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The
Hellenic Professional Society of Illinois is one of
the state's longest surviving Greek organizations. It
has a rich history and a very vibrant future. Before
looking ahead, it's important to reflect on the founding
of the organization and the highlights of the last 75
years.
In
late 1924, Dr. Polyvios Korrylos, a well-known surgeon
and professor at Cornell University came to Chicago
with the intention of organizing a professional society.
He went to visit Dr. Nikolaos Salopoulos, who was the
first Greek Consul in Chicago. The two discussed several
ideas, before coming up with names of fifty individuals
with whom they would present their idea. Salopoulos
invited all fifty to a dinner at the LaSalle Hotel and
explained the vision to them. The Greek Professional
Men's Club was formed that very evening, with Salopoulos
elected as honorary president.
The
first formal meeting was held in the spring of 1925,
and 30 people attended. Dr. Sotirios Zaph was elected
the first working president. The club was comprised
of primarily doctors and most had emigrated from Greece.
The
Greek Professional Men's Club began hosting lectures
that year, many of which were very controversial in
nature, stimulating debates questioning history, taking
on sensitive political topics and the like. Much controversy
surrounded the organization, over the years, not only
due the nature of its lecture topics, but also from
in fighting, power struggles and a lack of funding that
threatened to stifle the growing club. The intellectual
and cultural stimulation that was created would prove
to be the glue that has held the organization together,
to this day.
Women
were prohibited from joining, and a few years after
the Men's Club's founding, the Greek Women's University
Club was formed to provide Greek women with a professional
forum.
A
few years later, social events were added to the calendar,
bringing Hellenic professionals together to celebrate
national holidays and religious events. These events
presented a more casual environment in which Hellenic
professionals could meet and exchange ideas. Social
events have remained at the core of HPSI's calendar
of events.
One of the first programs instituted was to honor college
graduates of Hellenic descent. A scholarship program
was established in conjunction, as an impetus to continuing
education. Graduates were honored, mentored and deserving
students were awarded scholarships in what has become
an HPSI tradition. The 75th Annual Graduates' Presentation
Event was commemorated this past May.
As
more Greeks went to college and took up professional
careers, the make up of the organization changed, with
lawyers, professors and other professionals joining
the ranks.
In
the late 1940s, there was some talk about approving
women into the membership. It wasn't until 1954, when
then-president Gus Mazarakis made the historic decision
to allow women to join their male colleagues. The name
was then officially changed to the Hellenic Professional
Society of Illinois.
It
would be another 25 years before the Society would elect
a woman president. Angelique Sallas, PhD. was elected
to the presidency in 1975. Ironically, she is the grandniece
of founding father Salopoulos.
PAST
PRESIDENTS  |
Many
other great individuals have held the reigns at HPSI,
including: Athanasios Pantelis, John Gekas, Spiros Kotakis,
Constantine Thomas, PJ Harris, SD Soter, George Porikos,
Evangelos Despotis, D. Parry, George Arvitis, Theodore
Constant, Andrew Teacherson, Peter Shepsis, William
Russis, Christ Harvalis, Timothy Bishop, Louis Calamaras,
George Cotsirilos, Leon Milton, Louis Psaltis, Themis
Anagnost, Gus Mazarakis, Themis Tsaoussis, Petros Sarelas,
George Alexander, James Brotsos, Adamantios Androutsopoulos,
John Damianos, Demsothenes Georgoulis, Aristotle Soter,
Leon Marinakos, George Karkazes, Arthur Perivolidis,
John Chrisots, Peter Chicaulas, Peter Anagnost, George
Economos, Angelo Dalageorges, Angelique Sallas, Sandra
Limbos, Annette Kouimelis Karones, Antoinette Contos,
georgia Kotsiopoulos, Anastasia Mazurek Usher, Fotios
Litsas, Lucia Pappas Economo, Spyros Stavrakas, Harriette
Condes, tassos Zervakis, Cynthia Yiannias, Faye Pantazelos,
John Veleris, Katherine Eleftheriou, Stavros Salapatas,
Peter Chioros, Joanne Volakakis, Elaine Barkoulies-Columbus,
Hara Anast, Anthony Xidis, Elaine Poulos-Karamatskos,
Maria Fotinopoulos and Harry Tompary. Their leadership
and dedication have contributed to the growth of an
organization that can withstand the test of time.
The
Society has dealt with pitfalls in membership over the
years, however the last 4 years have shown steady growth.
HPSI is currently experiencing resurgence, as the ideals
set forth by the many past presidents continue to be
relevant. By the century's end, a great influx of young
professionals gave new life to the organization, led
by its then-youngest (and female) president. The membership
has grown tremendously over the last few years, with
members predominantly in the late 20s to early 40s range.
Over
the years, HPSI has partnered in cooperation with other
Hellenic organizations to sponsor some enjoyable and
enlightening programs. One such program began in 1981,
the Annual Valentine's Dinner Dance, which has become
one of the largest events in the Chicago Hellenic community.
In
1997, the community and HPSI suffered a great loss in
the passing of Fotios Litsas. Litsas had a great love
of education and brought the HPSI scholarship program
to new heights. It was that year that the Dr. Fotios
K. Litsas Memorial Scholarship was established and funded
by members of HPSI.
HPSI
continues to provide high quality seminars and lectures
as well as social events. 75 years later, it is still
upholding its original mission---to provide a forum
for professionals of Hellenic descent. HPSI has a very
bright future ahead. Currently led by President Harry
Tompary, many great programs are already in the works
for this year. They include a mentoring program, an
investment seminar, cultural events plus the annual
social events.
HPSI
celebrated this momentous occasion on Saturday, October
7 at the Sydney Yates Gallery of the Chicago Cultural
Center. It was an elegant evening featuring catering
by George Jewell, one of Chicago's most celebrated chefs
and entertainment by local favorites the Linardakis
Orchestra. It was a magical evening of old and new friends,
where HPSI's rich history meets its vibrant future.
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