Gala honors past presidents and unveils a $20,000 annual student award
Philadelphia, PA — In a moment that bridged nine decades of history, members of the Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia gathered in formal attire at the Ballroom at the Ben on Saturday evening, recreating a photograph first captured in that same room on Feb. 5, 1939.
The 90th Anniversary Gala brought together members, alumni, and supporters to mark the organization’s journey from its founding by 14 Greek college graduates in 1936 to its current role as the region’s largest Greek-American scholarship provider.
“We sold out very early for this evening. We actually had to turn some people away, unfortunately, because we were completely at capacity,” said Joseph Antonakakis, Esq., president of the Hellenic University Club. “We were excited for everybody who came to celebrate this evening with us, to celebrate nine decades of making history in the city of Philadelphia.”
The venue itself carried special meaning. When the organization, then known as the Greek Professional Club of Philadelphia, held its first Annual Dinner Dance in 1939 at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel, the founders and their guests filled the same ballroom. Nearly nine decades later, the return to the space now known as the Ballroom at the Ben underscored both continuity and growth.
“In 1936, 14 visionaries, Greek college graduates and professionals, started this club,” said Georgia I. Chletcos, gala co-chair and past president (2010–2012). “And today, we have just flourished.”
An Evening of Celebration and Reflection
The formal program opened with the national anthems of the United States, performed by Christina Tripolitis Paxinos, and Greece, performed by Nikitas Tampakis, followed by an invocation from Reverend Father Anastasios Bourantas. The ballroom, illuminated in blue lighting, featured white-linen tables and floral centerpieces as the Macromantis Band provided music throughout the evening.
While the setting reflected elegance and tradition, the program itself focused on the Club’s enduring mission of educational support.
Major Scholarship Announcement
A central moment of the evening came with the announcement of a new perpetual scholarship that will significantly expand the Club’s impact. Beginning this year, a $20,000 annual scholarship will honor the late Nicholas Karamatsoukas and be awarded to undergraduate students studying engineering, business, or hospitality management.
“We are very excited and very happy to announce that the Karamatsoukas family, honoring Nicholas Karamatsoukas, who passed away in October 2024, provided support for one scholarship of $20,000 on an annual basis in perpetuity,” said George Tsetsekos, PhD, immediate past president (2021–2024).
Karamatsoukas’ life story reflected the ideals the scholarship seeks to support. He began his career as a dishwasher while studying engineering part-time. Starting with a lunch truck on Drexel University’s campus, he built the Tri-State Company and Philadelphia Vending Company into successful businesses that were later sold to multinational corporations.
“He started from scratch, from the bottom of the barrel, working, having just a lunch truck on Drexel University campus in Philadelphia, and built up the Tri-State Company and the Philadelphia Vending Company,” Tsetsekos said. “This scholarship is going to inspire a lot of students to follow his example.”
The addition brings the Club’s total to 21 scholarships awarded each year, with more than $110,000 distributed annually. The scholarship endowment now stands at approximately $1.6 million, with a stated goal of reaching $2 million within the next 12 months as the organization looks toward its centennial in 2036.
Scholarship Legacy: 90 Years of Paideia
Since awarding its first scholarship in 1939, the Hellenic University Club has distributed more than $1.1 million to students. The program operates under rigorous academic standards, with a selection committee of experienced academics who review transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial need.
Despite the scale of the program, demand continues to exceed available funding.
“We have too many applications,” Tsetsekos said. “Usually, I would say 15 percent of the applicant pool is satisfied, and we are very sorry we don’t have so many resources to provide money for purposes that are needed in the Greek-American community.”
The scholarship program reflects the organization’s founding principle of paideia, the ancient Greek concept of holistic education and lifelong learning. Founded during a period when higher education remained out of reach for many immigrant families, the Club was established to support academic opportunity and long-term community development.
“The future is bright for the Hellenic University Club thanks to the vision of our founders,” Tsetsekos said. “Their vision was support, education, development of human capital, and identifying the talents of dreamers—individuals who, through education, can succeed with hard work and commitment.”
Honoring Past Leadership
Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of 26 past presidents, or their representatives, honoring leadership that has shaped the organization over nine decades.
“If you look at this organization, the number of people who have led it, you can see their fingerprints over 90 years across the organization,” Antonakakis said. “Through our programs, and most importantly, our scholarship program, it’s the leaders of the organization who deserve the recognition.”
In total, 88 individuals have served as Club president since Dr. Nicholas Padis held the role from 1936 to 1937.
Among those recognized was Georgia Chletcos, whose family’s connection to the Club spans generations. Her relative, Theresa A. Chletcos, was among the founding members in 1936 and later served as Club president from 1947 to 1948.
“I thank all the people that came tonight, and most importantly, all of our supporters—not just tonight, but all the past presidents, all the past volunteers, and especially the supporters who are no longer with us and gave so much to our club,” Chletcos said.
Looking Toward the Centennial
During the program, Club leadership also highlighted the Centennial Circle initiative, which seeks 100 donors to contribute $1,000 each in support of the scholarship fund ahead of the organization’s 100th anniversary in 2036. To date, 25 donors have joined the effort, including families, individuals, and foundations such as the Chris J. Blazakis Family Foundation.
While the evening focused on history, attention remained on the future. Upcoming programs include a February event on Greek wedding traditions and an April film screening, continuing the Club’s commitment to cultural education and community engagement.
“If you’re someone who cares about learning and education, even after you’ve completed your formal education, this is the organization that you can join,” Antonakakis said. “You can attend our programs, learn more, and continue your education throughout your life.”
“Today we celebrate history, and we look toward the future,” Chletcos said.
For information about membership or scholarship applications, visit hucphiladelphia.org. Scholarship applications for the 2026–2027 academic year open in February.