PRESS RELEASE

Chicago, IL – January 22, 2015 – The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation (PHSF) is pleased to announce that the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) will partner with the PHSF to support its annual scholarship program and the culturally enriching education program, Hellenic Birthright.In a meeting held in December 2014 in Chicago, PHSF Founder and Chairman, Chris P. Tomaras, AHEPA Supreme President, Phillip T. Frangos, and Supreme Vice President, John W. Galanis, along with AHEPA Executive Director, Basil N. Mossaidis, and PHSF Executive Director, Yanni Valsamas, discussed the common bond of promoting Hellenism and education. AHEPA has been the largest Greek American Community organization in the United States with a long history of providing civic, educational and cultural programs. The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation has been recognized as the largest U.S. organization of its kind in terms of the total amount of scholarships awarded to Greek American students. Its scholarship, cultural enrichment and leadership building projects continue to benefit Greek American undergraduates across the country. Annually, the PHSF awards $250,000 in scholarships. Hellenic Birthright has enriched the lives of many students who have never been to Greece. The unforgettable experience has enabled these students to forge ties with their ancestral home.

In his letter to Mr. Tomaras, Mr. Mossaidis commented that he admired Mr. Tomaras’ commitment to their common ancestry and his passion for the preservation of Hellenism. “You are a tremendous example to a generation of young Greek Americans. I am proud to know you and pleased to have been able to have AHEPA honor you a few years ago… AHEPA is willing to partner with you in the next few years with securing a scholarship for your event which is held in Chicago in the early summer,” wrote Mr. Mossaidis.

The initial phase of this partnership will focus on AHEPA supporting PHSF with a scholarship award to be presented at the June 2015 event, as well as providing a grant for two college students who have never been to Greece to participant in this year’s Hellenic Birthright. “Our partnership with AHEPA demonstrates the commitment that our respective organizations have for education. We know that education is the key to opportunity and success. Equally important, we know that by supporting our mutual goals and objectives to create a well-educated, civic-minded society we strengthen our efforts to advance Hellenism in America,” says Chris P. Tomaras.Together, these organizations play a vital role in shaping, guiding and advancing Hellenism and education in the United States. Their partnership will have profound impact to ensure that Greek American college students have the resources they need to complete their education and contribute meaningfully to society. This partnership also illustrates mutual respect for each organization’s mission and the vital role they play in the Greek Community. It is this spirit of collaboration that fosters success.

The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation looks forward to developing its partnership with AHEPA and expresses its gratitude for the opportunity to further each organization’s mission of promoting education and Hellenism.

For more information about the mission of the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation, please contact Yanni Valsamas, Executive Director, at 312-357-6432.