New Chair for Modern Greek History and Culture Inspires an Evening of Nostalgia and Song

Linos Kokotos Entertains Audience - New Photos

New Chair for Modern Greek History and Culture
Inspires an Evening of Nostalgia and Song
By Elena Kerasiotis

Those of you who attended the fundraiser for the Foundation for Modern Greek Studies at the International Banquet Center, Atheneum Hotel, are now aware that you were a part of history; an uncommon moment in time, when every element joins to create an experience that will not be forgotten. It is rare when an event meets every requirement for success. Whether it is the purpose; to create a Second Greek Chair at University of Michigan in Modern Greek History and Culture; or the company, the people dressed and sparkling in anticipation; or the amenities, the ambiance of a premiere facility, the food and the service, Foundation members spared nothing to create an unforgettable experience, and it showed. The true surprises of the evening were performances by Linos Kokotos, a renowned Greek composer and pianist, who shared the stage with talented support vocalist and bouzouka, Paschalis Tonios. Detroit's own Levendes band performed with obvious enthusiasm, each song a memory. The musical blending of these professionals was infectious. The spontaneous love of the music was evident as the audience burst into song, led by Basilios Mantzopoulos, who along with Giorgio Golematis is co-owner of Giorgio's Gourmet Diner. Together the audience was transplanted to the shores of a beloved homeland, if only for a night.

The program was opened by words of welcome by Kalliopi Balatsouka, Director of Cultural and Educational Affairs. She introduced speakers, Richard Janko, Chairman, Department of Classical Studies, Vassilios Lambropoulos, C.P. Cavafy Professor of Modern Greek, and Artemis Leontis, C.P. Cavafy Associate Professor of Modern Greek at the University of Michigan. Each discussed and acknowledged the impact of the Foundation on the Greek Program at U of M. The most telling success story, however, was seen in the U of M Student Representatives and FMGS Past Scholarship recipients, Kostantinos Fefopoulos, and Peter Hasiakos. Their moving words were living testament to the success of the program. Hasiakos' presentation was delivered entirely in Greek, a language he learned and mastered as part of the Modern Greek Program.

The President for the Foundation for Modern Greek Studies, Dr. Dimitri S. Pallas, concluded the program by recognizing the generous donors of the event. He welcomed new board members and further encouraged others to step forward to support the efforts to establish the second chair for Modern Greek History and Culture. He invited Co-Chairs, George Reganis, President, AHC and Kalliopi Balatsouka to assist with the presentation of certificates to donors. Special Acknowledgement was given to Mr. and Mrs. Leo Stassinopoulos for establishing in perpetuity a named Scholarship in memory of their son, Thomas Leo Stassionopoulos.

Balatsuka advises, "The second Chair will be in Modern Greek History and Culture and will complement the existing C.P. Cavafy Chair in Modern Greek Language and Literature at the University of Michigan. The Cavafy Chair has enjoyed a tremendous success. Every academic year an average of 300 students enroll in the Modern Greek Program that offers B.A, M.A, and Ph.D."

Pallas stated, "Our vision is to establish U-M as a strong Pan-American Center that will maintain and promote internationally greater awareness of Modern Greek history and its artistic, scientific, philosophical, ethical, political, and other contributions to civilization."

Contributions to the Foundation for Modern Greek Studies are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, as provided in Section 170 of the Code. The Foundation's classification is 501(c)(3).

Please join the effort to establish the second Chair in Modern Greek History and Culture by making a contribution today.

Foundation for Modern Greek Studies
President Dr. Dimitri Pallas
18894 Valencia
Northville Twp., MI 48168
248-596-9668 or

Kalliopi Balatsouka
Director of Cultural & Educational Affairs
Foundation for Modern Greek Studies
313-443-4311
dpallasmd@sbcglobal.net
http://cms.lsa.umich.edu/modgreek/

Malista!