Nick Larigakis Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Alpha Omega Council Honors Gala
AHI President Nick Larigakis accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award on November 2, 2024 from Alpha Omega Council President Harry J. Vlachos with Master of Ceremonies Cathy Papoulis-Sakellaris.
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BOSTON, MA - The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Nicholas R. Larigakis, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Alpha Omega Council Honors Gala, November 2, 2024, in Boston. The prestigious event, themed "Committed to the Preservation of Hellenism," celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to government, business, philanthropy, and the arts and sciences, with President Larigakis being recognized for his decades of leadership in advancing U.S.-Greece-Cyprus relations.
In announcing President Larigakis as the Lifetime Achievement awardee, the Alpha Omega Council stated, “For nearly 40 years, President Larigakis has been at the helm of AHI, tirelessly advocating for the strengthening of diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the United States, Greece, and Cyprus.”
“The Alpha Omega Council in Boston praises Nick Larigakis for his tireless efforts working to ensure U.S. foreign policy supports Greece and Cyprus, aligning it with America’s mission of maintaining peace and stability in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean Seas,” Alpha Omega Council President Harry J. Vlachos, Esq., said. “By advancing these efforts, Nick not only strengthens the bonds between Greece and the United States, but also upholds key American interests.”
Under Larigakis’ leadership, AHI has been instrumental in educating policymakers, the media, and the public about Hellenic issues, while promoting the values and rich heritage of Greece and Cyprus.
In his introduction of Larigakis, AHI Foundation Chairman Leon Andris said, “So very rarely does a Nick Larigakis come along to devote every waking hour of every day to a single cause – peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, rooted in a simple idea – an idea that laws matter, and that the best way to help Greece and Cyprus is for the US and the international community to simply adhere to the rule of law… Such is the man you so appropriately honor tonight.”
Larigakis credits parents, accepts award on their behalf
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Alpha Omega Council, and I share this achievement with the incredible team at AHI who work tirelessly to support our mission,” Larigakis said. “It has been a privilege to serve as an advocate for Hellenism and to work alongside so many remarkable individuals who share the same commitment to preserving our shared culture and values.”
He credited his parents for their dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. They instilled Hellenic ideals and values in Larigakis, encouraging him to be the best he can be.
“My parents were never honored at a black tie as I have had the honor to be,” he said. “I accept this award on their behalf and in gratitude and appreciation for their sacrifices.”
The 2024 Honors Gala also recognized two other distinguished individuals for their exemplary achievements.
Loren J. Samons II, professor of Classical Studies at Boston University, received the Philhellene Award for his decades of academic leadership as an internationally recognized scholar of ancient Greek history, literature, and culture. Professor Samons is renowned for his expertise in Athenian democracy and imperialism and has made significant contributions to the field of classical studies.
Additionally, the Alpha Omega Council presented its 2024 Emerging Leader Award to Anthe Mitrakos, a journalist, communications professional, and entrepreneur. Mitrakos is a passionate advocate for Hellenic culture, history, and art and has played a key role in promoting Greek heritage through her work in media and communications. She is also a past recipient of the Peter Agris Memorial Journalism Scholarship.
The American Hellenic Institute is an independent non-profit U.S. public policy center and think tank that works to strengthen U.S. relations with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, and promote issues important to the Greek American community.
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.