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AHI Holds 15th Annual Golf Classic, Sports Panel Discussion

No. 65

WASHINGTON, DC —The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) hosted its Fifteenth Annual Golf Classic at Belle Haven Country Club, Alexandria, Va., Oct. 15, 2018.  Forty-eight golfers participated. Celebrity appearances were made by: Christine Brennan, journalist, USA Today, Jim Daopoulos, ESPN rules analyst and former NFL official; and George Wallace, sports director, WTOP Radio.  The Tournament Sponsor was Calamos Investments. Peter Bota served as Tournament Chairman.

“We were pleased to welcome a dedicated group of golfers to our landmark Fifteenth Annual Golf Classic,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said.  “We are grateful to our organizers, generous sponsors, and golfers who took the time to support AHI.”

The first-place team was comprised of: Chris Christou, Ben Kwon, James Tomaseski and Allen Lyubinsky. Second-place honors went to: Yanni Sianis, Jim Daopoulos, Father Demitri Antokas, and Tommy Greene. The third-place team included: Peter Bota, Michael Gleeson, Dave Riddle, and Eddie Gleeson.  Michael Marroco earned the Closest-to-the-Pin honors and Longest Drive went to James Tomaseski.

Larigakis added, “We especially appreciate the support of tournament sponsor, Calamos Investments, under the leadership of Chairman and Global CIO John Calamos, because without their support, our tournament could not be a success.  Also, we are grateful for the participation of Christine Brennan, Jim Daopoulos, and George Wallace, who took the time from their busy schedules to present an enjoyable panel discussion.” 

In addition, Larigakis expressed appreciation to Tournament Chair Peter Bota.

Additional sponsors included: Hole Sponsors –Astra Foods, Bailey’s Crossroads Auto Body, Capital Hilton, Circle Management Company, Courembis Companies, Gold Crust Bakery, The Italian Place, James H. Lagos Company, Inc.; LaMer Beachfront Inn, Metro29, National Hellenic Society, Squire Patton Boggs LLP, Sunset Hill Farm, Tysons Corner McLean Hilton, USL Financials Inc., and Vasili’s Kitchen Registration Sponsors – Emirates Airline & Jimbo’s Grill Golf Cart Sponsors – Chimicles & Tikellis LLP, Louis & Helen Nicozisis, Market Development Group, and John Marshall Bank Gift Bag Sponsors – Donmar Heating & Cooling.

AHI Board Member Dr. Coufoudakis Honored by University of Nicosia School of Law

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No. 64

The University of Nicosia School of Law awarded American Hellenic Institute (AHI) Board Member Dr. Van Coufoudakis the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Honoris Causa, October 11, 2018, as decided by the Senate of the University of Nicosia. The university’s academic leadership, various Cypriot academics, political leaders, students and friends of the honoree attended the ceremony held in Nicosia, Cyprus.

 The Rector of the University of Nicosia, Professor Philippos Pouyioutas stated the award is the highest recognition granted to an individual for their contribution to the arts, sciences and to Cypriot culture. He went on to highlight Dr. Coufoudakis’ contributions to Cyprus and to the field of International Relations.

Further, Professor Achilleas Emilianides, dean of the School of Law, University of Nicosia, provided a detailed account of Dr. Coufoudakis’ academic contributions, in particular, his studies of Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations, and U.S. foreign policy.

 In acceptance, Dr. Coufoudakis expressed his admiration for the university’s growth and development.  He also discussed his involvement in the Cyprus problem since 1963 and commented on current developments in the UN-sponsored talks on Cyprus.  Dr. Coufoudakis also spoke about what influenced his academic career and stressed how freedom of expression allowed him to partake in public affairs, much as Pericles asked citizens of democratic polities to do.

 In closing, Dr. Coufoudakis addressed the risks democracies face with the rise of populism and called for adherence to honesty, hard work, and a commitment to democratic values and processes.

 Following his retirement from the Indiana University system in 2002, Dr. Coufoudakis assumed the position of Rector at Nicosia’s Intercollege, the largest private four-year college in the Republic of Cyprus. His primary objectives were: the adoption by the legislature of the Republic of Cyprus of a law on private universities; the drafting of a strategic plan to bring Intercollege to university status; and the accreditation of its programs.  Over a five-year period, these goals were met. Intercollege became the University of Nicosia, the largest and most prestigious of the Cypriot private universities.

 “We congratulate Dr. Coufoudakis upon receiving this distinguished award from University of Nicosia School of Law,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “We are fortunate to benefit from Dr. Coufoudakis’ service on the AHI Board.  For decades, he has been an asset to AHI’s mission, providing his expertise on international relations policy and matters.”

Military Chiefs of Greece, Cyprus Hosted by AHI

No. 63

WASHINGTON, DC —The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) hosted the military chiefs of Greece and the Republic of Cyprus during separate events held October 17, 2018.

AHI organized a breakfast briefing with Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis, chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, for a small group of AHI members and supporters at the Capital Hilton. 

AHI President Nick Larigakis led the discussion and commended Greece for being a valued and reliable NATO ally.  Admiral Apostolakis presented the security challenges in the region that Greece and its allies and partners face and the role Greece plays to provide security and stability.  He also discussed Greece’s enhanced defense cooperation with the United States.

Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Haris Lalacos, Colonel Vasileios Lampropoulos, Defense attaché, Commodore Frangkiskos Leloudas, and Commander Nicholas Mamounas accompanied Admiral Apostolakis.

Additionally, AHI facilitated a private roundtable discussion for Admiral Apostolakis attended by 24 policy analysts and researchers at the Atlantic Council, an international affairs think tank, October 15. 

Cyprus’s Military Chief Visits Hellenic House

Lt. General Ilias Leontaris, chief of the Cypriot National Guard, visited Hellenic House on the afternoon of October 17, 2018 for a discussion about the country’s security challenges.

President Nick Larigakis, Board Treasurer Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq., Board Member James L. Marketos, Esq., and Legislative Director Peter Milios represented AHI. They were joined by colleagues Daniel Mariaschin, CEO/executive vice president, B’nai B’rith International and Alan Schneider, director, B’nai B’rith World Center in Jerusalem; and guest, Brian Kelleher, general manager, Capital Hilton.

In the evening, AHI hosted Lt. General Leontaris for dinner in his honor at Metro 29 Diner. Twenty AHI members and supporters attended.

“We were fortunate and proud to have the unique opportunity to host the two top military officials of Greece and Cyprus in Washington, D.C. for candid discussions with area community leaders and colleagues,” President Larigakis said. “We appreciated the opportunity to discuss the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and broader region.  Greece and Cyprus are playing vital roles and are contributing to the security interests of the United States and allies, and they are to be commended.”

State Department Officials Visit AHI’s Hellenic House

No. 62

WASHINGTON, DC —The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) welcomed U.S. Department of State officials to Hellenic House for meetings on two occasions in October:  Yuri Kim, director, Office of Southern European Affairs, October 3, 2018; and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Palmer, October 16, 2018.  In addition, Emily Stoll, Greek desk officer, attended both meetings. 

“We thank Deputy Assistant Secretary Palmer, Director Kim and Greek Desk Officer Stoll for taking the time to visit Hellenic House and meet with us,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “We appreciated the opportunity to discuss the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and how AHI works in the best interests of the United States to advance policy in the region.”

The discussion focused on topics ranging from the need to lift the arms embargo on Cyprus, to Turkish aggression in the Eastern Mediterranean, to Greece’s important role as a pillar of stability in the region. 

In addition to President Larigakis, AHI Legislative Director Peter Milios attended the meeting with Director Kim. AHI Board Members Leon Andris and James L. Marketos, Esq. joined President Larigakis and Legislative Director Milios at the meeting with Deputy Assistant Secretary Palmer.