Volume 28, Number 225 — December 1, 2002

AHI GENERAL NEWS

AHIF Hosts Conference on Hellenism in the U.S.

The American Hellenic Institute Foundation’s (AHIF) first annual conference on The Future of Hellenism in the United States addressed a number of key themes, challenges and crises facing the Greek American community today. The conference, which took place October 18-19, 2002 at the Capital Hilton, featured more than 20 expert speakers and hosted a full audience of more than 150 attendees from all over the country.

The conference opened on Friday, October 18 with a dinner event, featuring presentation of AHI’s Hellenic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award to author and publisher Christopher G. Janus by AHIF President Gene Rossides, and the keynote address delivered by famed military and Greek American sociologist, Professor Charles Moskos of Northwestern University. The dinner proceedings set the foundation for the seven targeted conference sessions and concluding remarks on Saturday.

Saturday’s conference sessions addressed:

• The Future of Greek American Organizations
• The Role of the Greek American Media
• Greek Language Education in the U.S.
• The Role of the Greek Orthodox Church
• The Role of the Greek American Lobby
• Promoting Hellenism and Hellenic Culture in the U.S.
• The Role of Greek American Professionals in the U.S.

Delivering the luncheon keynote address was Professor of Hellenism Dr. David Weinberg.

Among the highest priorities mentioned by speakers was the need to find more effective methods with which to involve younger generations in learning about and, hence, preserving their Hellenic identity. Also stressed was the need for more cohesive and coordinated leadership. Related to this, greater involvement by Greek Americans at-large in their communities—in political, educational, charitable, religious, and other organizations—was also necessary to maintain and perpetuate Hellenic identity.

The conference was capped off with conluding remarks presented by Dr. Constantine Papadakis, President of Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Delegation Trip to Greece and Cyprus

From May 19-31, 2002, AHI leaders visited Greece and Cyprus, making stops in Nicosia, Thessaloniki and Athens. The delegation, comprised of AHI founder Gene Rossides, AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis, AHI Advisory Committee member Kostas Alexakis, and AHI member Andreas Pericli, Ph.D., held substantive talks with government officials, diplomats, academics and businessmen in all three cities.

During the Cyprus portion of the trip (May 20-22) meetings were held with: Christodoulos Christodoulou, Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus; Ioannis Kasoulidis, Foreign Minister of Cyprus; the U.S. Embassy Country Team; Nicos Anastasiades, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Cyprus House of Representatives; Tassos Papadopoulos, Chairman of Cyprus’ House Committee on European Affairs; Christos Panagopoulos, Ambassador of Greece to Cyprus; Michael Zampelas, Mayor of Nicosia; George Vassiliou, Chief Negotiator for Cyprus Accession to the European Union (EU); Nicos Rolandis, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism; and Takis Klerides, Minister of Finance for Cyprus.

Proceeding to Thessaloniki on May 23, the AHI delegation attended a dinner sponsored in their honor by the Deputy Mayor of Thessaloniki, Yiannis Zournas. The group also met with the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Vasilios Papageorgopoulos, and with the U.S. Consul General to Thessaloniki, John Koenig.

The delegation rounded out its visit to Greece and Cyprus in Athens, conducting meetings with: Constantinos Stephanopoulos, President of the Hellenic Republic; U.S. Ambassador to Greece Thomas J. Miller; Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou; Dimitris Avramopoulos, Mayor of Athens; Yannos Papantoniou, Minister of National Defense; Christos Pahtas, Deputy Minister of National Economy; Ioannis Magriotis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dionyssis S. Gangas, General Manager of the International Relations Division for the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC); Alexandros Lamnidis, Executive Director for the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce; and Theodoros Karatzas, Governor of the National Bank of Greece.

Other activities of the AHI delegation in Athens included a lecture at Panteion University’s Institute of International Relations (IIR), presented by Gene Rossides ün the topic of “U.S.-Turkish Relations: The Need for a Change”; testimony given by Gene Rossides and Nick Larigakis before the Hellenic Parliament’s Committee for Greeks Abroad; an evening reception held by Ambassador Miller at his residence to honor Gene Rossides and AHI; and a dinner hosted by the AHI Athens Chapter at the NJV Athens Plaza Hotel in honor of outgoing chapter president Costas Ioannou.

House Passes Resolution Commending Greece for War on Terror

On October 16, 2002, H.Con.Res.479 was passed unanimously by the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution, initiated and advocated by Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY, 7th Dist.), commends the government of Greece for contributions to the war against terrorism and for taking actions to disrupt the November 17 terrorist group. AHI released a statement thanking Congressman Crowley on his important initiative.

September 11 Remembered

On the first anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks against the U.S., AHI extended its sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. In a statement, AHI noted that, “The terrorist attacks were not just an attack on the U.S., but on the broader ideals of democracy and freedom. The AHI firmly believes that our collective response to the terrorists who committed these acts should be paralleled with a crusade for the promotion of American values of freedom, liberty, democracy, the rule of law and human rights worldwide and in all of our foreign policy decisions.”

Governor Pataki Praised

New York Governor George E. Pataki issued a proclamation designating May 19, 2002 as “Pontian Greek Genocide Remembrance Day.” The Governor’s initiative increases awareness of the violence and genocide perpetrated against the Pontian Greek population in Asia Minor by the Turkish government during the early part of the twentieth century. Also remembered are the tragedies that befell the Armenian and Assyrian populations of the region.

AHI also praised Governor Pataki for his October 6 proclamation commemorating the “80th Anniversary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe,” presented to the Holocaust Memorial Observance Committee of Asia Minor. Recognition of these tragic events is crucial in preventing their repetition in that region and elsewhere.

2002 Greek American Policy Statements Released

On August 1, 2002, AHI released its 2002 Greek American Policy Statements. The Policy Statements set forth the positions on the issues of concern to Greek Americans based on what is in the best interests of the U.S. Also highlighted are the significant changes taking place in the political, security and economic landscape of Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, stressing the strategic importance of Greece and Cyprus as stable, prosperous and democratic regional partners of the U.S. The Policy Statements call on the U.S. government to remain active in seeking a Cyprus settlement, to push for a resolution of the Aegean Sea boundary dispute between Greece and Turkey, and to stop applying a double standard to Turkey regarding the rule of law and human rights.

This year’s statements were prepared by the AHI and reviewed and endorsed by key Greek American organizations, including: Hellenic American National Council (HANC); Hellenic American Women’s Council (HAWC); Cyprus Federation of America; Panepirotic Federation of America; Pan-Macedonian Association; and Pan-Cretan Association of America.

Philadelphia Fundraiser for AHI Features Former Greek Ambassador Alexander Philon

On Saturday, May 18, 2002, Philadelphia-area members and friends of AHI held a fundraising reception to garner financial support for the organization. The reception was hosted at the home of AHIPAC Chairman and longtime member Nicholas Chimicles, Esq. and his wife Kathleen in Devon, Pennsylvania.

The evening’s special guest speaker was Ambassador Alexander Philon, the Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. at the time of the event, who spoke on the state of U.S.-Greece relations. Also attending the event was U.S. Representative Joseph M. Hoeffel (PA, 13th Dist.) along with his wife Francesca, and AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis.

Summer Interns Lobby on Capitol Hill

AHI’s summer internship program in 2002 provided a number of substantive projects for the three interns it hosted. Most significantly, interns Adam Dice, Max Haivanis, and Kristina Velys actively lobbied on Capitol Hill to gain support of H. Con. Res. 164. Introduced by Rep. Michael Bilirakis (FL, 9th Dist.), the legislation expresses the support of the U.S. for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union (EU) with or without a political settlement. The interns also contributed to the chronology of events section for the year 2001 to be included in the next edition of the Handbook on United States Relations with Greece and Cyprus. They also regularly attended Washington area events and lectures.

Adam Dice is from Annapolis, Maryland and attends Elon University in North Carolina. He is a junior majoring in political science and religious studies, minoring in international studies. While not of Greek descent, Adam has a strong interest in Greek culture and politics, sparked by a trip to the country during the summer of 2000.

Max Haivanis is from Boston, Massachusetts. He is currently in his junior year at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. As an international affairs major concentrating on international development, the issues surrounding the Cyprus controversy have given him greater insight into the field. As a Greek American, his experience at AHI has been beneficial and informative.

Kristina Velys is a junior at Elon University majoring in international studies and political science, and minoring in French. She will be spending three semesters overseas studying in France, beginning in the spring of 2003. Of Greek descent, Kristina particularly enjoyed her experience lobbying in favor of H.Con.Res.164.

AHI IN THE NEWS

Washington Times: November 4, 2002

On November 4, The Washington Times published a letter to the editor from Gene Rossides, General Counsel of AHI. The letter, appearing under the title “Turkish help not necessary to remove Saddam,” was written in response to former U.S. ambassador to Turkey Mark R. Parris’ op-ed column “Heads up on Turkey” (October 28, 2002). Mr. Rossides refuted Ambassador Parris’ argument that the U.S. cannot use force to remove Saddam Hussein from power without the help of Turkey.

Washington Times: September 3, 2002

The Washington Times September 3, 2002 edition ran a letter to the editor written by Dr. Van Coufoudakis, Dean Emeritus, Professor Emeritus at Indiana University-Purdue University (Fort Wayne) and AHI Advisory Committee member. The letter, appearing under the title “Turkey’s Growing Pains,” was written in response to M. James Wilkinson’s op-ed column “Turkey’s tangle with Europe” (August 23, 2002).

AHI also sent the following letters to the editor (unpublished):

On June 24 and June 26, the AHI sent letters to the editors of The Washington Times and The Washington Post responding to articles about Turkey’s role in the international coalition against terrorism. Contrary to Georgie Anne Geyer’s June 22, 2002 editorial which argued that “nobody questions the unusual record of the Turks in supporting well-thought-out American policies,” Mr. Rossides’ June 24 letter to The Washington Times questioned Turkey’s reliability based on current Turkish opposition to U.S. military action against Saddam Hussein, and other previous examples. Nora Boustany’s June 26 column in The Washington Post quoted a Turkish diplomat as saying that Turkey wishes to bring “peace and stability” in Afghanistan as it assumes leadership of the peacekeeping force in Kabul. However, Mr. Rossides’ June 26 response argued that, “before Turkey asserts it purported role as a peace-loving, stabilizing force in the east, it should look west to its violent and destabilizing behavior in Cyprus, the Aegean and in Turkey.”

On October 11, the AHI sent a letter to the editor of The New York Times applauding the newspaper’s October 6, 2002 editorial (“Double Talk on Democracy”) for shedding light on the hypocrisy of U.S. policy regarding the military-controlled government of Turkey. AHI’s letter also urged The New York Times to further explore the truth behind the alleged value of Turkey’s military bases.

VISITORS TO HELLENIC HOUSE

AMBASSADOR MICHAEL KLOSSON

On Tuesday, August 20, 2002, U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Michael Klosson visited Hellenic House for a one-hour meeting with AHI leadership and staff. The Ambassador was accompanied by James Seevers, Cyprus Desk Officer at the U.S. Department of State. AHI attendees had the opportunity to voice their perspectives regarding U.S. relations with Cyprus, with an emphasis on the need for the U.S. to press Turkey and particularly the Turkish military for a settlement of the 28-year occupation of the island.

CYPRUS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DELEGATION

On June 11, 2002, AHI founder Gene Rossides and staff met with a delegation from the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Cyprus House of Representatives for a one-hour meeting at Hellenic House. The delegation was led by Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Cyprus House of Representatives. Foreign Affairs Committee colleagues joining Mr. Anastasiades included Messrs. Markos Kyprianou, Takis Hadjigeorghiou and George Varnava. Accompanying the delegation was Cyprus Ambassador to the U.S., Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis. The meeting focused on advancing issues of mutual interest regarding U.S. relations with Cyprus, promoting Cyprus accession to the EU, and working towards a resolution of the long-standing division of the island.

NOON FORUMS

Cyprus’ EU Accession Is In U.S. Interests

On November 6, 2002, Dr. Ted Galen Carpenter (Vice President for Defense and Foreign Policy Studies, The Cato Institute) offered a candid presentation on the issue of Cyprus’ accession to the EU and the importance to U.S. interests. Outlining a number of concrete recommendations to U.S. policymakers, Dr. Carpenter concluded that it is in America’s best interest to change its policy rather “emphatically” in order to engender significant change in the stalemated issue of the division and occupation of the island. The starting blocks for fostering such a change in policy include that the U.S. first “cease any interference in the process of Cyprus’ admission to the European Union,” and instead “be very candid with Turkey on what needs to be done in the coming years.”

Smyrna Commemorated

AHI hosted a noon forum on September 9 featuring author and scholar Marjorie Housepian Dobkin who spoke on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the destruction of Smyrna by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the killing of over 100,000 Greeks and Armenians. Dr. Dobkin is the author of the Smyrna 1922: The Destruction of a City (Faber & Faber, London, 1972, previously published in 1971 by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, New York, as The Smyrna Affair). Her book provided the first in-depth investigative account of the horrific events of September 1922 and the subsequent cover-up by Turkey and by the Western Allies, who had defeated Turkey and Germany during World War I.

Ambassador Thomas J. Miller Discusses N17, Other Developments in Greece

On July 23, 2002, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Thomas J. Miller discussed recent developments in Greece on various fronts, with an emphasis on the rapidly evolving case against the Greek terrorist group November 17. He praised the Greek government for its recent breakthrough against the terrorist organization. Also discussed were issues related to progress on Olympics preparations and security, Cyprus-Greece-Turkey relations, U.S. investment in Greece, and the tremendous economic improvements in Greece, keeping in line with EU standards.

Alecos Michaelides Highlights Developments in Cyprus

On July 12, 2002, former Foreign Minister of Cyprus Alecos Michaelides discussed the current Cyprus situation, focusing on the country’s expected accession to the EU and the status and implications of UN-sponsored direct talks between President of Cyprus Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Mr. Michaelides also highlighted the current plight of the Turkish Cypriot population and its diminishing numbers on the island as a result of the conditions imposed by the occupation forces.

Congressman Frank Pallone on Cyprus EU Accession

On June 27, 2002, Congressman Frank Pallone’s (NJ, 6th District) presentation, titled “The Importance of Congressional Support for Cyprus Accession to the European Union,” focused on the status of legislation (H.Con.Res.164 and S.Con.Res.122) working towards this goal. With critical dates for Cyprus accession to the EU on the horizon, the Congressman emphasized the importance of Congressional and broader U.S. support of Cyprus’ EU accession with or without a settlement to the long-standing division on the island as in the best interests of the U.S.

LETTERS TO THE PRESIDENT

Joint Letters to President Bush, DOD Officials

A joint letter to President George W. Bush, sent on September 4 by leading Greek, Armenian and Kurdish American organizations, exposed and refuted a number of statements made by Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz on three separate occasions praising Turkey’s role as a U.S. ally. The letter and accompanying exhibits also revealed a conflict of interest posed by two high-ranking Defense Department officials. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Douglas Feith was a registered foreign agent for Turkey from 1989-1994, receiving $60,000 annually. Richard Perle, chairman of the Defense Policy Board, was a consultant to International Advisors Inc. (IAI), Turkey’s registered foreign agent, from 1989-1994 and received $48,000 annually from IAI. The joint letter calls on Messrs. Feith and Perle to recuse themselves from any matters dealing with Turkey and states that consideration should be given to their removal.

In follow up to the joint letter to President Bush, letters were also sent to the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Inspector General Joseph E. Schmitz and General Counsel William J. Hanes on September 6 requesting an inquiry into the conflict of interest posed by Mr. Feith and Mr. Perle’s past dealings with Turkey. The letters to Messrs. Schmitz and Haynes were submitted on behalf of the signatories to the joint letter of September 4 to President Bush.

The six co-signatories to the letters included: the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA); the Order of AHEPA; the Hellenic American Women’s Council (HAWC); the Hellenic American National Council (HANC); the American Kurdish Information Network (AKIN); and AHI.

LETTERS TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

H.R. 5002 on Turkey’s Trade Status Protested

On September 25, 2002, the AHI sent a letter to Representative William M. Thomas (R-CA), Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, protesting H.R.5002. This proposed legislation aims to amend the United States-Israel Free Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985 to designate Israel and Turkey as qualifying industrial zones, granting duty-free treatment to articles imported into the U.S. from such countries due to similar duty-free treatment provided to articles imported by those countries.

According to AHI’s letter, “We are fundamentally opposed to our government rewarding Turkey with increased market access, at the cost of American jobs, at the same time that Turkey maintains its military occupation of Cyprus. Such a move would run counter to American values and undermine our long-standing efforts to promote peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.” Adoption of such legislation would amount to “turning a blind eye to a blatant and ongoing violation of international law.”

Letter Congratulates Illinois Senate, Governor for Recognizing Macedonia as Hellenic

On August 15, 2002, AHI thanked Governor George H. Ryan of Illinois and the 59 members of the Illinois State Senate for adopting Senate Resolution 446, which proclaims that “the ancient Macedonians are Hellenes and that the inhabitants of the northern province of Greece, Macedonia, are their Hellenic Descendents.” The resolution further states that “the history of Ancient Macedonia has been Hellenic for 3,000 years and continues to be today.” Resolution 446, which was sponsored by Illinois’ 31st District Senator Adeline Geo-Karis, has also been strongly supported by the Pan-Macedonian Association of the U.S.

AHI Protests Florida Atlantic University’s Kenan Evren Eminent Scholar Chair

On June 19, 2002, AHI sent a letter to Florida Governor Jeb Bush protesting a potential $400,000 state grant towards a $1,000,000 endowment fund to establish the Kenan Evren Eminent Scholar Chair in Turkish Studies at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). AHI called on Governor Bush to review certain facts regarding General Kenan Evren, namely that Evren: “(1) ordered the illegal invasion of Cyprus in July 1974, (2) ordered the coup d’état against the elected civilian government in September 1980, and (3) led the Turkish military’s ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and genocide against its 20 percent Kurdish minority.” A letter was also sent to Dr. Anthony James Catanese, President of FAU, urging him to reconsider a chair in General Evren’s name.

NHI Voices Concern Over Focus Of Helsinki Commission Hearing on Human Rights

On June 18, 2002, AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis sent a letter of concern to Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Representative Christopher H. Smith, chairman and co-chairman of the United States Helsinki Commission, regarding a June 20 hearing on “Human Rights in Greece: A Snapshot of the Cradle of Democracy.” In light of pending reforms in Greece regarding human trafficking, Mr. Larigakis pointed out that it is “troubling that U.S. Congress would choose to unduly criticize Greece rather than encourage it,” pointing out that Greece is a pivotal nation for U.S. interests in Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

AHI ACTION ALERTS

October 11, 2002: Thanking Governor Pataki for His Asia Minor Proclamation

On Sunday, October 6, 2002, the Governor of New York State, George E. Pataki, issued a proclamation in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe, which was presented to the Holocaust Memorial Observance Committee of Asia Minor. AHI’s action alert urged members and friends to send a letter of thanks and appreciation to Governor Pataki for setting the historical record straight on a tragedy that cannot be denied or forgotten.

June 6, 2002: Supporting H.Con.Res.164 on Cyprus Accession

AHI released an action alert on June 6 urging support of H.Con.Res.164, introduced by Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL). The legislation expresses the support of the U.S. for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union (EU) with or without a political settlement. As of November 14, 2002, 84 members of Congress had signed on as co-sponsors of this resolution.

CHAPTER NEWS

AHI New York Chapter

The AHI New York Metropolitan Chapter, under the leadership of Col. Andonios Neroulias, continues to host monthly business networking events at local Greek restaurants in New York City. The events have met with a great degree of success, generating substantial participant turnout and meeting a need for a business networking environment for Hellenes and philhellenes in the New York metro area. To receive email notifications of upcoming AHI New York Chapter networking events, send an email with your contact information to ANDONIS@att.net or info@ahiworld.org.

AHI Northern Virginia Chapter

Under the leadership of AHI member Chris Zirps, the AHI Northern Virginia (NOVA) Chapter has continued its active schedule during the second half of 2002. On June 14, 2002, AHI-NOVA sponsored a booksigning event in conjunction with the Daughters of Penelope Chapter #238 and AHEPA Chapter #438. Meetings were held on August 2, featuring a presentation by Achilleas Antoniades, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Cyprus, and on September 27 with guest speakers Stella Jatras and Dr. Nicholaos Stavrou. The November 16 chapter meeting featured Achilles Paparsenos, Press Counselor at the Embassy of Greece, and Helen Abadzi, Senior Evaluation Officer at the World Bank. To get involved in the AHI-NOVA Chapter, please contact Chris Zirps at Czirps53@aol.com or (703) 780-6124.

AHI MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Personalized Investing the Euclid Way

On December 2, 2003, AHI member Andreas Pericli will officially launch Euclid Financial Group. Euclid provides a broad range of asset management and investment advisory services to high net worth individuals, families, and institutions. Having worked for top investment companies such as Freddie Mac and Salomon Smith Barney, Dr. Pericli has an outstanding and proven track record in his field. Simulations from his research show techniques that can deliver outstanding risk adjusted returns for both individuals and institutional investors.

Euclid Financial Group provides experienced senior management with over 70 years of collective financial market experience. At the heart of Euclid’s investment philosophy lies an understanding of each client’s individual situation and investment goals. To meet this purpose, Euclid emphasizes and supports strong communication with clients in order to assist them in designing customized portfolios tailored to their investment objectives.

According to Dr. Pericli, “We believe in personalized advice and continuous communication with all of our clients. This exemplifies our core approach to investment advice and distinguishes us from all other asset management and investment advisory firms.”

To learn more about Dr. Pericli and Euclid Financial Group, visit the company’s website at www.euclidgroup.com or call (703) 715-0302.

Building a Financial Bridge to Greece

Under the leadership of Nicolas Bornozis as president, Capital Link provides investor relations (IR) services to an extensive roster of corporations worldwide. Services range from corporate advisory to Internet-based communications, all with the goal of assisting corporate professionals to communicate their company news and IR message to the gharter School) opened its doors to its very first students on August 26, 2002. Both AHI members Messrs. Haralambides and Andy are members of the Academy’s Founding Steering Committee.

The mission of the Archimedean Academy is to “initiate the young mind in the art of thinking through the teaching of mathematics, English and the Greek language.” The charter school was created with the vision of giving students an excellent education with emphasis in the teaching of literature and the arts, and mathematics.

The curriculum is designed to serve students of all ability levels. The course of study for all students, based on the Florida Sunshine State Standards, includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, a foreign language, music, art, and physical education and health/personal fitness. The school was launched this year with grades K-2, with plans to add a grade level each subsequent year.

The school thus far has met with great success. According to Mr. Haralambides, should anyone in the Greek American community wish to embark on a similar Greek-focused charter school, there is “no sense in reinventing the wheel” and should contact the Archimedean Academy for information on their particular model. Referring to AHI’s October Conference on Hellenism, he also stated that, “Everything said by every speaker makes it clear that the charter school movement is made for us.”

For additional information, the Archimedean Academy’s Web site is www.archimedean.org. If you wish to learn more about the Academy as a model for your own potential charter school, contact Mr. Haralambides at jaharalambides@mindspring.com or (305) 374-2705.

AHI MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

GEORGE D. BEHRAKIS Grand Hall at Drexel University was formally dedicated at a black-tie gala dinner hosted by university President Constantine Papadakis and his wife Eliana. George D. Behrakis and his wife, Margo Behrakis, were the guests of honor. The hall has undergone extensive renovation, made possible in large part through the generous support of Mr. Behrakis, a long-time higher education advocate and Chairman of Gainesborough Investments. The Behrakis Grand Hall serves as the elegant centerpiece of the Creese Student Union Complex, the hub of activities for Drexel’s 16,000 students.

GEORGE C. CHRYSSIS was appointed vice chariman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees at the Hellenic College/Holy Cross for the academic years 2002-2004. Mr Chryssis has served on the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee since 1988, and for the past two years, he has chaired the Strategic Planning Committee of the Board of Trustees.

REV. DR. DEMETRIOS CONSTANTELOS, longtime professor emeritus at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, was elected corresponding member of the Parnassos Philological Society of Greece in recognition of his scholarly contributions to Byzantine and early Christian studies. The Parnassos Society is one of the most prestigious literary societies of Europe.

NICHOLAS GAGE, internationally renowned author and journalist, lecturer and film producer, was honored by Deree College, the upper division of the American College of Greece, on June 29, 2002 in Athens, Greece. President John S. Bailey cited Mr. Gage for his rise in and numerous contributions to the world of letters. Also honored at the ceremony were U.S. Ambassador to Greece Thomas J. Miller and U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe.

ANDREAS A. PALOUMPIS was honored on April 6, 2002 with Illinois State University’s Distinguished Alumni Award. A former professor of zoology and fisheries at the university, Dr. Paloumpis also served as president of Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida prior to his retirement. During his presidency, Hillsborough’s enrollment doubled to 26,000 students, a fourth permanent campus was established, and an educational center at MacDill Air Force Base was developed.

CONSTANTINE PAPADAKIS, president of Drexel University, was honored with the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) second annual Presidential Leadership Award at the organization’s 37th Annual Conference in Salt Lake City on November 2. Dr. Papadakis was recognized for his outstanding support of the Drexel Honors program, which has a 94 percent retention rate between freshman and sophomore years, compared to the national average of 79 percent.

Also due in large part to Dr. Papadakis’ efforts, Drexel University formally merged with MCP Hahnemann University (MCPHU) on July 1. A Philadelphia Inquirer editorial lauded the merger as “a win” for Drexel.

GENE ROSSIDES was one of the Brooklynites highlighted in the October 2002 issue of the Washingtonian magazine’s article “We’re From Brooklyn!” The article featured notable Brooklynites in Washington who have “enriched the nation’s humor, entertainment, literature, music, science and national politics.” Growing up in Flatbush and a football star at Erasmus Hall and Columbia University, Mr. Rossides made his first mark in Washington politics during the late 1960s and continues to be active today.

E. JOHN RUMPAKIS, a prominent Greek American citizen of Portland, Oregon and member of AHEPA’s Cyprus and Hellenic Affairs National Committee, was instrumental in establishing the Portland State University “Peace Initiatives” Program. The program, to be led by Greek Cypriot peace scholar Dr. Harry Anastasiou, will focus on peacebuilding efforts in Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean.

PETER TIBORIS, General Director and Music Director of MidAmerica Productions, hosted 20 American and Canadian conductors on a tour to Athens, Patra, Sparta, Northern Greece, and the Aegean island of Syros on July 26-August 4, 2002. The tour introduced distinguished conductors from the U.S. and Canada to concert facilities and performance opportunities with MidAmerica’s Festival of the Aegean to be held July 2003 and July/August 2004 as part of their “North American Tribute to Athens and the Olympic Games.” (See www.midamerica-music.com for additional information.