AHI Hosts 51st Annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner
No. 23
WASHINGTON, DC — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) hosted its 51st Annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner at the Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C., on March 8, 2025.
The evening’s program honored a distinguished set of awardees based upon their important career achievements and contributions to the Greek American community and to society. They were:
George M. Logothetis, Businessman and Philanthropist, who received the Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award for his exceptional business achievements, unwavering philanthropic efforts, and steadfast promotion of Hellenic values and culture.
Konstantinos Alexakis, Esq., Businessman, Engineer, Lawyer, and Community Leader, who received the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award for his professional achievements and his distinguished record of service to his country and community through advocacy and leadership.
The National Hellenic Society, which received the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award for its exemplary commitment to advancing and preserving Hellenic cultural heritage and education, fostering its continuity among future generations of Greek Americans.
The program also featured distinguished participants and special moments:
AHI Executive Director Zac Cotronakis introduced the Master of Ceremonies, Mike Emanuel, Chief Washington Correspondent for FOX News Channel. Sophia Pelekasis, a talented vocalist from The Juilliard School of Music, performed the Greek and American National Anthems. Reverend Father Dimitrios Lee, Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, delivered the Invocation and Benediction. Apollonia provided musical entertainment.
AHI Board Chairman James H. Lagos, Esq., and AHI Foundation Chairman Leon Andris offered greetings at the event. Lagos spoke with pride about his longstanding association with AHI and emphasized the organization's vital work in advocating for the rule of law. During Andris' remarks, attendees viewed a short video highlighting AHIF’s annual student foreign policy trip, showcasing its impact on participants. Andris also announced a personal commitment of $10,000 to support the student program, underscoring the trip's significance to the community’s emerging leaders.
AHI President Nick R. Larigakis conveyed appreciation to AHI’s benefactors and staff for their dedication to the Institute. He congratulated the honorees, noting their excellence, unwavering devotion to Hellenism, and serving others as reasons for their achieving Hellenic exceptionalism. He also reviewed the memorable moments and AHI accomplishments advocating for the rule of law during its milestone 50th year. Moreover, Larigakis reaffirmed his commitment to carrying forward the mission and vision of founder Gene Rossides, emphasizing that the work is far from complete.
"The work of promoting peace and stability in the Eastern Med must, and will, continue, and we will never, ever rest until the founding premise of this organization finally comes to a successful resolution—a Cyprus that is whole, free, and at peace and a Greece that is free from all threat because in the end, this serves the interests of the United States.”
Pelekasis, a talented vocalist from The Juilliard School of Music, captivated audiences with a mesmerizing musical interlude. Her repertoire included an original song "Μπαλλάτα 'Κάτω στο Γιαλό'" (Ballad "By the Seashore") by renowned Greek composer George Lambelet, showcasing her emotive range and musical finesse. Additionally, Sophia showcased her versatility with a heartfelt rendition of "Αν είναι η αγάπη αμαρτία" by Mimis Plessas, demonstrating her deep connection to her Greek heritage. The performance was a testament to Sophia's exceptional talent and dedication to her craft, leaving the audience spellbound.
Honorees Reflect on Importance of Hellenic Values, Appreciation for Freedoms
George Logothetis, Executive Chairman of Libra Group and Chairman of Libra Philanthropies, delivered a powerful speech titled “Hellenism, America & the Power of Democracy” at our 51st Anniversary Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. There, he was honored with the 2025 Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award for his inspirational leadership and commitment to the enduring values of Hellenism. He accepted the award before an audience of 300, including Greek American dignitaries, business leaders, and students.
Following a moving video tribute to George and the founding of Libra Group, he spoke on three interconnected themes—Washington, America, and Greek values—earning a resounding standing ovation. He recalled visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery as a 29-year-old from North London, and a full-circle moment two decades later when he returned to lay a wreath alongside the Greek Ambassador and U.S. Commanding General Andrew Poppas. Reflecting on those visits, he said, “If you want to understand the construct of possibility, opportunity, and potential that is the United States, come to Washington and spend one day visiting those monuments and reading the words written on their walls.”
Describing America as “a tribe of tribes; a nation of nations,” he contrasted it with a world often ruled by oppression rather than empowerment. He emphasized the influence of Greek values—how “Democracy 1.0” was reborn in America as “Democracy 2.0.”
George closed with two guiding Greek phrases: “Kathe embodied gia kalo”—every obstacle for the better—and “Panda bros”—always forward. These words of resilience continue to shape his journey today.
Logothetis thanked AHI President Nick Larigakis and AHI’s Board of Directors for the honor, commending the Institute as a “resolute force of resilience.”
“I am proud of the support we have given [to AHI], which will continue, and proud of the student trip as well that touches my heart,” he said. “Thank you for all that you do.”
He also paid tribute to his team, acknowledging that their success is built on the values derived from ancient Greek values.
Click here to watch the video that highlighted George Logothetis at our Gala: https://youtu.be/FjsTYa4umus
Kostantinos Alexakis received the AHI Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award and delivered a powerful speech titled “Hellenism is a Living Force” after he was honored with the 2025 Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award.
During his passionate remarks, Kosta reflected on his journey from a small Greek village, where one teacher taught 36 children across six grades in a single room. He recounted his family’s immigration to the U.S. on April 21, 1967, arriving aboard the Anna Maria in New York before settling in Arlington, Virginia.
Highlighting the communities built across the United States, he reminded the audience, “Hellenism is more than history—it is a living force carried forward by every Greek who believes in the ideals of freedom, integrity, and excellence.” He spoke of heritage not as an object of the past, but as a driving force behind the progress of nations worldwide.
Kostos expressed deep gratitude for Gene Rossides, recognizing his influence on his own personal development and his leadership in founding the American Hellenic Institute—a forward-thinking effort to advocate for Hellenic and Cypriot interests, uphold the rule of law, and influence U.S. policy in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“I stand before you tonight with immense gratitude and deep humility as I accept this AHI award,” Alexakis said. “To receive this honor from an institution that has been a steadfast guardian of Hellenic values, a champion of justice, and a bridge between Greece, Cyprus, and the global diaspora, is both a privilege and a profound responsibility.”
He noted, “This award is a tribute to the enduring power of Hellenism. It celebrates the values that define us as a people—a commitment to democracy and justice, and the rule of law.” He also reinforced that being Greek is not just a birthright but a calling, urging the audience to “continue together to build a future that honors our past.”
Click here to watch the video that highlighted Kostas Alexakis at our Gala: https://youtu.be/YwYuB4XP4S4
National Hellenic Society Chair Lea Soupata, accompanied by NHS Heritage Greece Alumni Jenna Temple and Francesca Rimbos, accepted the AHI Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award on behalf of NHS.
In acceptance, Soupata shared how the Heritage Greece program itinerary includes a visit to the Greek history museum.
“So many young people know about ancient Greece, but they really don’t understand the fight for freedom and independence from Ottoman Rule which is depicted in that museum, and it makes me think of the work AHI is doing, even today, fighting for freedom for Cyprus,” she said.
In addition, Soupata commended AHI Executive Director Zac Cotronakis, also an NHS Heritage Greece alumnus, for his commitment to preserving and passing on our Greek heritage to the community.
Temple and Rimbos shared their Heritage Greece experiences and each thanked AHI for recognizing and acknowledging the contributions that programs such as Heritage Greece provides to young adult Greek Americans.
Click here to watch the video that highlighted the National Hellenic Society at our Gala: https://youtu.be/DQJUk6i3uY0
To watch the speeches given by our honorees, please view our YouTube Channel.
Media Coverage
AHI is pleased to share media coverage of the awards dinner by Cosmos Philly:
Special Guests
AHI was honored to welcome a distinguished group of special guests who graciously attended this momentous occasion.
Ambassador of Greece to the United States Ekaterini Nassika
Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States Evangelos Savva
Executives of Greek American Organizations:
Art Dimopoulos, Executive Director, National Hellenic Society
Mike Manatos, Executive Director, Washington OXI Day Foundation
Theodora Hancock, President, Hellenic American Women’s Council
AHI Officer:
Vice Admiral (ret.) Vasileios Kyriazis, Hellenic Navy, AHI-Athens Chapter President
Special Thanks: Our Generous Dinner and Advertisement Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to the distinguished individuals, families, and organizations whose generosity has made our event a success.
Grand Benefactor: Sofia & Angelo K. Tsakopoulos Family. President’s Circle: Calamos Investments, Chicago. Kathleen & Nicholas Chimicles, Devon, Pa. James & Nike Lagos, Springfield, Ohio. Heritage Patron: Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Galanis, Mexico City, Mexico. Libra Philanthropies. National Hellenic Society. Mr. & Mrs. James Pedas, Washington, DC. Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Pedas, Washington, DC. Manny & Marilyn Rouvelas, Washington, DC. Cathy & George Sakellaris Family Foundation. Sponsor: Mr. & Mrs. Ted Argeroplos, Ellicott City, Md. Dr. Helen Abadzi & Theodore Vakrinos, Alexandria, Va. Drake & Maria Behrakis, Sudbury, Mass. Mr. & Mrs. Isidoros Garifalakis & Family, Vancouver, Wash. Mr. & Mrs. Aleco Haralambides, Miami, Fla. Dr. Spiro Macris, Wilmington, N.C. Mr. Nico Bamberger Priskos, Salt Lake City, Utah. Gerry & Jeannie Ranglas, Rancho Santa Fe, N.M. Mr. Yanni H. Sianis, Chicago. John & Renee Vasiliou, Philadelphia, Pa. Chairman’s Circle: Mr. & Mrs. John Alahouzos, Washington, DC. Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Alexakis, Arnold, Md. Mr. & Mrs. Leon Andris, Washington, DC. Robert, Violetta, Eunice, Konsta & Lisa Buhler, Chicago. Elizabeth Bartz & John Chames, Akron, Ohio. George, Karen & the Danis, Belmont, Mass. Mr. & Mrs. Demitrios Halakos, Greenville, Del. Mr. & Mrs. Steve Veletsis, Alexandria, Va. Maria & Don Wills, Great Falls, Va.
Advertisement Sponsors
Olympic: Mr. & Mrs. Michael Psaros, New York, N.Y. Parthenon: The Metropoulos Family Foundation, Greenwich, Conn. Delphi: Mr. Dennis Mehiel, New York, N.Y. Dr. & Mrs. George P. Tsetsekos, Devon, Pa. Acropolis: Tony, Dimitri and Joanna Alexis, Arlington, Va. Tim & Jennifer Ananiadis, Miami, Fla. Mr. & Mrs. George Anderson, Nashville, Tenn. Alpha Omega Council, Boston. Archimedean Academy, Miami, Fla. Mr. Philip Christopher, Hauppauge, N.Y. Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Couvaras, Atlanta, Ga. Flagstar Bank. Nick Larigakis, Alexandria, Va. Metro 29 Diner, Arlington, Va. Marathon: Capital Link. Elias Gerasoulis, Washington, D.C. Leadership 100. Nostos, Vienna, Va. Paul & Denise Skoutelas, Potomac, Md. Tim & Maria Tassopoulos, Atlanta, Ga.
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) is a non-profit policy center and think tank founded in 1974 that promotes the interests of the United States in foreign affairs involving Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Southern Europe.
For additional information, please contact us at (202) 785-8430 or pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at http://www.ahiworld.org.