TheLeader VOLUME XXVI ISSUE1 Winter2025 - Flipbook - Page 18
Nick Larigakis Receives Lifetime
Achievement Award at 2024
Alpha Omega Council Honors Gala
AHI President Nick Larigakis accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award
on November 2, 2024, from Alpha Omega Council President Harry
J. Vlachos with Master of Ceremonies Cathy Papoulis-Sakellaris,
a member of the Leadership 100 Board of Trustees.
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President and
CEO, Nicholas R. Larigakis, received the Lifetime
Achievement Award at the 2024 Alpha Omega Council
Honors Gala, November 2, 2024, in Boston. The
prestigious event, themed "Committed to the Preservation
of Hellenism," celebrates individuals who have made
outstanding contributions to government, business,
philanthropy, and the arts and sciences, with President
Larigakis being recognized for his decades of leadership in
advancing U.S.-Greece-Cyprus relations.
AHI is a member of Leadership 100.
In announcing President Larigakis as the Lifetime
Achievement awardee, the Alpha Omega Council stated,
“For nearly 40 years, President Larigakis has been at the
helm of AHI, tirelessly advocating for the strengthening of
diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the
United States, Greece, and Cyprus.”
“The Alpha Omega Council in Boston praises Nick
Larigakis for his tireless efforts working to ensure U.S.
foreign policy supports Greece and Cyprus, aligning it
with America’s mission of maintaining peace and stability
in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean Seas,” Alpha
Omega Council President Harry J. Vlachos, Esq., said. “By
advancing these efforts, Nick not only strengthens the
bonds between Greece and the United States, but also
upholds key American interests.”
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Under Larigakis’ leadership, AHI has been instrumental in
educating policymakers, the media, and the public about
Hellenic issues, while promoting the values and rich heritage of
Greece and Cyprus.
In his introduction of Larigakis, AHI Foundation Chairman
Leon Andris said, “So very rarely does a Nick Larigakis come
along to devote every waking hour of every day to a single cause
– peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, rooted in a
simple idea – an idea that laws matter, and that the best way to
help Greece and Cyprus is for the US and the international
community to simply adhere to the rule of law… Such is the
man you so appropriately honor tonight.”
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Alpha
Omega Council, and I share this achievement with the
incredible team at AHI who work tirelessly to support our
mission,” Larigakis said. “It has been a privilege to serve as an
advocate for Hellenism and to work alongside so many
remarkable individuals who share the same commitment to
preserving our shared culture and values.”
He credited his parents for their dedication, hard work, and
sacrifice. They instilled Hellenic ideals and values in Larigakis,
encouraging him to be the best he can be.
“My parents were never honored at a black tie as I have had the
honor to be,” he said. “I accept this award on their behalf and in
gratitude and appreciation for their sacrifices.”
The 2024 Honors Gala also recognized two other distinguished
individuals for their exemplary achievements.
Loren J. Samons II, professor of Classical Studies at Boston
University, received the Philhellene Award for his decades of
academic leadership as an internationally recognized scholar of
ancient Greek history, literature, and culture. Professor Samons
is renowned for his expertise in Athenian democracy and
imperialism and has made significant contributions to the field
of classical studies.
Additionally, the Alpha Omega Council presented its 2024
Emerging Leader Award to Anthe Mitrakos, a journalist,
communications professional, and entrepreneur. Mitrakos is a
passionate advocate for Hellenic culture, history, and art and
has played a key role in promoting Greek heritage through her
work in media and communications. She is also a past recipient
of the Peter Agris Memorial Journalism Scholarship.
