ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ. Η Λέσχη Ελλήνων Πανεπιστημιακών της Φιλαδέλφειας (The Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia) το βράδυ του Σαββάτου, 24ης Ιανουαρίου επέστρεψε στον ίδιο χώρο, όπου οι ιδρυτές και οι πρωτεργάτες στις 5 Φεβρουαρίου 1939 είχαν διοργανώσει την πρώτη επιτυχημένη χοροεσπερίδα.
Πρόκειται για το φημισμένο «Ballroom At the Ben», το οποίο βρίσκεται απέναντι από το Δημαρχείο της Φιλαδέλφειας, στο οποίο τα παιδιά, τα εγγόνια, τα δισέγγονα και τρισέγγονα των ιδρυτών και πρωτεργατών προσήλθαν να εορτάσουν την 90ή επέτειο της ιδρύσεως του «The Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia» και να θέσουν τους στόχους για τη νέα δεκαετία και τον εορτασμό της 100ετηρίδας.
Η απόφαση της ηγεσίας με επικεφαλής τον Ιωσήφ Αντωνακάκη και της οργανωτικής επιτροπής με επικεφαλής τις κ.κ. Γεωργία Χλέτσου και Γεωργία Χαλάκου να βραβεύσουν τους 26 πρώην προέδρους έκανε την διαφορά και στην αίθουσα δεν έπεφτε καρφίτσα.
Η Λέσχη Ελλήνων Πανεπιστημιακών της Φιλαδέλφειας παραμένει πιστή και αφοσιωμένη στα ιδεώδη και στα ιδανικά των ιδρυτών και πρωτεργατών και σήμερα εν έτη 2026 παραμένει ο πιο ισχυρός οργανισμός υποτροφιών.
Εφέτος προσέφεραν σε 21 φοιτητές υποτροφίες συνολικής αξίας άνω των $110.000, ενώ από τις ιδρύσεώς της μέχρι σήμερα έχει προσφέρει πάνω από 1.1 εκατομμύρια δολάρια.
Πέρσι ευεργετήθηκε από την δωρεά του κληροδοτήματος της οικογένειας του αειμνήστου Νικολάου Καραματσούκα, που απεβίωσε τον Οκτώβριο του 2024 και από το οποίο θα προσφέρονται εσαεί υποτροφίες αξίας $20.000 ετησίως.
Το αποθεματικό ταμείο υποτροφιών της Λέσχης ανέρχεται στα 1.6 εκατομμύρια δολάρια και ο πρόεδρος Ιωσήφ Αντωνακάκης ανέβασε ψηλότερα τον πήχη. Κάλεσε τους συνδαιτημόνες να προσφέρουν χίλια δολάρια έκαστος ούτως ώστε το 20236 που θα γιορτάσουν την 100ετηρίδα το ταμείο υποτροφιών να φτάσει το ένα εκατομμύριο δολάρια.
Παραθέτουμε το πλήρες κείμενο της ανακοίνωσης στην αγγλική γλώσσα:
The Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia Celebrates 90 Years of Legacy, Leadership, and Hellenic Pride at the Ballroom at the Ben
In an evening destined to echo through generations, the Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia commemorated its 90th Anniversary Gala in the very place where its first gala was held nine decades ago: the iconic Ballroom at the Ben, in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This extraordinary milestone is more than a celebration of time, it is a celebration of endurance, heritage, and the unbreakable spirit of Hellenism in America.
Founded in 1935, the Hellenic University Club has stood as a pillar of scholarship, fellowship, and cultural pride – a beacon for Greek American professionals, students, and families committed to preserving the ideals of education, philanthropy, service, and community.
In 1936, a group of 14 visionary Hellenes gathered in Philadelphia with a simple but profound mission: to ensure that the spirit of Hellenism – its love of learning, its devotion to excellence, and its commitment to community – would flourish for generations to come.
Now, ninety years later, the Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia returns to where it all began: the majestic Ballroom at the Ben, the very site of the Club’s first gala. This is more than an anniversary.
It is a homecoming of history. A tribute to sacrifice. A renewal of purpose.
As President Joseph Antonakakis, Esq. so powerfully reminded us, Hellenism is not merely something we inherit – it is something we must actively live, protect, and pass forward like a sacred flame.
Said Chairman of the Board, George Tsetsekos, Phd. this evening honors the founders and all past presidents who built the foundation, the members who carried the mission, and the future leaders who will shape what comes next.
A major moment came with the announcement of a newest scholarship designed to significantly increase the Club’s reach.
Starting this year, an annual $20,000 award is given in honor of the late Nicholas Karamatsoukas in perpetuity. The scholarship will support undergraduate students studying engineering, business, or hospitality management.
“We’re proud to share that the Karamatsoukas family, honoring Nicholas Karamatsoukas, who passed away in October 2024, has endowed a $20,000 scholarship to be awarded every year in perpetuity,” said George Tsetsekos, PhD, immediate past president (2021–2024).
President Joseph Antonakakis, Esq. reflected in his inspiring address, this anniversary is not simply about looking back, it is about honoring the values that carried the organization forward: Faith in education. Commitment to excellence. Pride in identity. And responsibility to the next generation.
“Our founders believed that Hellenism was not merely a memory,” Antonakakis affirmed, “but a living flame – one that must be carried, protected, and passed onward.”
The 90th Anniversary Gala brought together distinguished members, friends, supporters, and civic leaders in a gathering that bridges past and future – celebrating those who built this institution, and those who will carry it forward. It is returning not only to a ballroom, but to a beginning.
With the addition of the Karamatsoukas Scholarship, the Club now awards 21 scholarships annually, distributing more than $110,000 each year. The scholarship endowment stands at roughly $1.6 million, with leadership aiming to reach $2 million as the Club moves toward its centennial in 2036 stated Joseph Antonakakis, Esq.
Since awarding its first scholarship in 1939, the organization has provided more than $1.1 million to students. The process is academically rigorous, with a committee of experienced academics reviewing transcripts, recommendations, and financial need.
This landmark evening was made possible through the dedication, excellence, and tireless work of the Anniversary Gala Committee and the generous sponsors, said Joseph Antonakakis, “tonight is possible because of extraordinary devotion from our Gala Committee, and the inspired leadership of our Co-Chairs, Georgia Chlectos and Georgia Halakos, whose commitment reflects the very best of our community.”
In 1936, 14 visionaries, Greek college graduates and professionals, started this club,” stated Georgia Chletcos, gala co-chair and past president. “To stand again in the Ballroom at the Ben is to stand in history, where the Club’s earliest champions gathered with vision and purpose. Ms. Chlectos noted that the evening represents “a celebration not only of history, but of the living ideals of education, service, and cultural pride that continue to guide the Club forward to a bright future.”
The Club extends its deepest gratitude and admiration to the Gala’s outstanding Co-Chairs and Committee members: Their leadership, elegance, and devotion have shaped an evening worthy of the Club’s legacy. Through their commitment, this celebration becomes not only an event, but a living tribute – a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. Their work reflects the very best of the Hellenic spirit: generosity, pride, and unwavering service.
For ninety years, the Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia has been more than an organization – it has been a family, a force, and a guardian of ideals.
This gala is a reminder that Hellenism is not confined to the past. It is alive in every student supported, every friendship formed, every tradition honored, and every new leader inspired.
As the Club enters its next chapter, it does so with the same conviction that has guided it since 1935: To uplift. To educate. To preserve. To lead.
The Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia is dedicated to promoting higher education, professional advancement, and the enduring values of Hellenic heritage through scholarships, community engagement, and cultural leadership. As one member stated…. Our greatest responsibility is not only to honor the past, but to invest in the future to lift-up the next generation as our founders once lifted us.
For more information and how to become a member of the Hellenic University Club visit www.HUCPhilaelphia.org
