximately 300 extant Panathenaic amphorae which—filled with oil from the olive trees sacred to Athena— was the highest prize bestowed upon the victorious athletes, musicians and poets of the quadrennial Panathenaic Festival, the single most important festival celebrated in ancient Athens. The award is carved by sculptor Constantine L. Seferlis. Inspired by the glorious architecture of his birthplace Athens, Mr. Seferlis was best known for his craftsmanship at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, where for 18 years he designed and carved more than 150 original pieces on the interior and exterior including gargoyles, flowers and the universe of decoration that is the heart of Gothic architecture. Mr. Seferlis worked extensively in Washington, D.C. including at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. Since 1982, he had been the preservation architect at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC where he was in charge of restoration of the “Castle” and thirteen other Smithsonian Museum buildings. He was inducted into the National Sculptor Society in New York in 1971 and the National Academy of Design in 1974. He also starred in the 1984 Academy Award winning documentary film “The Stone Carvers.” Mr. Seferlis passed away March 27, 2005 at the age of 76.
HELLENIC HERITAGE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Gene Rossides
In recognition of his founding of AHI and AHIF, his passionate advocacy, and his decades of leadership within the Greek American Community.
Gene Rossides is a retired senior partner of the international law firm of Rogers and Wells, now Clifford Chance. He served as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Department from 1969 to 1973, where he supervised the U.S. Customs Service, Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tabaco and Firearms and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center among others. He served as a U.S. Representative to INTERPOL from 1969 to 1973. In 1982-1984, he served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Grace Commission, the President’s Private Sector Survey on Cost Control in the Federal Government. Rossides received his B.A. from Columbia College in 1949. As an undergraduate he received All-American football honors. He earned his J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1952. In 1972, he was awarded the Columbia University Medal for Excellence and the Young Lawyer’s Award from the Columbia Law School Alumni Association. In 1994, he received the Columbia College John Jay Award. In 1974, following Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus, he founded the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and in 1975, the AHI Foundation (AHIF). He is the author of Kissinger & Cyprus – A Study in Lawlessness (2014); and the editor of The Truman Doctrine of Aid to Greece: A Fifty Year Retrospective (1998), jointly published by the Academy of Political Science and the AHIF; Greece’s Pivotal Role in World War II and Its Importance to the U.S. Today (2001); The United States & Cyprus: Double Standards & the Rule of Law (2002); American Hellenic Who’s Who (5th ed. 1995); and co-editor of Doing Business in Greece (1999). From 1958 to 1961, he was Assistant to the Treasury Under Secretary in the Eisenhower Administration. In
1956-1958, he was an Assistant Attorney General, New York, in the Bureau of Securities. In 1952, he was in the Rackets Bureau on the staff of New York County District Attorney Frank S. Hogan. He is a founding director of the Eisenhower Institute. Rossides is a member of the Greek Orthodox Church, the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund and the Order of the AHEPA. In 2002, he was invested Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; in 2004 he was presented with the Commander of the Order of the Phoenix by the President of Greece; in 2005 he was the recipient of the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the American College of Greece; and in 2006 he was elected a Visiting Member of the Academy of Athens. In 2000 he received the AHEPA Archbishop Iakovos Award and on July 24, 2014 he was the first recipient of the AHEPA-Stamos Family Lifetime Achievement Award. On October 8, 2014 he received the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the House of Representatives of Cyprus. President of the House, Yiannakis Omirou, presented a medal to Rossides as a token of their gratitude for a lifetime of dedication to Cyprus and its cause. Rossides is a former legal officer for the Air Materiel Command, U.S. Air Force (1952-1953). He resides in Washington, D.C., with his wife Aphrodite. He has four children and six grandchildren. With gratitude for his outstanding achievements and lifelong service to our nation and community, we present Gene Rossides with the first Hellenic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award on this fourteenth day of March, 2015, at our Fortieth Anniversary Dinner.
HELLENIC HERITAGE NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Ted G. Spyropoulos Champion of Hellenism and Hellenic ideas For his faithful dedication to Hellenic ideals and values and a lifetime of generosity to his community.
Ted G. Spyropoulos was a larger than life personality whose success in business was only surpassed by his heart. Born in Kalavryta, Greece in 1939, Spyropoulos left during the civil war in Greece to attend university in Sweden. He studied Political Science in Stockholm where he met his wife, Erika. After serving in the Hellenic Navy, Spyropoulos immigrated to Chicago, Illinois in 1964. In the United States, Spyropoulos quickly found success and established T.G.S. National Wholesalers, an automotive wholesaler that still operates in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. He later founded T.G.S. Petroleum Co., Inc., and Cam2 International Manufacturing and Marketing. Spyropoulos founded the Theodore and Erika Spyropoulos Foundation to help advance his varied philanthropic interests all over the world. From little league teams to providing medical care for those in need, Spyropoulos enjoyed engaging with his community and sharing his signature optimism with others. Spyropoulos loved the ideals of Hellenism and he gave of himself and his wealth to the community in support of Hellenic causes and institutions. He served as the U.S. Regional Coordinator of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (S.A.E.). He was the President of Plant Your Roots in Greece, Inc., and was the first elected president of the Hellenic American National Council USA (HANC). As a leader, Spyropoulos advocated for Hellenic issues in Washington, D.C. and prioritized Hellenic “Paitheia.” As an enthusiast of Hellenic “Paitheia,” he supported numerous university programs and parochial schools and scholarships for exchange programs, as well as the Greek American Teacher’s Association. To these ends he organized conventions that promoted Hellenic ideals and
education regionally, nationally, and internationally. Spyropoulos also served as President of the Hellenic American Organization of Illinois (ENOSIS), President and Founder of the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman of the American Hellenic Institute in Washington D.C., on the Board of Directors of the Automotive Wholesalers of Illinois, on the Board of Directors of Chicago Sister Cities International Program, and was a member of the Automotive Services Industry Association, the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association, the Export Council of USA, the International Political Advisory Council, the Businessmen’s Democratic National Committee, and the American European Committee Association. Spyropoulos devoted his time not solely because he was passionate about Hellenic ideals, but because he wanted to engage and motivate Greek American youth to participate more actively in their culture, to have pride in their heritage, and to inform themselves on issues of importance to the Greek American community. His devotion had an impact and programs he established both in the United States and in Greece fostered greater engagement among young people. Spyropoulos is survived by his wife Erika, a member of the Illinois Arts Council and daughter Mariyana, an attorney and elected Commissioner at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. With gratitude for his outstanding achievements and lifelong service to our nation and community, we present Ted G. Spyropoulos with the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award on this fourteenth day of March, 2015, at our Fortieth Anniversary Dinner.
HELLENIC HERITAGE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
George Lois American art director, designer and author For his extraordinary accomplishments in the field of advertising and visual arts.
Before there was Mad Men, there was George Lois. Lois is the most creative, prolific advertising communicator of our time. Running his own ad agencies, he is renowned for dozens of marketing miracles that triggered innovative and populist changes in American (and world) culture. He revolutionized an industry that was staid, conservative and artless. His big ideas mixed art and commerce in a way that no one had done before and, along the way, he singlehandedly ignited or resurrected dozens of familiar brands and campaigns. In his twenties, he was a pioneer of the landmark Creative Revolution in American Advertising. He introduced and popularized the Xerox culture; made a failing MTV a huge success with his “I Want My MTV” campaign; created a new marketing category, Gourmet Frozen Foods, with his name Lean Cuisine; and (by inventing yet another new marketing phenomenon) persuaded America to change their motor oil at thousands of Jiffy Lube stations. He made the totally unknown Tommy Hilfiger immediately famous with just one ad; and saved USA Today from extinction with his breakthrough “singing” TV campaign. In 1994, almost overnight, he changed the perception of ESPN from a “Demolition Derby” sports channel to the number one sports network with his dynamic “In Your Face” campaign. Lois is most proud of his 1985 campaign for the Greek National Tourism Office (GNTO), a campaign that is familiar to all Greek Americans: “Go Home to Greece... Where it all Began.” The campaign was the most successful tourism campaign in GNTO history and become one of the most popular and enduring tourism slogans in the world. Additionally, he created the winning ad campaigns for
four U.S. Senators, including Robert Kennedy in 1964. Even the familiar Union Yes! slogan and checkmark logo are products of Lois’ brain. New York magazine proclaimed, “George Lois, pioneer, innovator...is an advertising genius...Superman of Madison Avenue...America’s master communicator.” The Wall Street Journal wrote: “George Lois. The one, the only; prodigy, enfant terrible, founder of agencies, creator of legends. The son of a Greek florist continues to attack his life and his craft with the energy and enthusiasm of a young Zorba. George Lois is a genuine advertising superhero.” The author of ten books, Lois’s first was titled George, Be Careful: A Greek Florist Kid in the Roughhouse World of Advertising. It made it clear to the whole world that he was a Greek! Additionally, Lois’ iconic Esquire Magazine covers helped define publishing in the 1960’s. Lois created 92 covers in all and the New York Times declared that Lois’ covers “are considered among the most memorable propaganda imagery in any medium, and certainly the most provocative in the history of the magazine industry.” His work with Esquire, which ran from 1962 to 1972, culminated in a 2008 exhibit at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. With gratitude for his outstanding achievements and lifelong service to our nation and community, we present George Lois with the Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award on this fourteenth day of March, 2015, at our Fortieth Anniversary Dinner.
HELLENIC HERITAGE NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Aris Melissaratos Businessman and philanthropist For his philanthropic commitment to educational and charitable endeavors in the greater Baltimore/Washington region.
Aris Melissaratos is one of the country’s most innovative and respected business leaders, with a nearly 40 year career that spans leadership roles at Westinghouse Electric, Johns Hopkins University, and a cabinet secretary in Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich’s administration. Today, he is the recently appointed Dean of Stevenson University’s Brown School of Business and Leadership, where he heads the Accounting, Business Administration, Information Technology and Legal Studies departments. In his first semester he helped to launch SU’s inaugural “Maryland Rising” forum, which brings leaders and strategic innovators together to devise a plan to enhance Maryland’s Economic competitiveness. Melissaratos is recognized throughout the community for his generous contributions, both intellectually and philanthropically, to business organizations and non-profit causes alike. Recent honors include the 2014 Philanthropist of the Year Award from the AFP-MD Chapter, 2012 Person of the Year for the Baltimore-Washington Corridor by Corridor, Inc., 2009 William Donald Schaefer Industrialist of the Year Award, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2009 and Baltimore’s Extraordinary Technology Advocate for 2008. Prior to his appointment at Stevenson University, Melissaratos served as Senior Advisor to the President of Johns Hopkins University and was responsible for technology transfer and corporate partnerships. During his seven-year tenure, Melissaratos helped Johns Hopkins create 50 new companies and technologies and more than doubled their revenue from royalties and licenses, from $7 million to over $15 million. From 2003 to 2007, Melissaratos served as Maryland’s Secretary of Business and Economic Development, driving the state’s unemployment figures down to an impressive 3.6% and positioning Maryland for leadership
in the emerging “knowledge economy.” He worked for Westinghouse Electric Corporation for 32 years, culminating as the corporation’s Chief Technology Officer and Vice President for Science and Technology, responsible for running Westinghouse’s research and development functions. He also served as the Chief Operations Officer for the company’s Defense Electronics Group, where he was responsible for managing 16,000 employees and $3.2 billion dollars of sales. He was a founding co-chair of the Greater Baltimore Technology Council and is a former vice president of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. Melissaratos was elected to the Spherix Board of Directors in 2008 and, most recently, to the Avatech Solutions Board of Directors as well as the Board of Stronghold Advisors, LLC. He also serves as Chairman of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Maryland and was the 2009 United Way of Central Maryland Tocqueville Society Chair. He participates on the boards of the Baltimore Medical System, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Banks Construction and Development, Hands Across the Americas, John S. Connor, Inc., Port Discovery Children’s Museum, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering National Advisory Council. A passionate advocate for Hellenic ideals and the Greek American community, Melissaratos holds a B.E.E. in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Science in engineering management from George Washington University, and has completed a Management Development program at Harvard University School of Business. With gratitude for his outstanding achievements and lifelong service to our nation and community, we present Aris Melissaratos with the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award on this fourteenth day of March, 2015, at our Fortieth Anniversary Dinner.
HELLENIC HERITAGE CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Anthony Quinn
On the 100 anniversary of his birth, in celebration of his iconic role as Zorba the Greek, and in recognition of his vast artistic talents.
Anthony Quinn was born in Chihuahua, Mexico in 1915 to a half-Irish father, Frank Quinn and a Mexican-Indian mother, Manuela Oaxaca. Looking to escape the violence of Mexico, Quinn’s family crossed the border and settled in El Paso, Texas when Quinn was just an infant. With his parents working odd jobs to make ends meet, they eventually ended up in Los Angeles, where Frank began working as a cameraman. While Quinn’s name is synonymous with such characters as Zorba the Greek, he was an artist, first and foremost. His talent was evident at an early age, and his family fostered his creativity. At age nine he began sculpting in plaster and within three years entered a California statewide competition and won with his bust of Abraham Lincoln.
actor fell ill and the teacher asked Quinn to take his part in one of the plays, a star was born. Quinn was the consummate actor. He appeared in more than 170 films, starring in many of them. Silver screen or small screen, Broadway or Hollywood Boulevard, Quinn was an extraordinary performer. No other actor in the history of film ever appeared with more Oscar-winning actors. Of course, Quinn himself was nominated six times for an Oscar, winning two and, along the way, becoming the first Mexican-born winner of film’s highest honor. Quinn’s career hit its apex in 1964, when he starred as the unforgettable Alexis Zorba in Zorba the Greek, a role that earned him a Best Actor nomination and forever forged a connection between the actor and the island of Crete.
During his junior year in high school, Quinn entered a national drawing contest with an architectural plan for a marketplace, which he also won. The prize was to serve as an apprentice with Frank Lloyd Wright. Quinn’s time with America’s master architect had a transformative effect on his life. Wright taught him that the average man does not know how to live and that architects, through building, should focus not just on one’s physical size but the size of one’s spirit. For Quinn, this mantra summed up so much of what he felt and he set out to honor Wright’s words, seeking to honor the spirit of man.
Quinn continued to hone his skills as a visual artist throughout his life, creating hundreds of paintings and sculptures and earning recognition around the globe for his works. Quinn found time to write two autobiographies, The Original Sin, published in 1974, and One Man Tango, published in 1994.
Wright also stressed that artists must be able to convince people of how they ought to live; this inspired Quinn to seek medical treatment for a speech impediment. After corrective surgery, Quinn took a job as a janitor at an acting school to pay for speech therapy. When a young
With gratitude for his outstanding achievements and lifelong service to our nation and community, we present Anthony Quinn with the first Hellenic Heritage Cultural Achievement Award on this fourteenth day of March, 2015, at our Fortieth Anniversary Dinner.
Upon his death in 2001, Quinn asked to be buried on his beloved estate in Bristol, Rhode Island, where his wife and children still reside.
PAST HONOREES 1990
1991
Congressman William Broomfield (R-MI); Ms. Deena Speliakos Clark; The Honorable Edward Derwinski; George T. Economos, M.D.; Senator Howell Heflin (D-AL); Senator Larry Pressler (R-SD); NOT PICTURED: Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE) and General James A. Van Fleet.
George P. Alafoginis; The Order of the AHEPA; Peter B. Caloyeras; Congressman Edward F. Feighan (D-OH); Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman (R-NY); George M. Marcus; Dr. Nicholas Matsakis; The Honorable Barbara Spyridon Pope; George Tames.
1992
1993
John N. Deoudes; Aliki Gregory Bryant; Lt. General William G. “Gus” Pagonis; Icarus N. (Ike) Pappas; Virginia Lucas Nick; George Spyropoulos Voyantzis; Dr. John Brademas; NOT PICTURED: Congressman Gus Yatron (D-PA); Senator Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD); William P. Tavoulereas.
Congressman Vic Fazio (D-CA); Nicholas Gage; Vice Admiral Michael P. Kalleres; George R. Stephanopoulos; Eva Catafygiotou Topping; Peter Zourdos; NOT PICTURED: Congressman Michael Bilirakis (R-FL).
1994
Michael Dennos; Arianna Stassinopoulos Huffington; The Honorable Nick Petris; Linda Evans; Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME); Conrad Valanos; Yanni.
PAST HONOREES 1995
1996
Ernie Anastos; John Andreas Catsimatidis; Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY); Pete L. Manos; Harry Mark Petrakis; NOT PICTURED: Congressman George W. Gekas (R-PA).
Olympia Dukakis; Dr. George N. Hatsopoulos; Congressman Ron Klink (D-PA); Kathryn Cameron Porter; John J. Rigas; Efthimios O. Vidalis; David R. Weinberg, Ph.D.
1997
1998
George Bissell; Evangeline Gouletas; Dean C. Lomis, Ph.D.; Congressman Robert Menendez (D-NJ); John Pappajohn; NOT PICTURED: Peter Angelos Esq. and Congressman Michael Pappas (R-NJ).
George D. Behrakis; Stamatios M. Krimigis; Dr. Ioanna T. Morfessis; Congressman Randy “Duke� Cunningham; Harry J. Pappas.
1999
Congressman Robert Andrews (D-1st NJ); Ms. Theodora Sideropoulos Hancock; Dr. Martina Souretis Horner; Dr. Constantine Papadakis; Mr. Peter L. Venetis; C. Dean Metropoulos; Mrs. Alexandra Glekas.
PAST HONOREES 2000
2001
Sen. William Roth, Jr. (R-DE); Dr. Elias Gyftopoulos; Cong. Donald Payne (D-NJ); Thalia Assuras; Nickolas Davatzes; Ted Leonsis; Dr. Ted Lyras.
John C. Metaxas (MC); Ambassador R. Nicholas Burns; Angene George Rafferty; Nicholas J. Bouras; Congresswoman Constance A. Morella (R-MD); The Yeonas Brothers, Stephen Yeonas (and posthumously Constantine, Jimmie and Paul).
2002
2003
Antonis Diamataris; Nadia Weinberg; Cong. Frank Pallone; Marilyn Rouvelas; Christos Cotsakos; Thalia Assuras (M.C.)
Dr. Charles Moskos; Commissioner Demetrios A. Boutris; Dr. Christine M. Warnke; James N. Gianopulos; Amb. Clay Constantinou. Also pictured (continuing, l-r): Jack Valenti and AHI Chairman James Marketos.
2004
George J. Tenet; Helen Nicozisis; George C. Chrysis; Not pictured: Amb. Thomas Miller.
PAST HONOREES 2004 Olympic Honorees
2005
Olympians Christa Dalakis; Irene Andili; and Charles Mooney.
Stylianos S. Zavvos; Judge Stephanie Duncan-Peters; Dr. Helen C. Evans; George Veras; NOT PICTURED: Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
2006
2007
Mary Filou; Kyriakos Tsakopoulos; Reverend Doctor John Tavlarides; Congressman Chris Van Hollen; and Georgia Skeadas.
John P. Calamos, Sr.; Christopher Hitchens; Margo Catsimatidis; Plato Cacheris; NOT PICTURED: Rep. Thaddeus G. McCotter.
2008
Melina Kanakaredes; Archbishop Demetrios; Anna Lea; Anthony Papadimitriou; NOT PICTURED: Rep. Zack Space.
PAST HONOREES 2009
2010
George Pelecanos; John G. Rangos, Sr.; Cat Cora; Dr. George Tsetsekos; Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).
Executive Director Nick Larigakis, Manny Rouvelas, Niki Leondakis, Peter Carmanos Jr. and AHI President Aleco Haralambides. Not Pictured: Congressman John Sarbanes & John Aniston.
2011
2012
Dr. David Horner, Dr. Takey Crist, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Michael Constantine, Larry Michael.
Ambassador Tom Korologos, E.J. “Mike� Elliot, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, Dr. Sotirios Vahaviolos and Kary Antholis.
2013
2014
Phil Christopher, Dr. Anthony Limberakis, Ambassador Gianna Angelopoulos, Congressman Mike Grimm.
Constantine Triantafilou, Congresswoman Dina Titus, Tim Maniatis, Paulette Poulos and Jerry Couvaras.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS WASHINGTON, D.C.
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HELLENIC AMERICAN NATIONAL COUNCIL ΕΛΛΗΝΟΑΜΕΡΙΚΑΝΙΚΟ ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ 26 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083 Tel: 610-446-1463, E-mail: paulkotrotsios@gmail.com
H.A.N.C. OFFICERS
PAUL KOTROTSIOS, MBA PRESIDENT PAUL@HELLENICNEWS.COM DIMITRIS ROZANITIS, 1ST VICE PRESIDENT, CHRIS CHRISTAKIS, 2ND VICE PRESIDENT KOSTAS KOUTRAKOS, 3RD VICE PRESIDENT BILL MATARAGAS, TREASURER KOSTAS HATZISTEFANIDIS, A. TREASURER ANDREANNA FILIOTIS, GENERAL SECRETARY STELLA KOKOLIS, ASSISTANT SECRETARY LEGAL COUNSEL AKI BAYZ, ESQ. HARRY J. KARAPALIDES, ESQ. TASSOS EFSTRATIADES, ESQ. GEORGE HORIATES, ESQ. DIMITRIS KALAMARAS, ESQ. HONORARY HANC PRESIDENTS JOHN N. NATHENAS, MD THEODORE G. SPYROPOULOS PRESIDENTS FORUM
DR. SPYROS MEZITIS HELLENIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOHN MANOS PANCRETAN ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA DIMITRIS HATZIS PAN-MACEDONIAN ASSOCIATION, INC. (USA) ELIAS TSEKERIDIS FED. OF HELLENIC SOC. OF GREATER N.Y. SIAMBOULIS GEORGE PAN GREGORIAN ENTERPRISES INC. DIMITRIS HIOS PAN LACONIAN FED. OF UNITED STATES & CANADA GEORGE REVELIOTIS, ESQ PAN ARCADIAN FEDERATION OF AMERICA GEORGE KALYVAS PAN-MESSINIAN FED. OF USA & CANADA GUS TSIFLIDIS PAN PONTIAN FEDERATION OF AMERICA & CANADA PETER DOUKAS PAN CORINTHIAN FEDERATION W ORLDWIDE TED LALIOTIS HELLENIC FEDERATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STATHIS KARANTONIS FED. HELLENIC AMERICAN SOC. OF PHILADELPHIA JOHN RAMMOS FED. OF HELLENIC AMERICAN SOC. OF NEW ENGLAND MARY POULLAS PAN-HELLENIC FEDERATION OF FLORIDA BILL MATARANGAS ENOSIS HELLENIC AMERICAN ORGS. OF ILLINOI NICHOLAS GAGE PANEPIROTIC FED. OF AMERICA & CANADA ANDRE STEPHANOU NAT. HELLENIC AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOHN PESLIS EVRYTANIAN ASSN OF AMERICA “VELOUCHI” DIMITRIOS KONTOLIOS CHIOS SOCIETIES OF AMERICA & CANADA STELLA KOKOLIS PAN-AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GREEK TEACHERS BILL MATARAGAS IONIAN PELAGOS/ZAKYNTHIAN FEDERATION ELIAS TOMAZOS HELLENIC SOCIETY PADEIA UCONN PHILLIP TREVEZAS FED. OF HELLENIC AMERICAN SOC. OF S. CALIFORNIA ANASTASE NICODEMOU FEDERATION OF THE ISL. OF LESVOS OF USA & CANADA TED SAKKOS FEDERATION OF STEREA HELLAS COSTAS TSENTAS CYPRUS FEDERATION OF AMERICA MARY PANOS GEORGIA FED. OF HELLENIC AMERICAN ORG. JOHN SAKALLARIS PAN KARPATHIAN EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION DR. PALLAS DIMITRI AMERICAN HELLENIC CONGRESS POLIVIOS PAVLIDIS PAN-RHODIAN SOCIETY OF AMERICA “APOLLON” INC. SAVVAS TSIVICOS FED OF HELLENIC ORGANIZATIONS OF NEW JERSEY, INC.
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www.hellenicamericannationalcouncil.org March 14, 2015 Nick Larigakis, President American Hellenic Institute Washington, DC
Dear Mr. Larigakis: On behalf of the Hellenic American National Council (HANC), which represents all the Presidents of the American Hellenic Federations, I would like to congratulate Mr. Larigakis, President of AHI, Dr. Spiros Spireas, Chairman of AHI, Eugene Rossides, Founder of AHI, and the entire AHI team for their achievements in promoting the 40th Anniversary of the Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service Awards Dinner. I would also like to commend members and supporters of the AHI and encourage them to continue their commitment to this organization and our goals as Greek Americans. It is both because of the belief and determination of the organizers and those who support them that we have been able to realize such success on Capitol Hill. And last but not least, congratulations to the 2014 honorees: Gene Rossides, Theodore G. Spyropoulos & family, George Lois, Aris Melissaratos, and Anthony Quinn & family for their accomplishments, dedication to public service, and their commitment to our National Issues. The American Hellenic Institute is one the premier organizations of the Greek American community, dedicated to the advancement of the ideals of democracy and the Hellenic spirit. AHI is a true force in America and abroad. We thank you, not only for your representation of the Greek American community, but for the plurality you represent in American politics as advocates of the rule of law and human rights. It is AHI that is at the forefront of the Hellenic AGONAS on Capitol Hill and for that we honor and support them and their members. Thank you for your commitment to excellence in public service, education, and cultural understanding of the Greek American community and America. On behalf of the Executive Council and all the Presidents of the member Hellenic Federations, we congratulate AHI as they continue their tremendous efforts. We are honored and obliged to continue our support and cooperation with the AHI. Best regards, P aul K otrotsios
Paul Kotrotsios, MBA President American Hellenic National Council (HANC) ΕΛΛΗΝΟΑΜΕΡΙΚΑΝΙΚΟ ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ paulkotrotsios@gmail.com
February 24, 2015
Dear Mr. Larigakis, It is a privilege and a distinct honor to salute the 40th anniversary of the Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards dinner. The history of AHI is connected to the struggle of the Greek Cypriot people for freedom and justice. Gene founded AHI in response to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. As President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), I take this opportunity to salute the dedication, commitment and passion to the cause of freedom. In particular, I wish to pay tribute to the founder, Eugene Rossides, who has been a true champion of the rule of law and an outspoken supporter of Cyprus and justice. His 40+ year career and dedication has become a part of the history of Greek Americans, Cyprus and Greece. AXIOS! I’d also like to pay tribute to all the honorees and express my gratitude and appreciation for their support during these past 40 years. I wish you success and urge you to continue to support the people of Cyprus.
Sincerely,
Philip Christopher President
2014 ANNUAL REPORT Introduction Dear Members and Friends: As we find ourselves in the midst of the 40th anniversary of AHI’s founding, it affords me great pleasure to present the Institute’s 2014 Annual Report. All of AHI’s policy-based programs and initiatives that advance the best interests of the United States on issues of importance to Greek Americans are encapsulated in this report. In 2014, AHI issued 65 press releases detailing our numerous policy activities and events. These activities included: the 39th Annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner; the 13th annual “Future of Hellenism in America” conference; the 11th Annual Awards Dinner in Athens; our annual “Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day” on Capitol Hill; our annual trips to Greece and Cyprus, including our 6th Annual Foreign Policy Study Abroad Program; and our numerous public policy conferences and forums. At AHI, the majority of our efforts focus on advancing U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus as in the best interests of the U.S., and to support the Greek American community. In this regard, we engaged policy makers in the administration and Congress through numerous action alerts, letters, testimony, and face to-face meetings with high-ranking administration officials and a significant number of congressional staff. Specifically, I had the pleasure of attending two meetings with Vice President Joe Biden and other Greek American community leaders surrounding his historic May visit to Cyprus. The first meeting was a pre-trip briefing in May, and the second, a post-trip debriefing in June. Where appropriate, AHI showcased commentaries, letters, and oped pieces critical of Turkey’s foreign policy positions as well as crafting our own opeds and letters to the editor to mainstream and Greek American media outlets; some of which received placement. We also continued to keep our audience informed with our Policy Statements, bimonthly Capital Report, and foreign policy forums. On the policy front, the AHI Foundation published the fifth volume of its Online Policy Journal that provides expert policy analysis and commentary. In 2014, AHI proudly led or participated in several high-profile initiatives. In January, AHI participated in a historic three-country leadership mission to Israel, Cyprus, and Greece with AHEPA and two leading
American Jewish organizations. The mission was hailed by all participants. In February, the AHI Foundation announced its newest publication, Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness by AHI Founder Gene Rossides and helped facilitate an international book tour. In May, AHI organized a first-ever “Greek Heritage Night” with the Philadelphia Phillies that provided tremendous public exposure for Greece and our Greek heritage. Finally, in June, AHI made a historic visit, its first ever, to the Ecumenical Patriarchate to meet with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. In addition, AHI hosted timely policy forums and conferences on the 40th anniversary of the Cyprus invasion and on religious liberty in the Middle East. We also hosted several visiting dignitaries from Greece. We accomplished all of these initiatives and much more thanks to the dedication of AHI’s Board of Directors and Policy Fellows, and with the assistance from our staff, and support from our members.
2015: Educating a New Congress AHI aspires to build upon the programs and initiatives that were offered in 2014. We are always looking for innovative ways to improve service to our membership base, to better address our core agenda, and to cultivate opportunities to positively influence the Greek American community and U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus. The eastern Mediterranean remains a region of immense importance to U.S. interests, and we must advance and promote policies that embrace the rule of law in the region. Greece is under new leadership as it strives to continue to make economic progress. Little, if any, progress with respect to religious freedom in Turkey, the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Patriarchate has been realized. Turkey’s troublesome foreign policy direction, which includes Turkish aggression in the Aegean and incursion into Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), is ongoing. Turkey’s latter aggression has brought the Cyprus settlement talks to a halt. The FYROM name-recognition issue remains at a stalemate as Skopje continues to press for NATO membership. All of these issues require our collective attention and action. Together, as advocates for the Rule of Law, we must work to educate a new Congress on our issues. The 114th Congress will be Republican controlled and there will be new members serving on congressional committees of importance to our issues. In addition, we must continue to work
with the Obama Administration and the State Department to ensure that our issues remain at the forefront of the administration’s foreign policy agenda and that the policy commitments the president made to the community are kept. We must build upon Vice President Joe Biden’s historic visit to Cyprus in May 2014 where he described the United States – Cyprus relationship now as “a genuine, strategic partnership” that “holds even greater promise.” We must also remind legislators and policymakers that despite difficult economic conditions, Greece and Cyprus remain loyal allies and contribute greatly to U.S. security and economic interests in the eastern Mediterranean. Further, we must never forget that April 24, 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of Armenian Genocide. President Obama must affirm his campaign pledge to recognize the Armenian Genocide and Turkey must acknowledge the genocide committed against Armenians, Assyrians, Pontian and Anatolian Greeks. Finally, AHI looks to build upon the momentum generated by uplifting programs such as our study abroad initiative for college students, our “Greek Heritage Night” at the ballpark, or our historic Leadership Mission with American Jewish community leaders while exploring additional ways to encourage growth in commerce, trade, and investment between the United States and Greece and Cyprus. Before I conclude, I would be remiss if I did not state how much we miss Ted G. Spyropoulos, our former vice chairman of the AHI Foundation, a major benefactor to AHI, and a true champion of Hellenism. I am deeply grateful and appreciative of the members, officers and staff for their dedication. Everyone worked together to make 2014 another productive year. Alongside our own activities in Washington, AHI’s strength relies on the many significant contributions and generous support of our members. We also look to you to communicate your suggestions, share your knowledge, and provide your insights so that we can continue to fulfill the needs of our most valuable asset—our members. Thank you. Warmest regards,
Nick Larigakis, President
PUBLIC POLICY: AN OVERVIEW 2014 Policy Statements on Greek American Issues The American Hellenic Institute released its 2014 Policy Statements, which present issues affecting the Greek American community as they pertain to United States relations with Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey. In essence, the statements set the course for AHI’s policy direction for the year. The policy statements are distributed to high-ranking government officials and policymakers. They also serve as a guide when communicating positions to U.S. policy makers and the media. The positions are based on the best interests of the United States and advocate for the rule of law. The policy statements were approved by several membership-based organizations including: American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), American Hellenic Council of California, Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), Cyprus Federation of America, Evrytanian Association of America “Velouchi,” Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), Hellenic American National Council (HANC), International Coordination Committee-Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), Pancretan Association of America, Pan-Pontian Federation of U.S.A and Canada, Panepirotic Federation of America, and United Chios Societies of America and Canada. The 2014 policy statements also included AHI’s fact sheet detailing Greece’s contributions to United States interests in the eastern Mediterranean and to NATO.
Greece-Turkey Relations AHI closely monitors Greece-Turkey relations to keep key U.S. government officials apprised of developments that affect U.S. interests in the eastern Mediterranean. AHI supports a policy that encourages a normalization of relations between the two countries and is firmly based on international law and a reversal of aggression. AHI also believes that it is in the best interest of the U.S. to support stable relations between these two countries by proactively promoting the rule of law. In particular, AHI notes the following areas as the fundamental causes of problems between Greece and Turkey: • Turkey’s unilateral claims against sovereign Greek territory in the Aegean in violation of international law, and its refusal to refer its unilateral claims to binding international arbitration; • Turkey’s aggression against Cyprus which includes its continuing illegal occupation of 37.3 percent of Cyprus, and since October 2014, its incursions into Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); • Turkey’s continuing violations of Greece’s territorial waters and airspace; and • Illegal immigration via Turkey that threatens Greek democracy.
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• In sum, the threat of casus belli still stands and a considerable number of formal complaints were made by Greece over continued violations by Turkey of the Greek airspace and territorial waters.
The Cyprus Problem In 2014, the community observed the somber 40th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. AHI supports a settlement of the Cyprus problem through negotiations based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in a state with a single sovereignty and international personality, incorporating the norms of a constitutional democracy embracing key American principles, the EU acquis communautaire and EU Founding Treaty, UN resolutions on Cyprus, the pertinent decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and of other European Courts -- as is the best interests of the United States. One of AHI’s primary objectives is to keep the Cyprus issue, the basis for a solution, and the ongoing violations of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and religious freedom and destruction of cultural heritage in Turkish-occupied Cyprus at the forefront of the policy debate in Washington. Fundamental to this approach are AHI meetings with U.S. government officials and their staffs and government representatives from Greece and Cyprus. These meetings are important tactics to help forge closer cooperation, foster greater understanding, and stimulate new ideas as all parties work toward a Cyprus resolution. AHI held a highprofile event on Capitol Hill and a separate policy forum to mark the 40th anniversary of the invasion. Additionally, AHI continues to push for greater public and governmental awareness of the issue. AHI accomplishes this task by submitting numerous letters to the editors of prominent print media outlets, sending policy letters to government officials, producing op-ed pieces, and the dissemination of action alerts. In previous years, AHI’s series of “Town Hall Screenings” of the one-hour documentary “Cyprus Still Divided: A U.S. Foreign Policy Failure” helped to keep the Cyprus issue in the public eye. In 2014, the AHI Foundation published Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness by AHI Founder Gene Rossides. Its publication and ensuing international book tour organized by AHI helped to keep the Cyprus issue in the public discourse. Furthermore, AHI’s commitment to Cyprus is demonstrated by two annual visits to Cyprus. In addition, AHI participated in a historic Leadership Mission with AHEPA and American Jewish organizations that included a visit to Cyprus (and the occupied area) and the important topic of energy finds in the eastern Mediterranean with Israeli, Cypriot, and Greek government officials. Finally, AHIF continues to introduce a younger generation of Greek Americans to Cyprus and Greece with its annual Foreign Policy Study Abroad Program.
FYROM Name-Recognition The FYROM name-recognition issue is included in the AHI Policy Statements, which call on the U.S. “to consider withdrawing its 2004 recognition of FYROM as the ‘Republic of Macedonia’” if FYROM refuses to cooperate in
negotiations. The statements also advocate for a position that FYROM will not join NATO and the European Union until the name dispute is resolved.
to consider a set of questions as they prepare for the nomination hearing of the Honorable John Bass to be U.S. ambassador to Turkey.
Throughout 2014, AHI embarked on initiatives to raise awareness to help end the misappropriation of the name “Macedonia”by the Former Yugoslav Republic of“Macedonia” (FYROM). For example, AHI issued an action alert to elevate awareness of the introduction of a congressional resolution in the House of Representatives on the issue. An op-ed by AHI President Nick Larigakis urging Congress to back Greece on the name issue received placement in a prominent Capitol Hill online trade publication. AHI also submitted written testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations that opposed U.S. aid to FYROM and applauded favorable language on the FYROM issue that appeared in a foreign relations reauthorization bill. Finally, AHI publically expressed disappointment in the action of certain U.S. representatives who advocate for FYROM’s inclusion into NATO.
• October 24: AHI sent a letter to Vice President Joe Biden to express “grave concern” about recent actions taken by Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean that have raised tensions and the lack of a public denouncement of Turkey’s actions by the Obama administration and the U.S. Department of State.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate AHI reiterated its unequivocal position on what actions the U.S. government should take to secure religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey in the 2014 Policy Statements. AHI urges the U.S. government to use its influence with the Turkish government to safeguard the Ecumenical Patriarchate, its personnel, and its property; and to reopen the Halki Patriarchal School of Theology. AHI underscores that, “Under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the President is obligated to oppose violations of religious freedom in any country whose government ‘engages in or tolerates violations of religious freedom and promote the right to religious freedom in that country.’” Furthermore, the Act obligates the President to take one or more of 15 enumerated actions with respect to any such country. In 2014, AHI made a historic first-ever visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate to meet with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Here at home, AHI continued to raise awareness of religious restrictions in Turkey, including in statements such as the one in response to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) annual report on Turkey. AHI also activated the grassroots to urge U.S. representatives to co-sponsor a resolution calling for Turkey to “Return Christian Churches” and to reopen the Theological School at Halki.
Public Policy in Action Letters, Statements & Action Alerts AHI sent letters to government officials and issued a number of public statements presenting positions on current events and policy decisions important to the organization’s membership. Moreover, action alerts notified members to respond to these issues.
Letters • July 14: AHI wrote to members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs asking them
Statements • February 12: AHI issued a statement expressing its profound disappointment in congressional action to support NATO membership for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s (FYROM). • March 28: AHI welcomed the start of the two-week trilateral naval exercise “Noble Dina 2014” between the United States, Greece, and Israel. • April 11: AHI applauded passage of S. Res. 410 an Armenian Genocide Resolution by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on April 10, 2014 that remembers and observes the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2014. • April 23: AHI welcomed a blog commentary published by the Cato Institute titled, “Washington’s Inconsistent Stance on Territorial Integrity” by Dr. Ted Galen Carpenter, a senior fellow for defense and foreign policy studies at Cato. In light of recent events in Ukraine, the April 16, 2014 commentary draws attention to Washington’s inconsistent track record regarding the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries. Dr. Carpenter cites Cyprus as one example, and he furthermore points to AHI Founder Gene Rossides’ new book, Kissinger and Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness, stating it makes a “solid case” that the Nixon administration aided Ankara’s aggression toward Cyprus. • May 19: AHI issued a statement on the European Court of Human Rights’ May 12, 2014 judgment that has ordered Turkey to compensate 90 million Euros in damages to the victims of its 1974 invasion of the Republic of Cyprus (CYPRUS v. TURKEY). The statement praised the judgment of the Court. • May 23: AHI called the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) downgrade of Turkey from a status of “other countries and regions monitored” to a “Tier 2” designation in its 2014 Annual Report a step in the correct direction. • May 28: AHI issued a statement commending Vice President Joe Biden’s historic visit to Cyprus, May 21-22, 2014. • June 27: AHI applauded passage of legislation by the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs that requires an annual report from the State Department on the status of stolen, confiscated or unreturned Christian properties in territories controlled by Turkey. H.R.4347, the Turkey Christian Churches Accountability Act, also included language from U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ (R-FL) congressional
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resolution that calls for the Government of Turkey to facilitate the reopening of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Theological School of Halki without condition or further delay. • July 14: AHI applauded U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (DNJ), chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, for sending a letter to President Barack Obama that urges the Administration to increase attention to the goal of reunifying Cyprus. The letter was sent on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus in 1974.
AHIF ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION BY AHIF FOUNDER; PRESENTS BOOK IN US, GREECE & CYPRUS
• July 15: AHI welcomed Vice President Joe Biden’s continued promotion of religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and his ongoing engagement on U.S.-Cyprus relations as demonstrated in remarks made at the 42nd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, July 9, 2014. • July 20: AHI issued a statement in remembrance of the 40th anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of the Republic of Cyprus in 1974. In addition to the tragic results of the Turkish invasion, which included the deaths of innocent civilians, forced removal of 170,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes, and mass destruction of Cyprus’ cultural and religious heritage, AHI’s statement also cited Turkey’s recent threats to Cyprus’ efforts to explore within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and Cyprus’ contributions as a friend of the U.S. on issues of counterterrorism and security in the region. • September 25: AHI mourned the passing of AHIF Vice Chairman Ted. G. Spyropoulos, who was a true champion of Hellenism and a major benefactor to AHI. • December 17: AHI applauded Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) for his December 16, 2014 speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate that lambasted Turkey for its incursion into the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus and for its “bullying tactics” which has led to a breakdown in settlement talks.
Action Alerts All chapter presidents, team leaders, members and friends were urged to take action on the following: • February 26: Contact their U.S. Representatives and urge them to co-sponsor Congressional Resolution H.R.477 on the FYROM name recognition issue. • June 20: Contact U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Members in support of H.R.4347, Turkey Christian Churches Accountability Act, which includes Halki Resolution.
Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness
In 2014, AHIF announced its newest publication, Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness by Gene Rossides and a Foreword by Professor Louis Galambos, Johns Hopkins University, and Editor of The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower. This book explores four themes. The first is Kissinger’s illegal actions and responsibility for the Cyprus tragedy of 1974 and its aftermath. The second is Cyprus’s importance as a strategic, economic, and political asset to Europe and the United States. The third theme is Turkey’s actions as a rogue state, its violations of United States and international laws, its history of unreliability as an ally and its moves towards Islamic fundamentalism. The fourth theme is the vital importance to the United States of absolute allegiance to the rule of law. The concluding chapter discusses the need for the United States to redress the situation in Cyprus by pressuring Turkey to withdraw its troops and settlers from Cyprus. The author hopes that this volume will generate renewed interest in the Cyprus problem, the importance of the rule of law in U.S. foreign policy and the responsibility of the United States to redress the situation in Cyprus.
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AHI Founder Awarded Highest Accolade During Book Tour of Cyprus, Greece AHI Founder Gene Rossides received the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Cyprus House of Representatives, Oct. 8, 2014. President of the House of Representatives Yiannakis Omirou presented a medal to Rossides as a token of gratitude for a lifetime of dedication to Cyprus and its cause. “As the protagonist in convincing the U.S. Congress to impose an arms embargo in Turkey following the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus and as the frontrunner in the fight in Congress to uphold the rule of law in American foreign policy, Mr. Rossides has proved an important asset for Cyprus and Greece, but also to the United States,” Omirou said. “His untiring advocacy for human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles make him a cross-border precious role model for generations to come.”
In Cyprus, Rossides, accompanied by AHI President Nick Larigakis, met with President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus John Koenig, and Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulidis. He gave book presentations at the Press Club and the University of Nicosia, Oct. 8 and 9, respectively. Rossides also was interviewed by several Cypriot media outlets. Finally, they were guests at the Takis and Louki Nemitsas Foundation Awards Dinner held at the Presidential Palace, Oct. 7. In Greece, book presentations were made in Athens and Thessaloniki. ELIAMEP (Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy) sponsored the first presentation as part of a larger discussion titled, “The American Role in Cyprus: Past, Present and Future,” which was held at the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oct. 13. DEREE – The American College of Greece also sponsored a book presentation on its campus, Oct. 15. While in Athens, Rossides and Larigakis met with President of Hellenic Republic Kostas Papoulias and Deputy Foreign Minister Kyriakos Gerontopoulos. A series of media interviews were also held. In Thessaloniki, Anatolia College and AHI sponsored a book presentation at the Officer’s Club, Oct. 16.
AHEPA Hosts Rossides Presentation at Supreme Convention The AHEPA Hellenic Cultural Commission hosted Rossides for a presentation about his latest book “Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness,” at the AHEPA Supreme Convention in New Orleans on July 24.
President of the Cypriot House of Representatives Omirou presents AHI Founder Rossides with the highest award the House can bestow upon an individual.
He added, “We are thankful to be able to have Mr. Rossides as a strong ally and reliable partner and advocate for our cause.” Rossides received the honor while on a book tour of Cyprus and Greece, October 6 to 18, 2014. His latest work is titled, “Kissinger and Cyprus: A Study of Lawlessness.”
Rossides Hosted by Several Organizations across U.S. The American Hellenic Council hosted Rossides for a presentation on his newly-released book “Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness,” at the University of Southern California, September 21, 2014. A book-signing and Q&A session were also held. Rossides made his presentation before American Hellenic Council members, students, and friends. In addition, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and USC President C.L. Max Nikias, were in attendance. A plethora of hosts, led by the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus to NY; and including: PSEKA, AHEPA, AHI, Cyprus Federation of America, Cyprus Children’s Fund, Cyprus - U.S. Chamber of Commerce, HALC, and Cyprus Trade Center, organized a book signing for AHI Founder Gene Rossides at the Cyprus House, New York City, on May 22. On November 20, the World Affairs Council of St. Louis, the Hellenic Government - Karakas Family Foundation Professorship, International Studies & Programs of the University of Missouri-St. Louis; and the Hellenic Spirit Foundation came together to host Mr. Rossides for a book signing event.
Rossides gives a presentation at the Press Club in Cyprus.
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LEGISLATIVE & POLICY INITIATIVES Capitol Hill Briefing Recaps Historic Mission AHI President Nick Larigakis participated at a briefing on Capitol Hill, Feb. 25, 2014, that presented the findings from the historic three-country Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus, and Greece, which occurred in January. From left Amb. Christos Panagopoulos, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Congressman Ed Royce, Amb. George Chacalli, Nick Larigakis and the students of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Katherine, Falls Church, VA.
the Committee on Foreign Affairs; Ed Royce (R-CA), who is chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs; Gus Bilirakis (R-FL); Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs; Carolyn Maloney (D-NY); Brad Schneider (D-IL), a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs; Tony Cardenas (D-CA); Frank Pallone (D-NJ); and Eliot Engel (D-NY), who is the ranking member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Larigakis at a briefing on Capitol Hill, presenting the findings from the historic three-country Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus, and Greece.
The briefing, titled “The Israel-Cyprus-Greece Relationship: From Emerging to Sustained Relations & U.S. Role - Findings from Historic Joint Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus, and Greece,” also featured mission organizers AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaidis and B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel Mariaschin as speakers. Andrew Kaffes, a participant on the mission, moderated the briefing. In attendance were two members of Hellenic Parliament, Kostas Karagounis and Vasileios Kikilias, both of whom have worked to build the Greece-Israel Friendship Group in the parliament. The briefing was held in cooperation with the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance.
Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day AHI celebrated the 193rd anniversary of Greek Independence Day by hosting its annual “Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day,” on March 26, 2014. The common democratic ideals held by Greece and the United States were reaffirmed by several members of Congress at the event which was held in cooperation with the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). Members of Congress who addressed the audience included (in order of appearance): U.S. Reps. Ileana RosLehtinen (R-FL), former chairman and current member of
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Special guest speakers were: Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Christos Panagopoulos, Ambassador of Cyprus to the U.S. George Chacalli, and AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaidis. During the evening, there was a presentation of traditional Greek dances performed by the Return to Origins Greek Folk Dance Troupe under the direction of Rena Papapostolou.
AHI Celebrates Greek Independence Day at the White House AHI celebrated Greek Independence Day at the White House on April 4, 2014. AHI President Nick Larigakis, AHI Board Treasurer and Legal Counsel Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq., AHI Board Member Leon Andris, and AHI Foundation Board Vice President Ted G. Spyropoulos attended the ceremony officiated by President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios.
AHI Submits FY15 Foreign Aid Testimony to House Appropriations Panel AHI submitted testimony to the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs on the Obama Administration’s foreign aid proposals for FY2015 on April 4, 2014. In the best interests of the United States, AHI’s testimony opposed any military assistance the administration will request for Turkey until Turkey removes its troops and illegal Turkish settlers from Cyprus; aid the administration will request for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM); and any reduction that might be introduced in the
aid levels for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. In addition, the testimony stated United States foreign assistance will be helpful if appropriated toward the implementation of some of the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) proposed by the Republic of Cyprus, for example, the Famagusta CBM package, which are vital to sustain and uphold the positive momentum created by the resumption of the peace negotiations on the island aimed at its reunification.
AHI Participates at Vice President’s Cyprus Debriefing Vice President Joe Biden held a briefing to review the historic visit to Cyprus he took on May 21-22, 2014 with Greek American community leaders at which AHI President Nick Larigakis participated. The briefing took place June 6, 2014 at the Vice President Ceremonial Office, Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Vice President Biden held a similar briefing prior to departing to Cyprus at which President Larigakis also participated on May 16, 2014.
40th Anniversary of Cyprus Invasion Commemorated with Capitol Hill Presentation by AHI Founder AHI commemorated the 40th anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of the Republic of Cyprus with a Capitol Hill breakfast and book presentation on “Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness” by AHI Founder and former Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Treasury Gene Rossides. The book presentation featuring Rossides was held at the Rayburn House Office Building, July 9, 2014.
Gene Rossides with Cong. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), co-founder of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus.
AHI Addresses Eastern Mediterranean Tensions with Obama Administration Officials AHI worked to address the recent actions taken by Turkey that have raised tensions in the eastern Mediterranean with officials of the Obama Administration. Following-up on an October 24 letter sent to Vice President Joe Biden about Turkey’s provocations in the eastern Mediterranean, AHI President Nick Larigakis met with Dr. Michael Carpenter, special advisor for Europe and Eurasia, Office of the Vice President and William Tuttle, director for Turkish, Greek and Cypriot Affairs, National Security Council, at the White House, November 4, 2014. “We strongly believe Turkey’s provocative actions in the eastern Mediterranean, which we condemn, endanger the work Vice President Biden has invested toward a Cyprus solution,” Larigakis said. “We communicated our concerns to the Obama Administration officials, and we will continue to engage with them until tensions deescalate and settlement negotiations can resume.”
Gene Rossides signing copies of his book for event attendees.
Dignitaries present were: U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), co-founder and co-chair, Congressional Hellenic Caucus; U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), Ambassador of Cyprus to the U.S. George Chacalli, and several congressional staff members.
Gene Rossides with Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV).
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Awards Dinner
AHI Hosts 39th Annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement and Public Service Awards Dinner AHI hosted its 39th Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and Public Service Awards Dinner, March 8, 2014 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. AHI honored a distinguished set of awardees based upon their important career or institutional achievements and contributions to the Greek American community or community at-large. The honorees were U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, First Congressional District of Nevada; International Orthodox Christian Charities; Paulette Poulos, Executive Director, Leadership 100; Timothy J. Maniatis, President, Maniatis Associates, Inc.; and Jerry Couvaras, President and CEO, Atlanta Bread and Bake One.
Hellenic Heritage and National Public Service Award recipients from left: Constantine Triantafilou, Congresswoman Dina Titus, Tim Maniatis, Paulette Poulos and Jerry Couvaras.
Opening the evening’s program were AHI President Nick Larigakis and AHI Foundation President Dr. Spiro Spireas, both of who offered greetings and welcomed a special guest for the evening, His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey.
AHI President, Nick Larigakis.
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From left: Ambassador George Chacalli of Cyprus, His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, and Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos of Greece.
As part of the weekend’s festivities AHI hosted a breakfast briefing with Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Christos Panagopoulos and Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S. George Chacalli on March 8. The relevant topics affecting both countries were discussed by the two top diplomats. AHI President Nick Larigakis moderated the discussion. A lively Q&A session followed. AHI also hosted a wine-tasting reception featuring Greek wine producers on March 7, at the magnificent Hall of Flags at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
From left: Nick Larigakis, Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos of Greece and Ambassador George Chacalli of Cyprus.
From left: James Lagos, Congresswoman Dina Titus, and Aleco Haralambides.
Attendees in the US Chamber of Commerce Hall of Flags.
From left: Lea Pedas, Kelli Pedas, and Barbara Alafoginis.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kotrotsios and Dr. and Mrs. Spiro Spireas and their families.
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LEADERSHIP VISITS TO GREECE, CYPRUS, ISRAEL AND ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE AHI Participates in Historic ThreeCountry Leadership Mission AHI participated in a historic three-country mission to Israel, Cyprus and Greece, together with a 15-member delegation of community leaders from two American Jewish organizations, B’nai B’rith International and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations as well as representatives from the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). The leadership mission explored the major political, economic, and security developments underway in the eastern Mediterranean and aimed to advance United States interests in the region. Meetings were held with 20-plus high-ranking government, military, and religious officials, in addition to local community leaders, from the three countries and the United States. AHI President Nick Larigakis, Vice President James Lagos, and Board Members Kostas Alexakis and Peter Bota participated on the mission that ran from Jan. 8 to 15, 2014.
Meeting with MK Yuli Edelstein (Likud), Speaker of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament).
The joint delegation began its mission in Israel, Jan. 8 to 11, holding meetings with: Minister of Defense retired Lt. Gen. Moshe Ya’alon; Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Lieberman; Minister of Strategic Affairs, Intelligence and International Relations Yuval Steinitz; Minister of Economy, Religious Services, Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs Naftali Bennett; Speaker of the Knesset Yuli-Yoel Edelstein; Minister of Tourism Uzi Landau; Deputy National Security Advisor Eran Lerman; and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Zeev Elkin. In addition, the participants held a round-table discussion with Israeli ambassadors and ambassadors-delegates to Greece and Cyprus as well as several officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and received a briefing from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The delegation also visited Yad Vashem-World Center for Holocaust Research, Documentation, Education and Commemoration. Representatives from AHI and AHEPA had an audience with His Beatitude Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine
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Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Kasoulidis, meets with the Delegation in Nicosia.
Theophilos III and held a working dinner with Despoina Lourbacou, first counselor, Embassy of Greece in Israel, on Jan. 10. The second leg of the mission was held in Cyprus, Jan. 11 to 13. There, the joint delegation met with: Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides; Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States George Chacalli; and His Beatitude Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus. In addition, the participants visited Turkish-occupied Cyprus for an all-day outing on Jan. 12 that took them to the ghost town of Varosha and Famagusta. Along the way, they viewed the religious and cultural destruction of Orthodox churches in Turkishoccupied Cyprus. AHEPA District 27, Cyprus, hosted a dinner for the delegation and local dignitaries on Jan. 12. The final leg of the three-country visit was to Greece, Jan. 13 to 15, where the delegation met with: President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias; Prime Minister Antonis Samaras; Minister of Defense Dimitris Avramopoulos; Speaker of Hellenic Parliament Evangelos Meimarakis; Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kyriakos Gerontopoulos; Minister of Culture and Sports Panos Panagiotopoulos; American Ambassador to Greece David Pearce; and Israeli Ambassador to Greece Arye Mekel. The participants also received a thorough briefing about Greece’s military and defense capabilities from General of the Hellenic Army Michail Kostarakos, who is the chief of
Joint delegation at the Presidential Palace with Greek President, Karolos Papoulias.
staff for the Hellenic National Defense. General and Mrs. Kostarakos hosted a welcome dinner for the delegation on the evening of its arrival to Athens, Jan. 13. On the evening of Jan. 14, the participants received a private tour of the New Acropolis Museum, including a greeting from the museum’s president of the board of directors, Professor Dimitrios Pandermanlis. Following the tour, Culture and Sports Minister Panagiotopoulos hosted a dinner for the delegation at the museum. AHI-Athens Chapter President George Economou also joined the delegation for evening events and AHI Board Member James Lagos graciously hosted a farewell dinner for the delegation at the Grande Bretagne on Jan. 15.
AHI Visits Ecumenical Patriarchate for First Time on Annual Trip Abroad A delegation from AHI successfully completed the organization’s annual leadership trip to Greece and Cyprus where it held substantive meetings with highranking government, religious, and political officials with the purpose of strengthening relations and addressing issues of mutual concern. For the first time, AHI visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate to have an audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on May 9, 2014. The two-week trip occurred May 5 to 16, 2014.
Meeting with Defense Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos.
chairman, Foreign and European Affairs Committee of Parliament, and Andros Kyprianou, secretary general, AKEL. Meetings with U.S. Ambassador to Greece David Pearce, Greece’s Defense Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, Deputy Foreign Minister Kyriakos Gerontopoulos and extensive briefings with foreign ministry officials, were highlights of the delegation’s itinerary in Greece. The itinerary also included the 10th Annual AHI Athens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner at the Grand Bretagne Hotel on May 14, 2014. AHI met with representatives of Hellenic Parliament on May 8, including: First Deputy Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament and Chairman of the Committee for European Affairs Ioannis Tragakis, President of the Parliament Special Permanent Committee for Greeks of the Disapora Savvas Anastasiades, and President of the Parliament Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defense Kostas Tsiaras. AHI also met with Alexis Tsipras, president and leader of the opposition party, SYRIZA.
Delegation with the President of the House of Representatives, Yiannakis Omirou.
During its stay in Cyprus the delegation met with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus John Koenig, President of the House of Representatives Yiannakis Omirou, Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis, the chief negotiator for the current settlement talks; Cyprus’s Deputy Spokesperson Victoras Papadopoulos, Senior Economic Officer at the Ministry of Finance Kyriacos Kakouris, and Commissioner to the Presidency for Humanitarian Affairs Kate Cleridou. Additional meetings were held with ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, including a working luncheon with Tasos Tzionis, deputy permanent secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and director, Division of Cyprus Question and Turkey. Meetings were also held with elected officials and political figures, including Prodromos Prodrommou, deputy
AHI Delegation with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.
The delegation also met with Deputy Foreign Minister Gerontopoulos, Ambassador Anastassis Mitsialis, secretary general of the Foreign Ministry; and several directorates of the ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for various countries and regions, including: Ambassador Alexandros Ant. Couyou, A4 Directorate for Turkey; Katia Georgiou, minister plenipotentiary director, A2 Cyprus Directorate; Ambassador Giorgos Avgoustis, Balkans Directorate;
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Ambassador Ioannis Rizopoulos, director, A7 Directorate for North America; and Argyro Papoulia, deputy director and first counselor, A7 Directorate of North America. The AHI delegation departed Athens for a day-trip to Istanbul to meet with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Ecumenical Patriarchate on May 9. Delegation members were honored by the Patriarch’s generous invite to lunch following their meeting. In Istanbul, AHI also met with the United States Consul General Chuck Hunter and Consul General of Greece Ambassador Nikolaos Mathioudakis.
Link in the USA – Advocating for a Strong Relationship with Greece” at The Met hotel. The American Universities Alumni Association of Northern Greece sponsored the presentation and reception and more than 180 people were in attendance. Additional speakers were Minister of Macedonia and Thrace George Orfanos, Lieutenant General Ilias Leontaris (Commander NRDC-GR), and Governor of Central Macedonia Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
Delegation Participants: AHI President Nick Larigakis was accompanied by AHI Board Members Kostas Alexakis, Dr. George Tsetsekos and Leon Andris, AHI Foundation Board Member Gus Andy, and AHI Legislative Director Georgea Polizos.
AHI President Visits Greece and Turkey on End of Year Trip to the Region AHI President Nick Larigakis attended the historic visit between His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew and His Holiness Pope Francis in Istanbul, Turkey as part of the annual pilgrimage of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The visit took place on November 29-30, 2014 during which participants also celebrated the feast of St. Andrew with Divine Liturgy.
From left: AHI President Nick Larigakis, Minister of Macedonia and Thrace George Orfanos, Lieutenant General Ilias Leontaris (Commander NRDCGR), and American Universities Alumni Association of Northern Greece President Nikos Philippou.
Larigakis was also presented with an honorary membership to the sponsoring organization. “I appreciated the opportunity to speak about the role and mission of AHI in Thessaloniki,” Larigakis said. “I cannot thank the American Universities Alumni Association of Northern Greece enough for hosting such a wonderful event and bestowing upon me an honorary membership. Under the exceptional leadership of Nikos Philippou, it was an honor to present before such tremendous members of the business and academic communities.” In Athens, Larigakis attended a luncheon for Greek government officials hosted by AHEPA. He was also invited to present to the Constantinople Society of Athens on the “Future of Hellenism in America.” He met individually with Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias and Chief of Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General Evangelos Tournas. Lieutenant General Christos Manolas, chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff, hosted a working luncheon for Larigakis with members of his staff.
AHI President Nick Larigakis being presented with an honorary membership to the American Universities Alumni Association of Northern Greece by organization president, Nikos Philippou.
In Athens, AHI and its Athens Chapter hosted a presentation and reception featuring Dr. Thanos Dokos, director general of ELIAMEP, December 3, at the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Dr. Dokos presented on the topic, “Challenges for U.S. Foreign Policy in the Eastern Mediterranean: The Need for Reliable Regional Allies” before a standing-room-only audience of more than 140 persons. In Thessaloniki, President Larigakis presented on “AHI, The
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In addition, President Larigakis met with the following Greek government officials in the ministry of Foreign Affairs: Ambassador Katerina Koika, newly appointed Director General of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad; Alexandros Ant. Couyou, A4 Directorate for Turkey; Katia Georgiou, minister plenipotentiary director, A2 Cyprus Directorate; Ambassador Ioannis Rizopoulos, director, A7 Directorate for North America; and Argyro Papoulia, deputy director and first counselor, A7 Directorate of North America.
MEDIA RELATIONS In 2014 AHI issued 65 press releases that were widely distributed to mainstream, Greek American, and foreign press, the Obama Administration, Congress, and AHI members and friends. AHI also regularly wrote letters to the editors of major national and community newspapers, commenting on articles that appeared in their publications. In addition, numerous AHI op-ed pieces were published in Greek American media outlets.
Letters to the Editor In 2014, AHI wrote nine letters to the editor of various publications of which five were published. AHI released a letter to the editor it submitted to The Washington Post in response to a January 23, 2014 opinion piece titled “The United States needs to tell Turkey to change course,” by Morton Abramowitz and Eric Edelman, former U.S. ambassadors to Turkey, and Blaise Misztal, acting director of foreign policy, Bipartisan Policy Center’s Turkey Initiative. The authors of the opinion piece assert that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is “destroying his country’s parlous democracy” which is creating “a pressing dilemma for the United States.” They argue for the United States to make it clear that the prime minister’s actions are endangering the U.S.-Turkey relationship. In his letter, AHI President Nick Larigakis applauds their critique of the prime minister’s actions writing, “It was refreshing to read that former State Department officials stationed in Turkey are calling for the U.S. government to get tough with Turkey.” AHI released a letter to the editor it submitted to The Washington Post in response to a March 5, 2014 Associated Press article titled “Orthodox seminary in Turkey awaiting reopening,” by Ayse Wieting. In his letter, AHI President Nick Larigakis criticizes Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s position that the reopening of the Theological School of Halki depends on reciprocal measures from Greece, stating the prime minister is incorrect. “The Turkish government’s illegal closure of the seminary is not a bilateral issue to be resolved between the two countries; but rather, it is a universal issue of fundamental religious freedom and human rights that Turkey continues to suppress,” Larigakis wrote. The Washington Times published AHI’s letter to the editor, “Turkey not committed to Cyprus peace,” March 6, 2014. AHI President Nick Larigakis wrote the letter in response to a February 25, 2014 letter to the editor submitted by Mr. Ahemet Erdengiz. President Larigakis rebuts Mr. Erdengiz’s letter by identifying two key points where the latter was off-base on Cyprus. The first point pertained to Turkey’s invasion of the Republic of Cyprus and the second point identified the flaws of the failed Annan Plan. AHI sent a letter to the editor to Forbes to correct inaccuracies written about Cyprus in a March 17, 2014 oped titled “Obama’s Secret Weapon Against Putin’s Crimea Vote?” by Richard Miniter. In his letter, AHI President Nick Larigakis criticizes Mr. Miniter for inaccurately identifying Mr. Ozdil Nami as the “foreign minister of Cyprus.” Larigakis
wrote: “[Miniter] should have done his homework and referenced Mr. Nami as the self-styled ‘foreign minister’ of an illegal entity, the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,’ which is only recognized by one country—Turkey.” AHI submitted a letter to the Washington Times in response to an April 8, 2014 article titled “Negotiator says U.S. was wrong to back U.N. plan for Cyprus in 2004,” by Ashish Kumar Sen. In his letter, AHI President Nick Larigakis expresses dismay that the journalist inaccurately reported Mr. Ozdil Nami as the “the foreign minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.” Larigakis wrote, “Such inaccuracies only embolden the “TRNC’s” separatist policy and hamper negotiations.” Larigakis also sets the record straight about Turkey’s two-phase invasion of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot leadership’s declared establishment of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” as an illegal and invalid act by the international community. The Hill, a newspaper with a focus on the U.S. Congress, published a guest blog rebuttal on its website authored by AHI President Nick Larigakis. The rebuttal, titled “Response to Turkish Cypriot’s Opinion Piece,” appeared on the website’s Congress Blog, which is The Hill’s forum for lawmakers and policy professionals, on July 23, 2014. AHI President Larigakis wrote the commentary in response to a July 21 oped written by Mr. Ahmet Erdengiz. In response to the op-ed, Larigakis set the record straight on Turkey’s illegal invasion of Cyprus on July 20, 1974, the establishment of a pseudostate in the north by Turkey in 1983, and the defeat of the flawed Annan Plan in 2004. He concluded by asserting that a firm and lasting settlement may be within reach, but only if Turkey plays a constructive role and does not manipulate the settlement process. The Washington Times published AHI President Larigakis’ Letter to the Editor titled, “Turkey to Blame for Cyprus Division,” Sept. 4, 2014. He wrote the letter in response to an August 22, 2014 rebuttal to a Victor Davis Hanson oped written by Mr. Ahmet Erdengiz. Larigakis set the record straight on Turkey’s illegal invasion of Cyprus on July 20, 1974, the myth of Turkish Cypriot “isolation,” and the defeat of the flawed Annan Plan in 2004. He concluded by asserting that Turkish intransigence is at fault for the current stalemate of settlement talks, and not, as Mr. Erdengiz claims, the Greek Cypriots. The Washington Times published AHI’s letter to the editor, “Republic of Macedonia Eroding Good Relations,” September 12, 2014. (AHI note: The title of AHI’s Letter to the Editor submission was determined by the Editorial Board of the Washington Times and not at the suggestion of AHI). AHI Legislative Director Georgea Polizos wrote the letter in response to a September 1, 2014 op-ed column by Luke Coffey titled, “U.S. must help usher Macedonia into NATO over Greek objections.” On Sept. 16, 2014, The Washington Post published in its hard copy edition President Larigakis’ editorial submission under the heading “Taking Exception” on its opinion page, granting it added weight. The submission, titled “Greece deserves respect for holding to its word,” called out Post Editorial Writer Charles Lane for taking a sarcastic swipe at Greece’s ability to meet NATO’s mandated minimum
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standard on defense spending in his Sept. 3, 2014 op-ed, “The U.S. needs to get serious about defense spending.”
CONFERENCES & FORUMS
AHI Op-Eds and Commentaries
Forum Examines Religious Liberty in Middle East, Turkey
Larigakis Commentary featured on The Hill website The Hill, a newspaper with a focus on the U.S. Congress, published on its website a guest commentary authored by American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis titled, “Congress should back ally Greece on ‘Macedonia’ name issue.” The commentary appeared on the website’s Global Affairs blog, which is The Hill’s international relations blog, January 6, 2014. AHI President Larigakis wrote the commentary in response to a Dec. 6 guest commentary for the Global Affairs blog written by United Macedonian Diaspora President Metodija Koloski.
The Current U.S. Interest in Cyprus: “Trust, but Verify” AHI released an op-ed written July 30, 2014, by AHI President Nick Larigakis titled, “The Current U.S. Interest in Cyprus: ‘Trust, but Verify.’” The op-ed received placement in The National Herald, Financial Mirror, Famagusta Gazette, The Greek Star, and Greek Reporter. On the heels of unprecedented engagement on the Cyprus issue by the Obama Administration, which included Vice President Joe Biden’s historic visit to Cyprus in May, Larigakis’ op-ed reflected on what has transpired and explored the meaning behind the high-level engagement. Although he believes these are all extremely important actions demonstrated by the Obama Administration, Larigakis argued that additional signs must be observed from the administration and from Turkey that would indicate progress toward a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue is taking form.
The American Hellenic Institute Foundation Presents the 14th Annual Conference on
The Future of Hellenism in America
SAVE THE DATE
Friday, November 20, 2015 Dinner Saturday, November 21, 2015 Conference (City to be determined)
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AHI hosted a noon forum titled, “Pogrom Against Christians Sweeps Middle East: What is the State of Religious Minorities in Turkey?” featuring Doug Bandow, senior fellow, Cato Institute, on February 3, 2014, at AHI’s Hellenic House. “The topic we are examining today unfortunately does not get much play in the American mainstream media,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “With regard to Turkey, we are all aware of the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, however, a broad spectrum of religious minorities in Turkey, including some sects of Islam, also struggle there. We appreciate Doug Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow at the Cato Bandow’s research and Institute. work in this field and for his time to provide us with his thoughts and expertise on the topic today.” Bandow’s presentation provided background about the continued persecution facing Christian minorities living in the Middle East prior to drawing comparisons with the current treatment of minorities in Turkey and areas where Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s government needs to improve. According to Bandow, Turkish persecution reaches beyond their Christian citizens and continues to be increasingly anti-Semitic as well. If Turkey wants a bigger role on the international stage, they need to allow people to exert their religious rights, Bandow asserted. Bandow added that today, persecution around the world can technically fall into two categories: secular extremism (such as that in a communist regime) or a state or group which uses religion to suppress any other religious groups (such as Islamic extremism). For the better part of its modern history, Turkey always had adapted Kemalist secularism. Bandow pointed out that even if its leadership decides to take the country in a more Islamist direction, it does not mean that the religious minorities within the country need to be suppressed. Although religious liberty does tend to get “short-shrifted” in Washington, Bandow reminded attendees that “this is a matter of human rights...of what a decent society is.” Following Bandow’s presentation, President Larigakis offered closing remarks, and he moderated a Q&A session with the audience.
Policy Conference Explores Cyprus Issue at 40 Years AHI hosted the policy conference titled, “The Cyprus Issue: Forty Years Later,” featuring two panels of experts who examined various aspects of the topic on September 30, 2014 at the Capital Hilton, Washington, DC. The audience also received greetings and remarks from Ambassador of Cyprus to the U.S. George Chacalli, Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Christos Panagopoulos, and AHI Founder Gene Rossides.
HELLENIC HOUSE VISITORS President of International Foundation of Alexander the Great Hosted
The first panel featured: Professor Andreas Theophanous, department head, European Studies and International Relations, and president, Center for European and International Affairs, University of Nicosia; Nicholas Karambelas, Esq., AHI legal counsel; and Doug Bandow, senior fellow, Cato Institute. James Marketos, Esq. partner, Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe, LLP, and AHI board member, moderated the panel. From left: Stelios Kirimlis (Governor of the Pan-Macedonian Association of USA), Dionysios Paschalis (President of the International Foundation of Alexander the Great) and AHI president Nick Larigakis at the Hellenic House.
AHI welcomed Mr. Dionysios Paschalis, president, International Foundation of Alexander the Great, to AHI’s Hellenic House in February.
Panelists from left: Nick Karambelas, Professor Andreas Theophanous, James Marketos, Doug Bandow.
Mr. Paschalis came to the United States at the invitation of the Executive Council of the International Foundation of Alexander the Great, which honored him at their meeting in New York. President Larigakis, AHI Legislative Director Georgea Polizos, and Mr. Stelios Kirimlis, governor of the Pan-Macedonian Association of the USA, accompanied Mr. Paschalis to meetings with legislators on Capitol Hill. The group met with: U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-MD), co-chairs, Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues; and U.S. Reps. John Sarbanes (D-MD), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Niki Tsongas (D-MA).
AHI Welcomes Greece’s Top Army Official to Hellenic House From left: Gene Rossides, Ambassador Chacalli, Ambassador Panagopoulos, Nick Larigakis.
AHI hosted Lt. Gen. Christos Manolas, Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff, at Hellenic House, November 4, 2014. Defense and Military Attaché Col. Evangelos Papadopoulos accompanied the delegation to the Hellenic House. AHI hosted a dinner in honor of the group’s visit.
The second panel featured: Daniel Lawton, deputy director, Office of Southern European Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Ambassador Patrick Theros, principal, Theros & Theros LLP; and John Sitilides, principal, Trilogy Advisors LLC. AHI President Nick Larigakis moderated the second panel. Each of the panelists brought their unique perspective and expertise to the conference topic. A vibrant Q&A session followed each of the two panels as well as the opening remarks by Ambassadors Chacalli and Panagopoulos and historical background provided by Rossides.
Lieutenant General Manolas and his delegation meet with Nick Larigakis at the Hellenic House.
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AHI Welcomes University of Piraeus Student Group, Former MEP Candidate to Hellenic House AHI welcomed visitors to Hellenic House on two occasions in November. AHI hosted a student group from the University of Piraeus on its inaugural trip to Washington, D.C., November 17, 2014. The group consisted of graduate students studying political science, international relations and other related fields. The group visits the United States annually, usually to New York City. This was the group’s first trip to Washington.
GENERAL NEWS AHI-sponsored Greek Heritage Night at Phillies Game a Home Run The AHI-sponsored “Greek Heritage Night,” held in cooperation with Major League Baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies, May 28, 2014 at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pa., was a tremendous success. Approximately 1,000 persons attended Greek Heritage Night to help the Phillies stage a ninth inning rally to beat the Colorado Rockies, 6 to 3.
The following day, November 18, Zoi Apostolopoulou, who was a candidate for European Parliament for To Potami in 2014, visited Hellenic House. Apostolopoulou is a lawyer who specializes in European Union law.
From left: Dr. Spiro Spireas, Amb. Panagopoulos, John Brazer, Nick Larigakis, Nicholas Chimicles.
Nick Larigakis with students from the University of Pireas
Zoi Apostolopoulou and Nick Larigakis
At the baseball game, Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Christos Panagopoulos threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The popular Phillies mascot, The Phillie Phanatic, sported an Evzone costume custom made by the Phanatic’s seamstress, Kim Hanley. During the middle of the fifth inning, The Phanatic led the Pegasus Dancers, a Greek dance troupe under the direction of Mela Akranis from Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, Pa. A two-minute promotional video about Greece, made possible by the Embassy of Greece, was played on the ballpark’s jumbotron.
Fans celebrating their Greek heritage at the game.
Thanks to the efforts of Phillies Director of Publicity John Brazer, Ambassador Panagopoulos and AHI President Larigakis appeared on two popular morning radio shows. In addition, AHI Board Member George Tsetsekos organized a series of outreach events for Ambassador
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Cyprus. Nick’s expertise is clearly evident in the article. It will serve as an excellent legal resource for attorneys who practice in the area of international trade and commercial law,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “We value Nick’s knowledge and his commitment to a viable and constructive TTIP as the negotiations progress.”
Record Number of Golfers Compete at AHI’s Annual Golf Classic; Sports Panel Discussion Held The Phanatic dancing with Pegasus dancers.
Panagopoulos with business, civic, and community leaders from Philadelphia. AHI Board Member Tsetsekos and AHI Member Tassos Efstratiades hosted a luncheon in honor of the ambassador at the Union League with prominent Greek Americans from the Philadelphia area in attendance.
On October 20, 2014, AHI hosted its Eleventh Annual Golf Classic at Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, Va. A record number 64 golfers participated. Celebrity appearances were made by Larry Michael, Voice of the Washington Redskins, Christine Brennan, journalist, USA Today, and John Brazer, director of Publicity, Philadelphia Phillies, who appeared at a morning sports panel to discuss current events and issues affecting the sporting world. The Tournament Sponsor was Calamos Investments.
Washington Lawyer Magazine Publishes AHI Legal Counsel’s Guide on TTIP Washington Lawyer published an article authored by Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq., partner in the firm Sfikas & Karambelas LLP and volunteer legal counsel to AHI. Entitled “A U.S. Lawyer’s Guide to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP),” the article appeared in the July/August 2014 issue. Washington Lawyer is the official publication of the District of Columbia Bar. Tournament participants.
The first place team was comprised of: Mike Mathews, Mike Gleeson, Dave Riddle and John Hockman. Second place honors went to: John Brazer, Dickie Noles (former pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies), Tommy Greene (former pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies) and Scott Nickel (Philadelphia Phillies’ director of corporate sales). The third place team included: Chris Christou, Allen Lyubinsky, Thomas J. Anthis and Jaime Moreno.
Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq., partner in Sfikas & Karambelas LLP.
The TTIP is a proposed comprehensive free trade agreement between the United States and the European Union. Mr. Karambelas sets forth the legal framework of the proposed TTIP and the fundamental legal issues raised by the TTIP. He notes that the final TTIP agreement will fundamentally change the ways in which the United States and the European Union conduct business.
AHI Questions The Washington Times’ Relationship With “TRNC,” Requests Meeting In October, AHI sent a letter to Mr. Thomas McDevitt, chairman of the board, The Washington Times, requesting a meeting to discuss the nature of the newspaper’s relationship with the illegal entity of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.” AHI President Nick Larigakis wrote the letter in response to five propaganda pieces about the “TRNC” published through the newspaper’s Advocacy Department on a single day, September 30, 2014.
“There are significant potential commercial and economic benefits for the United States as well as for Greece and
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
AHI FOUNDATION INITIATIVES Sixth Annual AHIF College Student Foreign Policy Study Trip to Greece, Cyprus a Success The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) College Student Foreign Policy Study Trip to Greece and Cyprus completed its sixth year as nine students from across the United States participated in the two-week program held June 20 to July 4, 2014.
President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, Yiannakis Omirou, with the students.
During the program, the students received firsthand experience about the foreign policy issues affecting Greece and Cyprus, their relations with the U.S., and the interests of the U.S. in the region. Meetings or briefings were held with American embassies, officials from various ministries, including foreign affairs, parliament members, religious leaders, think-tank organizations, and members of academia and the private sector of both countries. In Cyprus, the group visited the illegal Turkish-occupied area. The student participants were Alexandra Veletsis, University of Miami; Christiana Metaxas, Binghamton University, State University of New York; Evan Frohman, Northwestern University; Harry Jacobsen, University of South Carolina; Matthew Moramarco, University of Arizona; Paulina Likos, Villanova University; Peter Milios, Florida State University; Tiffani Wills, University of Alabama; and Zacharo Gialamas, George Washington University.
President Karolos Papoulias with the students.
“The AHIF student foreign policy trip gave me the opportunity to study the foreign policies of the United States, Greece and Cyprus firsthand. Travelling to Washington DC, Cyprus, and Greece, and meeting with government officials, private sector organizations, and other individuals such as professors and journalists allowed us to gain insights into the current and past issues concerning each country. I especially enjoyed that we were encouraged to ask questions at the meetings and that those questions turned into lively discussions,� said participant Christiana Metaxas. The program is open to Greek and Cypriot American college students in good academic standing who are studying political science, international relations, history, and foreign affairs.
Students aboard the HS Papanikolis submarine with Lieutenant Commander Georgios Karagiannis, Commanding Officer.
Students touring the Old Nicosia Airport.
Students with Lieutenant General Ilias Leontaris (Commander NRDC-GR) in front of the 71 Air-Mobile Brigade headquarters in Thessaloniki.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
AHIF Hosts 13th Annual Future of Hellenism in America Conference
Awards Dinner
AHIF hosted its landmark Thirteenth Annual Conference on the Future of Hellenism in America, keeping the discussion of the promotion and preservation of Hellenism at the forefront of the community. This year’s conference was held in Houston, Texas, at the Hilton Houston Post Oak, Nov. 2122, 2014.
AHI Hosts Milestone 10th Awards Dinner
The Tenth Annual AHI-Athens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner was held May 14, 2014. Captain Panagiotis N. Tsakos, founder, Tsakos Group of Companies, was the honoree. U.S. Ambassador to Greece David Pearce addressed the audience. More than 220 AHI friends and supporters attended the dinner at The Grande Bretagne.
From left: Nick Larigakis, Anthony Kouzounis, George Blytas, Nina Peropoulos, Harry Simeonidis.
Featuring more than 20 prominent speakers from across the country, conference presentations analyzed key issues including the future of Greek American organizations, the political process and lobbying, religious and ethnic identity, promoting Hellenic values through business, Greek education, and perspectives from young Greek Americans. Speakers also identified how Hellenism could be promoted in the future through these various channels.
From left: George Economou, Nick Larigakis and Nikolas P. Tsakos.
Nikolas Tsakos, who accepted the award on behalf of his father, recounted Captain Tsakos’s immigration story to America from Chios and his love for America in remarks. “It has been 60 years since my father first visited the United States on the Liberty vessel, designed by the US Government, after the war… My father instilled his love for America in me and my sister from a very young age. And I have [done the same] in my children.”
AHIF held a dinner on the eve of the conference, November 21. There, AHI President Nick Larigakis officially opened the conference and welcome remarks followed from Georgios Papanikolaou, consul general of Greece to Houston. Longtime AHI supporters and members George Blytas and Nina Peropoulos received AHI’s Hellenic Heritage and Public Service Award for the Promotion of Hellenism in America. In his acceptance, Blytas expressed his appreciation for the honor bestowed upon him by AHI as a longtime supporter of the organization and its mission. He also thanked AHI for its tireless efforts as the chief Greek American organization that advocates for the rule of law.
In his address, Ambassador Pearce spoke about the state of U.S.-Greece relations and the United States’ desire to see Greece emerge from its economic crisis, “stronger, a stable country playing a stabilizing role in southeastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean.” Greece’s location, he added, “makes it a key partner for us in a very important neighborhood.” Panel V speakers from left: Alexis Angelo, Georgea Polizos, Nick Larigakis, Art Dimopoulos.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Peropoulos remarked about the importance of AHI to the Greek American community, especially working on Greek American issues such as the name-recognition issue for FYROM. During her time as President of the Pan-Macedonian Association, Peropoulos worked in collaboration with AHI on the issue. In her acceptance, she also expressed gratitude to AHI for the award and recognition. The conference covered the following topics: • Greek Education in America • The Greek American Community and the Political Process • The Changing Nature of the Greek American Community • Current Perspectives on Current Changes • Looking to the Next Generation of Greek Americans
AHI Business Network AHI highlights the professional accomplishments of its members though various communications vehicles to provide the Greek American community with a viable business network. For example, AHI’s semiannual newsletter features the “Member Spotlight” and “Members in the News” sections that highlight the latest “movers and shakers” in the community. In 2014 AHI’s “Members in the News” section featured: Paul Kotrotsios, Vanna Panagoulias, George Stathopoulos, Athina Balta, Constantine Larigakis, T.C Liakos, Nicholas Kalis, Emanuel L. “Manny” Rouvelas, and Erika Spyropoulos. The “Member Spotlight” section featured Ambassador Patrick Theros.
• Discussion: Where Do We Go From Here? AHIF hosted the conference in cooperation with the National Hellenic Society (NHS) and SigmaPharm Laboratories LLC sponsored it. AHEPA Alexander the Great Chapter 29, Houston, and the Hellenic Cultural Center of the Southwest were co-sponsors. Each year the conference is held in a different U.S. city to spread the seeds of ideas generated at the conference, and to obtain feedback from the local Greek American community on various challenges facing Hellenism in America. Conference speakers identified key challenges facing the Greek American community today and offered suggestions for the future.
AHI Foundation Publishes Online Policy Journal
AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE
LEADERSHIP, AWARDS & STAFF NEWS
AHEPA Honors Rossides at National Convention AHI Founder Gene Rossides became the first recipient of the AHEPA-Stamos Family Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization’s National Athletic Awards Luncheon held at the 92nd Annual AHEPA Supreme Convention, New Orleans, LA, on July 24, 2014. The award is established for presentation only to inductees of the AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame for their achievements and contributions to society during their post-athletic career.
AHIF announced the fifth volume release of its Spring 2014 Online Policy Journal. “The policy journal of the American Hellenic Institute has the dual purpose of looking at various problems that confront Greek, Cypriot, and American foreign policy makers and the role Greek Americans can play in shaping positive solutions for all concerned,” said Dan Georgakas, editor, Online Policy journal and director, Greek American Studies Project, Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, Queens College (CUNY). “To that end, we present work from authors of various nations and have a special interest in promoting discourse in the Hellenic Diaspora and hearing from emerging as well as established scholars and activists.” AHIF Foreign Policy Trip Student’s Interview of Cypriot Gov’t Spokesman Published Alexcia Chambers, a 2013 participant on the AHIF Student Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Greece and Cyprus, interviewed Nikos Christodoulides, spokesman for the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, for the global affairs magazine, Diplomatic Courier. The interview, “Cyprus: The Original Russia-Crimea Debacle,” appeared in the September 11, 2014 issue.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Rossides delivers his acceptance remarks.
Inducted into the AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989, Rossides was an All-American Quarterback at Columbia University in the 1940s. He forwent a career path into the National Football League and chose instead a career in law. Rossides went on to become an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Treasury in the Nixon Administration before founding AHI in 1974.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive this inaugural honor,” Rossides said. “I commend AHEPA for recognizing that athletes can achieve success and contribute to society beyond the gridiron or hardwood.”
AHI Announces New Hire
pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Legal Studies and Economics at Northwestern University, in Evanston, Il; Athina Manoli, pursuing a degree in law at University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, Baltimore, Md; and Stephen Kakouris a senior pursuing a BS in International Studies: Conflict Analysis and Resolution and a minor in Leadership Studies at George Mason University, Fairfax, Va.
Stephen Kakouris
On October 7, 2014, AHI announced the hire of Stephen Kakouris as the organization’s Office Manager. Stephen holds a Bachelor of Science in International Studies: Conflict Analysis and Resolution and a minor in Leadership Studies from George Mason University, Fairfax, Va. During his studies, he conducted extensive research on the Cyprus Problem, an issue about which he is passionate.
From left: 2014 summer interns Aphrodite Sahinidis, Anastasia Tsimberlidis, and Athina Manoli.
“We are thrilled to have Stephen join our staff on a fulltime basis,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “Stephen contributed to AHI’s policy work as an Intern and his background in International Studies will be an asset to our efforts.” Stephen was born in New York City and has lived in Cyprus, Dublin, Brussels, and Maine. He enjoys traveling and spent a summer working on a cruise ship that visited over forty Greek islands and Israel.
Internship Program Prospers AHI’s internship program is designed for college students who are interested in learning more about U.S.-GreeceCyprus relations and how foreign policy is formulate in Washington, D.C. Students who are chosen for the program spent weeks to months working on various assignments comprising of research projects, attending events in area think tanks and in congress, and assisting with an assortment of educational events sponsored by AHI. AHI’s interns in 2014: Aphrodite Sahinidis a junior at Patrick Henry College, VA pursuing a BA in Political Journalism; Anastasia Tsimberlidis, a junior pursuing a BS in Economics, and Minor in Spanish, at the American University in Washington, DC; Evan Frohman, a junior
SAVE THE DATE
Monday, October 19, 2015
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2014 ANNUAL REPORT
THANK YOU
CONGRATULATIONS Gene Rossides
It is indeed fitting that you should be honored with the inaugural American Hellenic Institute Lifetime Achievement Award. As the founder and guiding force of AHI, it has been your tenacious advocacy in support of this noble cause that has served as an inspiration to us all. We salute Gene and all of this evening’s honorees,
Theodore G. Spyropoulos George Lois Aris Melissaratos Anthony Quinn Peter & Georgia Angelos John P. Angelos Louis F. Angelos
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
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Congratulations to
The American Hellenic Institute on your 40th Anniversary and
To all this Evening’s Honorees Dean and Marianne Metropoulos
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
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The Behrakis Foundation congratulates all the recipients of the AHI Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service Awards
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
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Congratulations to AHI for your perseverance in empowering Hellenes across the world to continue being the voice of freedom and human rights. Good luck for all future endeavors, The Bousis Family Jimmy, Eleni, Mike, Victoria, Evangelo and George Chicago, Illinois
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THANK YOU GENE ROSSIDES
Thank you Gene Rossides, for being the Pericles of the Greek-American Community for over four decades. Thank you for leading the fight for the freedom of Cyprus, Greece and the Patriarchate. Without you, God alone knows what would have happened. Thank you Gene, for serving as our mentor and our example as to what it means to be a Greek-American. On a personal note, my brother Tom and I sent AHI a donation of $100.00 in 1975, which was a lot of money for us back then. We received back the most gracious letter imaginable. Gene expressed enormous gratitude. It was as if we had given a million dollars. This is the type of man Gene Rossides is, very humble and gracious. This is why he inspires young people. James H. Lagos Managing Member Moss Creek Investment Company, LLC 1800 William Kennerty Drive, Charleston SC 29407 Email: jameshlagos@lagoscentral.com Phone: 937-323-5555 Quality housing in West Ashley, Charleston, South Carolina. Warehousing space available in various parts of South Carolina.
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In Loving Memory to Ted G. Spyropoulos
From his wife Erika W. Spyropoulos Mariyana Paul And Family Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
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Congratulations to the American Hellenic Institute on the 40th Anniversary of superbly executing its mission of keeping our Hellenic causes at the forefront of American government and political strategy
Aris Melissaratos and George Petrocheilos Baltimore, Maryland
The Aris Institute www.TheArisInstitute.com The ArMel Scientifics Center for Technology & Public Policy www. center4techpublicpolicy.org
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Congratulations To All The Honorees for their achievements & devotion to country and community. Gene & Aphrodite Rossides WASHINGTON, DC
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Congratulations Gene Rossides
For your tireless commitment, leadership and support of the rule of law regarding Greece and Cyprus and your dedication to our community and country. We salute all of this evening’s honorees.
Jim & Wanda Pedas Ted & Lea Pedas George, Joanna, Theodore & Paulina Pedas Billy, Kelli, James & Teddy Pedas George & Michele Assimakopoulos Lia & William WASHINGTON, DC
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Congratulations to the American Hellenic Institute on its 40th Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner and to Honorees: GENE ROSSIDES TED G. SPYROPOULOS GEORGE LOIS ARIS MELISSARATOS ANTHONY QUINN
Enjoy the celebration! Emmanuel & Marilyn Rouvelas
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Congratulations to the American Hellenic Institute & the American Hellenic Institute Foundation and to all the Honorees Thomas & Matina Lagos Springfield, OH
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Congratulations to the American Hellenic Institute and all the honorees Constantinos & Sophia Galanis Mexico City, Mexico
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Congratulations to the American Hellenic Institute and Gene Rossides Arthur J. Gartaganis New Bedford, Massachusetts
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CONGRATULATIONS Gene Rossides on this well-deserved honor. Your continued support for the rule of law regarding Greece and Cyprus is an inspiration to us all. We applaud all of this evening’s honorees’ achievements. Ted Spyropoulos George Lois Aris Melissaratos Anthony Quinn Dr. & Mrs. George P. Tsetsekos Philadelphia, PA
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Kostas Alexakis & Leon Andris Congratulate the Awardees
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CONGRATULATIONS American Hellenic Institute and the American Hellenic Institute Foundation For continuing to promote the Hellenic ideals of democracy, free enterprise and the rule of law James H. & Nike D. Lagos Thomas H. & Matina K. Lagos Lagos & Lagos P.L.L., Attorneys at Law One South Limestone Street, Suite 1000, Springfield, Ohio 45502-1294 937-323-5555 (phone) • 937-323-6564 (fax) James Email: jameshlagos@lagoscentral.com Thomas Email: lagosth@yahoo.com
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Congratulations To all the Distinguished Honorees and to the
American Hellenic Institute
on its 40th Anniversary
Chimicles & Tikellis LLP Advocacy in the Hellenic Tradition of the Rule of Law Concentrating in Investor, Consumer, & Antitrust Law
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE AND ALL THE HONOREES ON THE OCCASION OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY HELLENIC HERITAGE AND ACHIEVEMENT & NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS DINNER.
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“Congratulations Gene Rossides for this well deserved lifetime achievement award.� Jerry & Helen Couvaras
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HARBOR EAST
Congratulations to our friend Aris Melissaratos and to the American Hellenic Institute on its 40th Anniversary
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Congratulations to the AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE on its 40th Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner John Botzolakis, Ph.D President/CEO
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Congratulations to the Esteemed Aristides Melissaratos So many deserving accolades to a most worthy honoree! May God grant you many blessed years to continue to make a difference in the world! _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Your Friends: Nicholas & Jeanne Tsakalos Harry Tsakalos Michael & Sylvia Tsakalos Christopher & Filio Tsakalos
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CONGRATULATIONS to the American Hellenic Institute and the Distinguished Honorees
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http://www.archimedean.org/
AHI, thanks for your effective leadership…. The Archimedean Schools’ Achievements…. In 2014, The Archimedean Schools were declared a Candidate for School District Accreditation by AdvancED SACS-CASI. Rank #19 in United States, in the Washington Post Ranking 2014.(last year ranked #26) • Rank #100 (National Ranking) in US. News Best High Schools 2014, (12# in Florida) 24# National Charter High Schools rank. (First year of eligibility for this ranking. Data based on grad class 2012) •
•
Graduating Class 2014: 8.5% accepted in top-10 Universities & Liberal Arts Colleges of US, 50% of graduates in top-50 Universities & Liberal Arts Colleges of US. (University rankings are based on US. News Ranking 2014)
Advanced Placement Exam 2014 (375 AP Exams with passing rate of 71%) • Ranked 6th in Florida 2014 based on the combined mean scale scores FCAT Reading & EOC Geometry. (schooldigger.com based on FLDOE FCAT 2014 data) •
Silver Medalist in State of Florida Science Olympiad 2014 High Schools. • Top 99% in Florida in scores 2014 1st in Miami-Dade County (Historical data) (schooldigger.com based on FLDOE FCAT 2014 data) •
•
Florida High School Model United Nation Debate 2014, Altamonte Springs: Outstanding Delegation Award.
Greek Language Certification International Examinations 2014: 80% success rate • History Bowl Nationals 2013, 2014. •
The Archimedean Middle Conservatory •
Ranked #24 in US in the “The 50 Best Middle Schools 2014 in the U.S.” by the Best Schools.
Most Philosophical School in America 2014 & 2013. Kids Philosophy Slam • Top 99.6% in Florida in scores 2014 (Historical data) • Silver Medalist in State of Florida Science Olympiad 2014 Middle Schools. • Ranked #1 Charter Middle School in the State of Florida 2014 based on the combined mean scale scores FCAT of grades 6,7,8 in Reading & Mathematics (schooldigger.com based on FLDOE FCAT 2014 data) •
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Congratulations To
Gene Rossides On receiving the first ever AHI Hellenic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award Thank you for being a great mentor and friend. I have always been inspired by your commitment to the ancient Hellenic ideals of Truth, Beauty and the Eternal Values and for your belief and advocacy in the American principles of democracy and the rule of law. I congratulate you‌a true pioneer and visionary of the Greek American community!
Nick Larigakis
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Nostos, from the owners of the twenty year successful Mykonos Grill, is now open in the Tysons Corner area, specializing in traditional Greek cuisine with an emphasis on fresh fish and ‘mezedes’ small plates.
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AN HONOR
TO OUR CHAMPION The American Hellenic Institute honors us, and the entire Greek Community in America and abroad, when they honor Theodore G. Spyropoulos with the AHI Public Service Award. Public Service in the Greek community and America is an ideal and contribution that Theodore G. Spyropoulos truly embodied through his service, leadership, and contributions. He helped form our foundations and solidify the Greek presence in America for the next generation and his efforts will never be forgotten. Theodore G. Spyropoulos was the voice and champion of the Greek community. This posthumous award bestowed upon our great leader, visionary, and philanthropist, who was, to many of us, a mentor, a friend, and a brother, is of the highest honor. Theodore G. Spyropoulos was the nucleus of the Hellenic spirit in America, whose goals included unity, education, volunteerism, and above all progress in the 21st Century. Yes, he was a leader, and yes, he was a benefactor, but above all, he was a man who truly believed in the beauty, transcendence, and diachronic values ingrained within Hellenism and its principles. This is what inspired his good works and efforts which we can only aspire to follow. For all of those who knew him, knew he fought tirelessly for what he believed in, and were inspired by his vision and ideals. In honor of Theodore G. Spyropoulos, we are reignited by our pride in his great legacy, and kneel on one knee for our champion. We avow and pledge our allegiance to the cause for Hellenism. May his memory be eternal. Paul Kotrotsios, MBA Founder & Publisher of the Hellenic News of America President of the Hellenic American National Council paulkotrotsios@gmail.com Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
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Congratulations to AHI and this evening's honorees
and
f o u n d at i o n
CHEYENNE, WYOMING
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
THANK YOU
CONGRATULATIONS to the Honorees and AHI Founder Gene Rossides “Please consider sponsoring a needy child from Cyprus.” Cyprus Children's Fund Inc. and President Savas C. Tsivicos
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
THANK YOU
Best Wishes to the American Hellenic Institute on its 40th Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and Public Service Awards Dinner and Congratulations to the Distinguished Honorees
“Providing Main Street and Discovery-Stage Clients with a Voice in Washington.” Government Relations • Strategic Communications • Public Relations 1909 Q Street, NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202.441.5099 www.agkaffes.com info@agkaffes.com
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
THANK YOU
“The best gallery in Aspen...is in Basalt! ”
Simon Winegar
Proud to support the American Hellenic Institute’s 40th Anniversary Awards Dinner
211 Midland Avenue, Basalt CO 970.927.9668 www.KorologosGallery.com Just 20 minutes from Aspen
Congratulations, Aris! You are a true role model for Greek Americans! - Troy and Annika Geanopulos Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
THANK YOU
Congratulations to the American Hellenic Institute and to all the honorees THE COUREMBIS COMPANIES
&
COUREMBIS LAW Attorneys & Counselors at Law
Congratulations to Eugene Rossides
The guiding force of AHI and to all tonight’s honorees for their contributions to our society. Louis & Helen Nicozisis Manalapan, Florida
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
THANK YOU
CONGRATULATIONS To the American Hellenic Institute on its 40th Anniversary and to its founder, Gene Rossides. We wish continued success in your future endeavors. Peter and Nina Peropoulos Houston, Texas
Congratulations and Best Wishes to
EUGENE TELEMACHOS ROSSIDES A Prominent American and A Devoted Hellene An uncompromising Advocate of the principle of The Rule of Law in International Relations and a Staunch supporter of better relations between The US, Greece and Cyprus. ORESTES G. VARVITSIOTES & FAMILY
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
THANK YOU
CONGRATULATIONS TO
GENE ROSSIDES
FOR HIS PASSIONATE DEDICATION TO HELLENISM!
George and Alexia Moutsatsos
Congratulations to the
American Hellenic Institute and this year’s honorees — Emanuel John Elliott, Chairman
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
THANK YOU
Congratulations to the AHI on your 40 years
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
THANK YOU
The American Hellenic Institute Foundation Presents the 14th Annual Conference on
The Future of Hellenism in America
SAVE THE DATE Friday, November 20, 2015 Dinner Saturday, November 21, 2015 Conference (City to be determined)
SAVE THE DATE Monday, October 19, 2015
BELLE HAVEN COUNTRY CLUB
6023 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA www.bellehavenCC.com Phone: 703.329.1448
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
THANK YOU
S A V E T H E D AT E ! MARCH 12, 2016 41st Annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
Awards Dinner MARCH 12, 2016 • THE CAPITAL HILTON • WASHINGTON, DC
Congratulations and Best Wishes to the Award Recipients
Elizabeth Bartz Akron, Ohio
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
Congratulations to AHI and to this year’s honoree’s.
Basil & Demi Kollias Wilmington, Delaware
THANK YOU
Congratulations to AHI and to this year’s honoree’s.
Theodore Vakrinos & Helen Abadzi Alexandria, Virginia
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Gene, Nick and the staff of the American Hellenic Institute!
Angeliki Christofield Cincinnati, Ohio
Γεια σας ζωή
THANK YOU TO OUR GIFT BAG DONORS
Todd Clark, Tribute Video Producer/Director Providing EMMY Award-winning Educational, Promotional, Documentary Programs and Tribute Gala Video for over 20 years www.ONANONProductions.com www.theDCPLACE.com Todd@theDCPLACE.com
Jim Gianopulos & 20th Century Fox Films
To the American Hellenic Institute and the 2015 Honorees!
Konstantopoulos S.A. Olymp Miltos Goudamanis & House of Brands, Inc.
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
THANK YOU
The American Hellenic Institute is proud to present the 2nd Annual
“GREEK HERITAGE NIGHT” AT THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies “GREEK HERITAGE NIGHT” at Citizens Bank Park vs the Baltimore Orioles (7:05 p.m.) VIP TICKETS $300 PER PERSON (only 40 spaces available) includes: • Ticket to watch the game from MVP Suite, which will include food and drinks for the entire game; visit by a Phillies Alum; and a very special visit by the “Phillie Phanatic” dressed in the “Evzone” costume. (Pending availability.) (VIP tickets need to be ordered directly through AHI)
GREEK HERITAGE NIGHT (all tickets $38) will include: • Special Welcome; Ceremonial First Ball; 2 minute pre-game video highlighting Greece; The Phillie Phanatic dressed as an “Evzone” leading a Greek Dance Troupe on the field during the 5th or 7th inning; A concession stand dedicated to serving Greek food; and a thousand or more Greek Americans expressing our proud Hellenic Heritage from the stands! Order Tickets: http://mlb.mlb.com/phi/ticketing/group/splash.jsp?loc=greekheritage
Enclosed is my check payable to AHI in the amount of $________________________
■ Check
■ Visa
■ MasterCard
■ American Express
Credit Card No: _____________________________________Exp. Date______________________ Name: _______________________________Signature_____________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ City:_________________________________State/Zip_____________________________________ E-mail address _______________________________Phone_________________________________ American Hellenic Institute, 1220 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-785-8430; fax: 202-785-5178; Email: stephen@ahiworld.org
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
THANK YOU
Our Special Thanks to PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Peter G. Angelos, Baltimore, MD
Special Thank you to our Silent Auction Sponsors
HERITAGE PATRON
John Alahouzos
Mr. & Mrs. Gus Andy, Miami, FL Mr. & Mrs. James H. Lagos, Springfield, OH Mr. Aris Melissaratos, Glyndon, MD Mr. & Mrs. James Pedas, Washington, DC Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Pedas, Washington, DC Mr. & Mrs. Gene Rossides, Washington, DC Drs. Spiro & Emily Spireas, New Hope, PA
Leon Andris Peter G. Angelos, Lou Angelos & the Baltimore Orioles
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
Constantine M. Constant
Mr. & Mrs. Gus Andy & La Mer Beachfront Inn
Mr. & Mrs. John Alahouzos, Washington, DC Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Alexakis, Arnold, MD Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Bousis, Chicago, IL The Behrakis Family Foundation, Lexington, MA Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas E. Chimicles, Devon, PA Calamos Investments, Chicago, IL Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Galanis, Mexico City, Mexico Mr. Arthur J. Gartaganis, New Bedford, MA Mr. & Mrs. C. Dean Metropoulos, Greenwich, CT Mr. & Mrs. Manny Rouvelas, Washington, DC Mrs. Erika W. Spyropoulos, Oak Brook, IL Mariyana Spyropoulos & Paul Vasilakos, Chicago, IL
SUPPORTER Mr. & Mrs. Leon Andris, Washington, DC Archimedian Academy, Miami, FL Mr. & Mrs. Peter Bota, Arlington, VA Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Karambelas, Washington, DC
SPONSOR Atlanta Bread & Bake One, Smyrna, GA Theodore Vakrinos & Helen Abadzi, Alexandria, VA Elizabeth Bartz, Cleveland, OH Dr. Takey Crist, Jacksonville, NC Philip Christopher, Hauppauge, NY Mr. & Mrs. John Courembis, Washington, DC Mr. & Mrs. Aleco Haralambides, Miami, FL Mr. & Mrs. Basil Kollias, Wilmington, DE Dr. & Mrs. George Moutsatsos, Wilmington, DE John Paterakis, Sr. & Family, Baltimore, MD Soma Labs, Inc., Middlesex, NJ Nicholas & Jeanne Tsakalos, Baltimore, MD
Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service
Christine Brennan Capital Hilton Hotel Cavo Olympo Luxury Resort & Spa Costa Navarino Resort Aris Drivas Yachting Grace Mykonos & Grace Santorini Hotels HBO Films & Kary Antholis Hilton McLean Tysons Corner Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel Grande Bretagne & Tim Ananiades Ambassador Tom Korologos Nick Larigakis & Constantine Larigakis George Lois Louis Cruise Lines & Amphitrion Holidays Evangelos Marinakis & Olympiacos F.C. MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network) Larry Michael Mark Moraitakis & Chick-fil-A, Inc. Tony & Maria Pearce Billy Pedas Sheraton Rhodes Resort The Philadelphia Phillies & John Brazer The Vanderbilt Grace The White Barn Inn Tiny Jewel Box Washington Tennis & Education Foundation & Eleni Rossides
American Hellenic Institute Foundation
College Student Foreign Policy Study Trip to Greece and Cyprus June 17 – July 3, 2015 To stand in a place where, for generations, Christians stood in awe and reverence of the Creator of all, where incense and psalmody once rose from earth to Heaven in praise of the God who became man; but now stands abandoned and desecrated, with no respect or honor given to things of the earth or of Heaven, is truly a powerful and moving experience. – Manoli Anagnostiadis, University of Maryland, upon viewing a desecrated Church in occupied Cyprus in 2012.
The AHIF Foreign Policy trip to Cyprus and Greece was an invaluable experience. Through briefings with prominent government officials, and experiences like visiting the occupied territory of Cyprus, I gained an understanding why it is important to lobby for Greek and Cypriot issues in the United States. The study trip made me a better-informed Greek American and has put me in a position where I can make a difference and advocate for Greek and Cypriot issues in America. – Michael Savvas, University of San Diego (2010 trip)
The AHIF trip is something I will never forget. I am returning to the United States with new friends, amazing memories, and as a more learned person because of this foreign policy trip. I wouldn’t trade those two weeks for anything. – Lia Seremetis, University of Cincinnati (2009 trip)
For more information on how to apply, visit: http://ahiworld.org/for-students/policy-trip.html or email Yola Pakhchanian at yolap@ahiworld.org
Photos, from top: The students at the Acropolis (2009). Students aboard the HS Papanikolis submarine with Lieutenant Commander Georgios Karagiannis, Commanding Officer. (2014) At the old Nicosia International Airport with a member of the UN Peace keeping forces (2010). Student delegation with the President of Greece, Karolos Papoulias (2011). Students aboard the HS Salamis frigate. (2013) Students at the House of Representatives in Cyprus. (2012)
ahiworld.org
AHI invites everyone Hellenes and philhellenes alike who shares our passion for the preservation and study of Hellenism and wishes to strengthen ties between the United States, Greece and Cyprus to join AHI as a member. By joining, you help us in two important ways: your membership gives our message greater weight in Washington. And your dues help us to carry out our mission on a day-to-day basis. AHI understands the issues affecting the Greek American community and we share our knowledge of these issues through newsletters, conferences, publications and electronic media.
Cut here and return to AHI Cut here and return to AH
Join us.
Enrollment Form
$100 for members within the U.S.; $150 for members outside the U.S.; $35 for Students • Receive AHI’s newsletter • Be alerted to key action items via e-mail • Be a part of policy discussions with invitations to AHI noon forums and business network events nationwide • A copy of the AHI DVD The Greek American Operational Groups
Pericles Membership
$2
AHI members enjoy many benefits at a variety of levels. Please consider becoming a part of our grassroots network at one of the levels below:
Classic Membership
00 $1
Membership
50
Classic membership benefits, plus: • Receive a 25% discount on all new AHI publications • Receive a complimentary copy of Greece’s Pivotal Role in World War II and its Importance to the U.S. Today
Name: ________________________________________________ Title: __________________________________________________ Occupation: ___________________________________________
Street: ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
E-mail: ________________________________________________
F Olympic ($5,000) F Nike ($10,000)
Method of Payment: Check (payable to AHI) Amount of Payment: ___________________________________ Credit Card Number: ___________________________________
Please tear at perforation and return with payment to: American Hellenic Institute 1220 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036
Olympic membership benefits, plus: • A special invitation to join the annual delegation trip to Greece and Cyprus and participate in high-level meetings with members of the executive and legislative branches of the Greek and Cypriot governments • Receive a Sustaining Member listing on the AHI Memorial Wall, prominently displayed in the lobby of Hellenic House • Underwriting credit for the year at all AHI events
0
(Required for credit card payments)
Nike Membership
00 0,
Signature: _____________________________________________
$1
Expiration Date (month/year): _____ /_____
Solon membership benefits, plus: • Join a special briefing in Washington, DC exclusively for Olympic and Nike members with the diplomatic corps as well as policy-makers • Two free tickets to AHI’s Athens Hellenic Heritage and National Public Service Awards Dinner at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens along with a complimentary full page advertisement in the dinner journal • Free participation for you and a guest at AHI’s Annual Golf Outing
0
F Pericles ($250) F Marathon ($500) F Solon ($1,000)
0 ,0
F Classic ($100 US, $150 Outside US, $35 Students)
Olympic Membership
$5
Membership Level:
Marathon membership benefits, plus: • Free attendance at any two AHI Business Network Events nationwide • A complimentary copy of Modern Greeks
0
Fax: ___________________________________________________
Solon Membership
0 ,0
Phone: ________________________________________________
by Costas Stassinopoulos.
$1
City: ___________________ State: ____ Zip: _________________
Pericles membership benefits, plus: • Receive Receive complimentary of of Blood and Tears: complimentarycopies copies Blood and Greece 1940-1949—A Story of War and Love and Tears: Greece 1940-1949—A Story of War and Love Modern Greeks: Greece in World War II: The German and The Truman Doctrine of Aid to Greece: A Fifty Occupation and National Resistance and Civil War Year Retrospective
00
Preferred Address:
Marathon Membership
$5
Company: _____________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS
to the American Hellenic Institute and this year’s honorees. Spiro & Emily Spireas
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