Another Banner Year for PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation

CHICAGO—Last month, the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation hosted its annual scholarship Awards Ceremony & Gala in Chicago. The annual event included a Welcome Reception and Mentorship Luncheon, then culminated with the sold-out Award Ceremony & Gala.

 

This year, 52 scholarships were awarded, bringing the total number of awards presented since PanHellenic’s inception in 2002 to 765. That’s more than $5,000,000 in awards supporting college students of Hellenic descent.

 

Welcome Reception

Gala Weekend commenced on June 13, with a welcome reception at the law firm Holland & Knight, hosted by PanHellenic’s pro bono legal counsel, Elias N. Matsakis, Esq. The event kicked off the weekend, with an opportunity for this year’s scholarship recipients and alumni to mingle with the board of directors, advisory board, and academic committee. Trustee Tom Sotos and Director Emeritus Tassos Chronopoulos addressed the crowd, offering tributes to PanHellenic’s late founder, Chris Tomaras. Both reiterated to the new recipients the ways that PanHellenic goes “beyond a scholarship”—including mentoring, networking, and internship opportunities—that support the scholarship recipients long after they accept their awards. Staying involved with PanHellenic affords them opportunities as they continue with their studies and build their careers.

 

PanHellenic was honored to also welcome His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who congratulated the outstanding scholars. He praised PanHellenic’s efforts, calling them “a bright and shining light in the Greek-American community.”

 

Mentorship Luncheon

The next afternoon, more than 160 people attended the annual Mentorship Luncheon. Held in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative and underwritten by Nicholas W. Alexios, the event offered scholars and alumni the opportunity to receive career guidance and advice from 15 mentors, all industry leaders in their respective fields, including business, law, medicine, finance, and entrepreneurship. A panel discussion followed. This year’s panelists were: Robert Krantz, President of Ellinas Multimedia; Paul Lountzis, President of Lountzis Asset Management; Dr. Maria Spiropulu, Professor of Physics at the California Institute of Technology; Dr. Monica Tadros, Director of Center for Sinus, Sleep, & Facial Plastic Surgery; and Tim Tassopoulos, Retired President and Chief Operating Officer of Chick-fil-A, Inc., the organizations 2024 Paradigm Award recipient.

 

 

Awards Ceremony & Gala

Culminating the weekend was the 2025 Awards Ceremony & Gala at Hilton Chicago. NBC News Reporter Lexi Sutter and 2024 Scholarship Recipient Demetrios Fotopoulos served as the night’s emcees. At the sold-out gala, 750 attendees celebrated the impressive scholars. The evening’s honored guests included the Hellenic Republic’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Michail Loverdos, who came to Chicago on an official visit.

 

Paradigm Award

This year’s Paradigm Award was presented to Cia and Tom Souleles, executive producers of the film ‘Echoes of the Past’, a story based on the Massacre at Kalavryta. In his address to the crowd, Mr. Souleles reflected on the inspiration for the film—his father’s firsthand experience as a survivor of the historic event. He spoke about how, despite countless setbacks, he and his wife persevered to share this important history. He added that the award they received represents “generations of sacrifice and resilience” and called upon the young scholars to “carry forward the legacy of Hellenism, education, and opportunity.”

 

Exceptional Alumni

For the first time, PanHellenic honored a past scholarship recipient with its Exceptional Alumni Award. Kathryn Glyptis received a scholarship in 2010. Today she is president of Tim Hortons. Glyptis reflected on receiving the award, then highlighted its importance. Drawing on the story of our ancestors, she encouraged recipients to “draw strength and courage from those who came before us” and reminded them that the Greek community “is full of stories of resilience and people ready to help them pursue their dreams”, and to take advantage of it.

 

Impressive Scholars

Then Trustee John Manos and Director Eunice Buhler presented the extraordinary PanHellenic’s Class of 2025. This year’s class received $272,500 in scholarship awards.

 

PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation's Class of 2025. IMAGE: Elios Photography

 

Leadership Fellowship

Among PanHellenic’s initiatives is the Leadership Fellowship, sponsored by the Renaissance Fund. These scholars receive $30,000 over three years. Paired with a mentor, they are assigned goals for each year, and once met, return to receive their next installment. The 2023 Leadership Fellows, Andreana Kekempanos and Emma Robinson accepted the third and final installment from their fellowships.

 

Chairman's Remarks

Chairman Robert A. Buhler delivered his remarks, closing out the ceremony portion of the evening. Buhler spoke of the generosity of Greek immigrants to America, especially that of PanHellenic’s founder, Tomaras. “He gave back even during times of modest means.” He stressed that “today's scholars, like our ancestors, need support as they navigate a complex world while holding onto their Hellenic values.” The chairman also urged the community to continue giving back and how their contributions have impacted the next generation, through scholarships, internships, mentorship, and educational webinars.

 

In closing, Buhler expressed his gratitude to the PanHellenic staff for their hard work and dedication, as well as a special recognition to Mike Burns, the Foundation’s long-time accountant who has served since PanHellenic’s early days.

 

 

 

A cocktail hour and seated dinner followed the ceremony. Live entertainment by New York-based Mylos Band kept attendees on the dance floor throughout the night.

 

Applications for scholarships will be available later this year. The next Award Ceremony & Gala is set for June 20, 2026. For more information, visit www.panhellenicsf.org.

 

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Read more:

PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation Awards 56 Scholarships at Sold-Out 2024 Gala