By Zach Winters

The guests ranged anywhere from politicians and industry leaders to local restaurant owners and college students, and the turnout did not disappoint. Some distinguished honorary guests included Former Westinghouse Electronics Sr. Vice President and Former Secretary of Business & Economic Development Aris Melissaratos, Senator Paul Sarbanes, Congresswoman Helen Bentley, Congressman John P. Sarbanes, Deputy Mayor of Baltimore City Kaliope Parthemos, Former Baltimore County Executive Ted Venetoulis, Double T Diners Chain owners John and Tommy Korologos, Katherine Newman, the Dean of Johns Hopkins University, State Senator Bill Ferguson, the Exec. Director of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) Nick Larigakis, and Troy T. Geanopulos, Former Sr. Vice President of Constellation Energy.

Who is it that can put together a guest list of such gargantuan magnitude? Surely it must have been some well-connected professional. Actually, it was none other than HSA President George Petrocheilos who is, in fact, likely more connected than most professionals.

“Who doesn’t know George?” Katherine Newman, Dean of Arts & Sciences at Johns Hopkins asks.

“This kid knows everyone,” says Aris Melissaratos, Senior Adviser to the Johns Hopkins President and Former Secretary of Business and Economic Development in Maryland. ‘He is just amazing! The greatest networker I ‘ve ever met’’, he continues. Mr. Melissaratos appreciates George’s ability to attract a wide range of people. “It’s nice to see political folks come out, but I also like to see the young kids thriving here. You can see their presence and leadership skills. There’s a good cross section of people here.”

And indeed, there were so many people present that it was difficult to move around and access the seemingly endless array of Greek food spread out in the kitchen. The host of the night, Mr. Michael Kosmas, never lightened up on supplying the food. Every third person had a cocktail in his or her hand. It was a perfect mix of serious and social.

“What a collection of people,” comments Dean Newman. She says that before becoming familiar with HSA she “wasn’t aware there was such a large Greek community.” The Dean also noted: “After having lunch with Petrocheilos, I knew that this young man will be very important one day – and I do not say that for a lot of people!’’

“America is a cultural mosaic,” says Aris Melissaratos. “The more each culture stays true to itself, the richer the mosaic becomes.” HSA was certainly doing its part tonight.

When the fundraiser organizers and some of the distinguished guests made their speeches, it was to tremendous and hearty applause. Even mentioning the names of most of the guests got a positive response from the audience. This above all else was evidence of the event’s success and its aim to encourage education and bring people together.

Unfortunately, that’s becoming more and more difficult as time goes on. As Mr. Melissaratos points out, “universities used to fund these groups, but budget issues have forced them to cut back. It used to be the University would offer financial support, maybe $5000, but now people like George have to go out and get that money. It’s all about networking,” he says as a procession of glad handers file up for a chance to shake the Senior Adviser’s hand.

Congresswoman Helen Bentley says that “budgets are getting cut everywhere.” She thinks that if groups like HSA are to survive, they’ll need to get volunteers and continuing focusing on networks. “But anything like this helps.”

Indeed it does, and there’s no one better suited for a job of networking than George Petrocheilos. “It’s amazing that George, one student, put this together,” notes an impressed Dean Newman. Equally impressed is Senator Paul Sarbanes.

“What a terrific turnout,” he says, looking around the room. “I’m strongly supportive of these clubs and I’m impressed all these young people responded.”

Dep. Mayor Kaliope Parthemos said: ‘when I met with George in my office, I saw a dynamic young man, throwing ideas and asking questions non-stop. I just loved it! George is not only promoting Johns Hopkins, but the entire Baltimore City, and that is why we thank him!’’.

George’s ability to mobilize support from all segments of society is awe-inspiring. When asked about his success and his unique talents of networking, he responds modestly:

“It didn’t happen in one day,” he says, speaking rapidly. “It took a couple of years. You meet a couple people at a time. It’s not just one big step, it’s several little steps. I worked for Constellation Energy as an intern and that was a big help. It’s all about meeting people, dinners, lunches. And then you have to follow up. They have to know you well. It’s not about knowing them, it’s about making them like you and believe in you. There’s a whole process; you need to show them that you’re well rounded and that you have real potential because they have no time to waste.”

Very wise words from a very young man. George has the business of networking down to a science and his success shows. He speaks very highly of his peers and his guests because he knows that it is to them that he owes much of the success of this event.

“Everything was perfect, it was an amazing crowd. The people here are the best of the best in terms of business, politics, and academia. There are senators, congress people, community leaders, philanthropists. I’m just really proud.”

And he has a right to be. With events as successful as this one, it’s clear that both George and the HSA have a very bright future ahead.