“Landmark Year” as PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation Awards Record-Level 56 Scholarships at Sold-Out Gala

by Maria A. Karamitsos

CHICAGO—The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation celebrated a milestone year, as it awarded a record-level 56 scholarships (49 one-time scholarships and 7 repeated Renaissance scholarships) worth $350,000—the most in its history—at its sold-out annual Awards Ceremony and Gala, which had 750 attendees. The event took place at Hilton Chicago in June. “This has truly been a landmark year,” said Chairman Robert A. Buhler.” From the inception of the PanHellenic in 2002, our founder, Chris Tomaras gave away 324 scholarships, and since his passing in 2015, we’ve awarded 389 more scholarships. That’s 713 scholars who’ve received a total of $4,796,000 in scholarship awards.”

PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation Chairman (Robert Buhler), Trustees (Tom Sotos and John Manos), and Staff (Vasiliki Panos, Elizabeth Danielides, Fotini Anastopoulos, Jordan George, Tim Gianitsos, Danielle Arvanitis, and Georgia Tsakos); PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Gala weekend events

The gala culminated a weekend of events, beginning with a Welcome Reception hosted at Holland & Knight by PanHellenic’s pro bono legal counsel, Elias N. Matsakis, Esq. There, recipients and alumni had the opportunity to meet each other as well as the members of the board of directors, advisory board, and academic committee. Trustee Tom Sotos offered a heartfelt tribute to Tomaras. He encouraged recipients to stay involved with the PanHellenic as they move forward in their careers.

Paradigm Recipient, Tim Tassopoulos, (Retired President and Chief Operating Officer of Chick-fil-A) receives his award; PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

The next afternoon, more than 160 guests gathered for the 8^th annual Mentorship Luncheon, hosted in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative (THI) and underwritten by Nicholas W. Alexos of THI. Here, recipients and alumni received career guidance from 15 industry-leading mentors and other young professionals, from fields ranging from business, finance, entrepreneurship, medicine, law, and more. Select mentors representing various industries participated in a panel discussion, sharing their experiences and advice.

Sold-out gala

More than 750 guests attended the sold-out gala—the biggest in the PanHellenic’s history—emceed by NBC Chicago News Anchors Kate Chapell and Alex Maragos. Trustee John Manos and Director Eunice Buhler announced the impressive Class of 2024, all with GPAs ranging from 3.7-4.0. Of the 49 scholarships presented, 21 were needs-based and 28 merit-based. A cocktail hour and seated dinner followed the ceremony. With entertainment by Mylos Band from New York, guests danced well into the night.

The Mistress of Ceremonies, Kate Chappell (Anchor and Reporter at NBC5 Chicago); PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Internship Alliance Program

In his remarks at the awards ceremony, Buhler also announced that 12 young adults were successfully paired for a 2024 internship through the PanHellenic’s Internship Alliance Program. This partnership with leading companies provides internships to high-achieving young professionals throughout the U.S. This is yet another way the PanHellenic goes beyond a scholarship, providing a growing list of opportunities for young adults to learn and receive guidance as they begin their chosen careers. “These internships teach college students practical skills that are essential to landing that first job,” Buhler said. “So critical, that growing this program is a top priority. The PanHellenic aims to double the number of internship opportunities in the coming year.”

2024 PanHellenic Scholarship Recipients; PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Other initiatives

Buhler spoke of the other ways the PanHellenic has expanded its offerings, including learning initiatives, networking events, and now a larger Scholarship Society. This giving program is comprised of three levels; Scholarship 50, Scholarship 100, and Scholarship 200—all of which are a $10,000 commitment each year for five, 10, or 20 years, respectively. “This year, we’ve gained six new Scholarship Society members. There are now 33 members in the Scholarship Society, and we’re tremendously thankful for their ongoing support, which allows us to award more scholarships.”

2024 PanHellenic Scholarship Recipients, behind the scenes; PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of recipients of the Leadership Fellowship, sponsored by the Renaissance Fund. Fellows returned to receive the next installment of their renewable scholarship, amounting to $30,000 over three years. Each is paired with a mentor and after reaching their goals set for the year, they return to receive the next installment. 2022 Fellows Helen Georgitsos, Zoe Pozios, and Alexia Maniadaki received their final scholarship check; while 2023 Fellows Christopher Alexopoulos, Andreana Kekempanos, Emma Robinson, and Andrew Theofanous accepted their second.

The Master of Ceremonies, Alex Maragos (Anchor and Reporter at NBC5 Chicago); PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Also that evening, Board Members Emeriti Tassos F. Chronopoulos, John W. Galanis, and Demetri L. Kozonis were recognized for their guidance and devotion to the PanHellenic’s mission. “Their friendship to Chris and their guidance to me will forever be valued by the PanHellenic; as such we have honored them each with Emeritus status,” said Buhler.

Paradigm Award

Part of Tomaras’ vision for the PanHellenic gala included an address to the scholars by a prominent Hellene. This individual would not only be successful, but someone who embodies the core values of the organization and represents the potential of the scholars. Ultimately, the honoree would serve as a good example for young adults.

2024 Paradigm Recipient, Tim Tassopoulos (Retired President and Chief Operating Officer of Chick-fil-A), gives his remarks and addresses the 2024 Scholarship Recipients; PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

The 2024 Paradigm Award Honoree is Retired President and COO of Chick-fil-A Tim Tassopoulos. He shared his story of starting at the bottom and working his way through the ranks. He told the scholars that “it’s not too early or too late to have an impact on your life trajectory.” He also encouraged them to “travel and be open to new things.”

The 2024 Awards Ceremony; PHOTO: ELIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

“Expand and flourish”

The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation expresses their sincere gratitude to all those who make these programs and the gala a reality. This includes the staff, trustees, directors, academic committee, and volunteers. “And to everyone who supports our work in any way. Our Founder Chris Tomaras put his trust in us to not only continue the work he started, but to further grow our offerings. With that spirit, we continue to expand and flourish.”

The next Award Ceremony and Gala is set for June 14, 2025 at Hilton Chicago.

For more information on the Panhellenic Scholarship, their website is panhellenicsf.org.