WASHINGTON, DC – The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) celebrated its 42nd anniversary with its annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC on March 12.
Three hundred guests filled the ballroom to honor four notable Greek Americans whose acceptance speeches reflected their humility and their devotion to Hellenism and excellence.
Dr. Van Coufoudakis- professor and academic leader, and Paul Glastris- journalist and publisher, received the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award. Coufoudakis was lauded “for his academic achievements, domestically and internationally and for his fervent advocacy the rule of law regarding U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus.” Glastris was honored “in recognition of his enduring commitment to a free press.”
The Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award was presented to Dennis Mehiel, industrialist and social entrepreneur, “for his business, philanthropic and civic achievements,” and Dr. George Korkos, surgeon and entrepreneur, “for this lifelong commitment and leadership in medicine and activism in the Greek American community.”
Greetings were offered by AHI’s president Nick Larigakis and AHI Foundation president Constantine Galanis.
Broadcaster Larry Michael, the longtime voice of the Washington Redskins, was introduced as the Emcee by James H. Lagos, treasurer of the American Hellenic Institute Foundation. Sophia Pelekasis sang spirited renditions of the Greek and American national anthems and Father Konstantinos Pavlakos offered the benediction invocations.
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