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The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation Hosts Exceptional Alumni Weekend

By on July 13, 2019

The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation (PHSF) celebrated its annual Alumni Weekend from June 14 – June 16, 2019, awarding 40 exceptional students over $250,000 in scholarships, hosting a mentorship luncheon and announcing a new internship initiative, which will enable the PHSF to continue their mission of going beyond a scholarship.

2019 PanHellenic Scholarship Recipients

2019 PanHellenic Scholarship Recipients

This year’s Alumni Weekend began with a Welcome Reception Friday evening with Corporate Sponsors, Holland & Knight and College Year in Athens. Additionally, on Saturday, The Hellenic Initiative sponsored the 3rd Mentorship Luncheon where recipients had the exclusive opportunity to gain career insight from fourteen exceptional mentors.

2019 Welcome Reception Sponsored by Holland & Knight and College Year in Athens

2019 Welcome Reception Sponsored by Holland & Knight and College Year in Athens, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

The weekend culminated with the Annual Scholarship Awards & Gala, where in front of approximately 600 attendees, 40 of the best and brightest students from across the U.S. received their scholarships.

Over 600 guests enjoying dinner at the Hilton Chicago’s Grand Ballroom

Over 600 guests enjoying dinner at the Hilton Chicago’s Grand Ballroom, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

“Our 2019 award recipients are a group of extraordinary scholars who are flourishing academically, and we are excited to provide continual support through our mentorship program and internship initiative,” said PHSF Chairman of the Board of Directors, Robert A. Buhler. “The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation has the incredible opportunity to make a historic impact in the lives of these recipients. Congratulations to all the scholars!”

Members of the Board of Directors

Members of the Board of Directors, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Buhler also announced several extraordinary transformations that will position the PHSF for continued growth.

  1. New Beyond a Scholarship Internship Initiative: The PHSF is now working with 15 inaugural companies to provide scholars and alumni with internships. Buhler noted that they hope to have an expanded offering next spring with numerous companies from across the nation.
  2. Going National: This year’s scholars came from all parts the country, and a growing number increasingly come from outside the Midwest. Furthermore, many Advisory Board and Board members also hail from outside Illinois, demonstrating how the PHSF is expanding its national profile.
  3. Building a Sustainable Donor Base: The inaugural Scholarship Society 50 and 100 donor program expanded from 19 donors in the first year to 24 donors this year. This now includes the new “200” level, where donors who have fulfilled their “100” commitment will generously continue to provide a $10,000 Scholarship to 10 more exceptional scholars.
His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, 2019 Paradigm Award Recipient Matina Kolokotronis & her husband Sotiris, Chairman of the PanHellenic Robert Buhler & Violetta Kapsalis Buhler

His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, 2019 Paradigm Award Recipient Matina Kolokotronis & her husband Sotiris, Chairman of the PanHellenic Robert Buhler & Violetta Kapsalis Buhler, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

“We believe that by securing good internships for our scholars, it will greatly help them land their first job,” said Buhler. “By connecting our recipients and alumni with mentors and an internship start to their professional careers, we are truly going beyond a scholarship. We would like to thank our inaugural corporate leaders interested in helping the PanHellenic with internships.”

2019 Paradigm Award Recipient Matina Kolokotronis with PanHellenic Trustees Robert Buhler, Tom Sotos & John Manos

2019 Paradigm Award Recipient Matina Kolokotronis with PanHellenic Trustees Robert Buhler, Tom Sotos & John Manos, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

At the Gala, the PHSF also honored the success and accomplishments of its 2019 Paradigm Award Honoree, Matina Kolokotronis. She serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Sacramento Kings. Bringing decades of experience in sports and government law, community affairs and contract negotiations, Kolokotronis’ leadership has been integral to the development of the award winning Golden 1 Center. The Paradigm Award is given annually to a distinguished Greek American whose career and accomplishments are a testimony to the Foundation’s mission and who the scholars can strive to emulate.

2019 PanHellenic Scholarship Recipients with Paradigm Award Recipient Matina Kolokotronis, Board of Directors, Academic Committee & His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago

2019 PanHellenic Scholarship Recipients with Paradigm Award Recipient Matina Kolokotronis, Board of Directors, Academic Committee & His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

“Ms. Kolokotronis possesses all of the attributes of a Paradigm.” said Trustee and Board Member, Tom Sotos. “Her impressive career, dedication to her community and respect for her Hellenic roots will certainly inspire our recipients to also become trailblazers and the next generation of leaders in America.”

Stephen Livaditis, John Koudounis, and Mentorship Luncheon Sponsor Nick Alexos

Stephen Livaditis, John Koudounis, and Mentorship Luncheon Sponsor Nick Alexos, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Dedicated to promoting education and leadership, the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation recognizes and honors exceptional undergraduate students of Hellenic descent, supporting their efforts with significant monetary awards based on academic merit and financial need. Annually, the Foundation provides $250,000 in scholarships to 40 of the best Greek American undergraduates in the nation.

2019 Welcome Reception Sponsored by Holland & Knight and College Year in Athens

2019 Welcome Reception Sponsored by Holland & Knight and College Year in Athens, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Applicants came from nearly all 50 states, and a total of 20 received the need-based $10,000 award, while 20 received the merit-based $2,500 award. Scholarship awards are offered annually to recognize and reward students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, as well as to provide meaningful support to those with great financial need. By recognizing the achievements of outstanding students, the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation encourages the Hellenic students to continue their scholarly pursuit and strive to accomplish their highest goals. The annual selection of Scholarship Award Recipients is conducted by an Academic Committee appointed by the Board of Directors.

College Year in Athens Trustee Endy Zemenides addressing the Welcome Reception attendees

College Year in Athens Trustee Endy Zemenides addressing the Welcome Reception attendees, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

“The PHSF would like to thank our Academic Committee, in particular Chairwoman Anita Skarpathiotis, who stepped in and led the entire Committee in working hard to select this year’s scholarship recipients. They had to make many difficult decisions from among an increasing number of exceptional applications received from throughout the U.S.,” said Trustee and Board Member, John Manos. “Lastly, but with our highest appreciation, we thank all of our generous supporters. It is your belief in educational excellence, coupled with strong Hellenic values, that drives our cause. You make the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation thrive.”

2019 Mentorship Luncheon with the Hellenic Initiative

2019 Mentorship Luncheon with the Hellenic Initiative, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring and rewarding exceptional undergraduate students of Hellenic descent. The organization was established in 2002 by Chris P. Tomaras (1937-2015) with the goal of building a better America through Education and Hellenism. Every year, The Foundation hosts its Awards Ceremony & Gala to distribute the scholarship awards. It is administered by Trustees, a Board of Directors, and a Board of Advisors representing a broad range of professional disciplines, as well as an active Alumni Board comprised of previous PanHellenic Scholarship recipients. The selection of recipients is made by an Academic Committee who works independently and makes its decisions based on established criteria set forth in the organization’s policies, procedures and by-laws. The Foundation is only able to accomplish its mission through its dedicated Boards, Committees, staff, volunteers, and interns.

Previous PanHellenic Scholarship Recipients Tim Gianitsos & Christina Moniodis served as Master & Mistress of Ceremonies

Previous PanHellenic Scholarship Recipients Tim Gianitsos & Christina Moniodis served as Master & Mistress of Ceremonies, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

For more information about The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation and Alumni Weekend, their website is panhellenicsf.org.

2019 recipients and guests enjoying Mylos Entertainment of New York

2019 recipients and guests enjoying Mylos Entertainment of New York, PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

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