The Foundation for Hellenic Studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) held a fundraising dinner dance at the Hermes Lounge in Kogarah, Sydney on 5 April 2025.
The formalities included the presentation of seven “1821 Scholarships” (the brainchild of Harry Mavrolefteros). The purpose of the scholarships is to encourage students to take up Greek.
The scholarships were presented by Louise Alfieris in memory of the late Emmanuel Alfieris, Maria and Keira Alexandrou on behalf of the Alexandrou family, Louisa Melas on behalf of the Daughters of Penelope, Mary Nagle on behalf of O’Connell Solicitors, Fiona Douskou, Dr. Ivan Valiozis and Virginia Valiozis, and Harry Mavrolefteros on behalf of First Education.
The scholarship recipients were Andoni Papadokokolakis, Carolyn Makridopolus, Harry Mavrolefteros, Katherine Mavrolefteros, Peter John Papanikolaou, Socrates Sioulas and Vicki Synesios. The selection committee was composed of Dimitris Kametopoulos, Stella Sorotou and Katerina Vetsikas.
The Foundation’s President, Costa Vertzayias spoke about the difficulties confronting the teaching of Greek and languages in general due to changes in government and university policies and that the maintenance and support for Greek involves all of us and should be the Community’s highest priority.
Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, the Greek Studies Convenor at UNSW, explained the difficulties faced by the course but also highlighted the positives such as smashing the university’s summer course record with 320 students taking the Greek mythology subject.
Elle Tamvakolos, Hellsoc UNSW President, spoke from the heart admitting how thrilled she was to discover Hellsoc and Greek at UNSW and this led to a re-awakening of interest in her roots.
During the night, a fabulous work of art (Sun offering / Gulf of Patraikos) by renowned artist Christina Tsaou (Tsaousoglou) was donated by the artist for auction with all the proceeds going to the Foundation. The successful bidder was Katerina Vetsikas, President of the Pan-Achaian Association of NSW, who also announced that the Bi-Lingual Bookshop will be opening up at Kogarah.
Amongst the guests were the presidents or office bearers of many associations including AHEPA NSW, Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, Pan-Thessalian, Pan-Arcadian, Pan-Achaian, Hassion, Elasona and Hellsoc NSW.
Donations were received from Angelo Hatsatouris (a longstanding trustee of the Foundation) worth $1,000 and $500 from each of the Hassion and Elasona Associations.
After the drawing of the raffle (with some wonderful prizes donated by Sam and Christina Tsatsoulis, Bowerhaus Jewellery, First Education, NAPF Electronics, Thai by the Beach Restaurant, Bi-Lingual Bookshop and others) guests danced the night away to the sounds of DJ Philippe.
Paul Nicolaou, tireless community worker and business leader, handled the difficult task of being the evening’s MC with considerable ease.
