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<!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en"> <html> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 97"> <meta name="GENERATOR" content="Mozilla/4.72 [en] (Win98; U) [Netscape]"> <meta name="Author" content="Ul Balis"> <title>AFGLC Press Release - Forum and Gala 2000</title> </head> <body text="#CCFFFF" bgcolor="#000099" link="#99FFFF" vlink="#00CCCC" alink="#FF0000"> <center><font color="#FFFF00"><font size=+3>Press Release: Forum and Gala 2000</font></font><font size=+1></font> </center><p><center><img SRC="colorbar.gif" height=1 width=600></center> <font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>The "AFGLC FORUM 2000," with the theme "The Opening of an Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies: Unifying the Building Blocks," chaired by Dr. John U. Balis, Vice President of AFGLC, was held on March 10-11, 2000, at the University of South Florida (USF).</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>The forum was opened by Dr. Chris P. Tsokos, President of AFGLC, welcoming our distinguished guests from Greece and the United States with some brief remarks about the mission of AFGLC and the partnership that has been established with USF. Dr. David Stamps, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at USF, expressed USF�s enthusiastic support of the establishment of the "AFGLC Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies" (AFGLC-ICHS) and the strong partnership the university has established with the AFGLC. He stressed the fact that by working together the "AFGLC-ICHS" will be a model "Center of Academic Excellence" for other academic institutions in the United States to emulate.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>The "AFGLC-ICHS" at USF consists of five endowed professorships, namely the Peter and Sophia Kourmolis Professor in Greek Language and Literature, the Nicholas J. Maroulis Professor in Byzantine History and Orthodox Religion, the Gus and Mary Stathis Professor in Greek History, the AFGLC Professor in Greek Philosophy and the AFGLC Professor in Greek Culture. These endowed professorships are in contractual agreement with USF in perpetuity. Dr. William M. Murray, the Gus and Mary Stathis Professor in Greek History, was elected the Executive Director of the "AFGLC-ICHS." Professor Murray gave a presentation about the academic offerings of "AFGLC-ICHS", present and future.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>The following five outstanding educators and academic administrators spoke about the structure, aims and objectives of the "AFGLC-ICHS": Dr. Matthew S. Santirocco, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at New York University, Dr. James A. Wright, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Bryn Mawr College, Dr. Winifred E. Browriell, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Rhode Island and Dr. Thomas A. Martin, Jeremiah O�Connor Professor of Classics at the College of the Holy Cross. These academicians not only spoke in enthusiastically supporting the aims and objectives of "AFGLC-ICHS," but also expressed their sincere congratulations to AFGLC for their unique and outstanding plan that they have put together in addressing the revival and enhancement of Hellenism in the United States through the establishment of interdisciplinary centers. These plans are not only very strong academically, but are economically feasible.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>The distinguished scientist, Dr. Nikolaos Matsaniotis, Secretary General and former President of the Academy of Athens, gave an inspiring and stimulating presentation on Hellenism and globalization. He also expressed his support and that of the Academy of Athens to assist AFGLC in their noble educational mission. The President of the Hellenic American Union, Mr. Chris Spirou, enthusiastically endorsed the aims and objectives of AFGLC and gave an inspiring talk about our rich heritage and the importance of the revival of Hellenism through our universities in the United States. He thanked AFGLC for the tremendous and unique approach that they have undertaken to achieve their goals. Mr. Spirou expressed his interest to work with AFGLC at their soon to be established branch in Athens, Greece. The President of the Council of Hellenes Abroad, SAE, congratulated AFGLC for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments in bringing Hellenism to our academic institutions in America. His excellent presentation about our Greek heritage and the role it played in the development of the west enriched the audience�s attention. He also expressed a significant interest in AFGLC and SAE working together on educational endeavors such as the spread of "AFGLC Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies" in the United States and Canada.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>Mr. Alexios G. Christopoulos, Minister, Deputy Chief of the Embassy of Greece to the United States, Washington, D.C., represented the Hellenic Republic at the "AFGLC EDUCATIONAL FORUM 2000." He enthusiastically congratulated AFGLC for its tremendous accomplishments and for the importance and impact the "AFGLC-ICHS" will have in the United States with respect to Hellenism. Minister Christopoulos concluded his remarks with an enlightened presentation about the historical perspective of Hellenism. He vouched for Greece�s continued support of AFGLC�s noble mission.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>Professor Chris P. Tsokos presented a talk, which consisted of a network system structure of the PIFGLC working hypothesis between the United States and Greece. More specifically, he addressed the various Greek-American organizations: ST~E. AHEPA, individual philanthropists, educational foundations, etc., in America in which AFGLC is offering their expertise to work together in achieving our educational mission. Furthermore, Dr. Tsokos made a similar friendly challenge to the Greek government, Greek business sector, the Academy of Athens, the Hellenic-American Union, Greek foundations, the Greek alumni of American universities, etc. to work together on these extremely important tasks undertaken by AFGLC.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>An eloquent presentation on tapping the treasures of the Mount Athos monastic community was given by Dr. Stelios Papadopoulos, Editor and Museologist of the Treasury of Mount Athos. Dr. Yota Iconomaki-Papadopoulos followed him on an interesting presentation about church silver of the monasteries and Greek churches.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>Ms. Fotini Priniotaki, International Correspondent of AFGLC, led a group of distinguished participants on a roundtable discussion about AFGLC�s transatlantic institutions, community, students and media. The panel consisted of Ms. Nancy Biska, ANT- I Athens, Ms. Katerina Thanasoula, ERA 5 Athens, Mr. Nick Karakas, St. Louis, Mr. Dinos Siotis, Press Counselor, Consulate of Greece, Ms. Agni Viavianos Arvanitis, President Biopolitics International Organization and Michael Sotirhos, former U.S. Ambassador to Greece.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>Professors Chris P. Tsokos and John U. Balis summarized the accomplishments of "AFGLC FORUM 2000" and acknowledged the individuals involved for an extremely successful forum. Dr. John U. Balis announced that "AFGLC FORUM 2000: The Developing of Interdisciplinary Centers for Hellenic Studies (ICHS). Linking Mission and Objectives with Realistic Strategies," will be held March 2-3, 2001.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>The participants of the "AFGLC FORUM 2000" proceeded to the ribbon cutting ceremony of the "AFGLC-ICHS" facilities at USF led by Dean David Stamps, the Executive Director William Murray and the AFGLC officials. The ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by a champagne luncheon at the subject premises.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>The "AFGLC GALA EVENT 2000" was held at the historic Belleview Resort Hotel and Spa in Clearwater on March 11, 2000. AFGLC officials acknowledged and recognized the significant philanthropic contributions of Mr. Peter Kourmolis, Mr. Nicholas J. Maroulis and Gus and Mary Stathis for financially sponsoring the endowed professorships that carry their names in perpetuity at the "AFGLC-ICHS" at USF.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>AFGLC also announced and displayed the architectural plans and an actual lighted model of their future building. This unique structure, which architecturally represents the "Glory of Greece," will house the AFGLC headquarters along with the first model "AFGLC-ICHS" at USF. The highlight of the evening was when Professor Tsokos announced that Mary and Gus Stathis are contributing $ 1,000,000 towards the development and construction of the "AFGLC Building." The audience gave a lengthy standing ovation for these outstanding philanthropists that have never forgotten their rich Greek heritage.</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>AFGLC honored the following philhellenes for their enthusiastic support and assistance of the AFGLC mission and objectives and for their leadership and philanthropic contributions to our society in general.</font> <br><font size=+1></font> <blockquote> <blockquote><font size=+1>� Dr. Thomas J. Tighe, Provost and Executive Vice President, University of South Florida</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>� The Honorable Alexios G. Christopoulos, Minister, Deputy Chief of the Embassy of Greece to the United States</font><font size=+1></font> <p><font size=+1>� Mr. Chris Tomaras, President, Council of Hellenes Abroad, North & South America (SAE)</font></blockquote> </blockquote> <font size=+1></font> <p><br> <font size=+1>Both events, the "AFGLC FORUM 2000" and the "AFGLC GALA EVENT," were extensively covered by the Greek and American media, such as Antenna-Greece/USA, Voice of Greece-ERA 5, Hellenic News Agency, Proini Newspaper, Omogenia News Agency, among others.</font><font size=+1></font> <p> <center> <p><img SRC="colorbar.gif" height=1 width=600><a href="http://www.afglc.org"></a> <p><a href="http://www.afglc.org">Return to Main Page</a> </center> </body> </html>