NHS Tampa Bay, in collaboration with the American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture, Examines the Relevance of Hellenism Today

TARPON SPRINGS (March 16, 2013) –The National Hellenic Society’s (NHS) mission is to preserve Hellenic heritage in America.  The NHS has established a regional network of chapters that are collaborating with regional Hellenic-American organizations to advance common objectives at the local level.  The collaboration includes the sponsorship of insightful, relevant and inspiring events centered on Greek heritage and culture that feature notable speakers.

NHS Tampa Bay, in collaboration with the American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture, a foundation dedicated to preserving and enhancing Greek culture and language in the curriculum of institutes of higher learning in the United States, featured two distinguished speakers who addressed Hellenism’s relevance in modern times.  Former Congressman, Michael Bilirakis, and Houston Baptist University Classics Professor, author and screenplay writer, Louis Markos offered a riveting presentation on the theme before a packed audience at St. Petersburg College, whose Provost, Dr. Conferlete Carney welcomed the audience and introduced U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis representing Florida’s 9th District.  Congressman Gus Bilirakis spoke about the importance of Hellenism in his life and in setting the principles and values he upholds as a public servant.  In his welcoming remarks, Executive Director Art Dimopoulos, expressed his thanks to St. Petersburg College, and Provost Carney for being outstanding hosts, to Dr. Ulysses J. Balis, Executive Director of AFGLC and the distinguished speakers.

Dr. Ulysses J. Balis, MD,  AFGLC Executive Director, and University of Michigan Professor of Pathology spoke of AFGLC’s mission and was pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with the NHS on this and future events.

Congressman Michael Bilirakis presented a heartwarming snapshot of his family’s Greek American experience and the importance of this heritage which gave him the tools to rise from working in the steel mills, serving in the armed forces to becoming a 26 year member of Congress.  “Our rich ancient Hellenic heritage provided us with the fortitude and values that allowed us to overcome great challenges and achieve great heights.”  Professor Louis Markos gave a fascinating talk that traced ancient Greece’s history and impact on modern society.  His command presentation and ability to draw parallels between issues experienced in the world’s first democracy to the world’s largest today held the audience spellbound  A lively question and answer session followed.

NHS Executive Director Art Dimopoulos stated, “The relevance of this incredible legacy is something we take for granted.  Cong. Mike Bilirakis and Professor Markos reinvigorate, inspire and remind us of just how important it is to pass on this legacy to the next generation.  Something that is near and dear to the NHS and our partners at the AFGLC.”

The American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture carries out in the United States the work of the International Foundation for Greek Language and Culture (IFGLC). AFGLC members are convinced that the quality of world leadership tomorrow depends upon the quality of the educational curriculum today. To assure future leaders have a firm understanding of the human adventure, of the origins of democracy and the philosophical underpinnings of Western thought, today’s education must begin with a study of the Greek experience.

AFGLC is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Greek culture and language in the curriculum of institutions of higher learning in the Americas, even as its parent organization, IFGLC, pursues the same goals worldwide. To this end AFGLC aims at establishing Interdisciplinary Centers of Hellenic Studies (ICHS) at selected universities throughout the United States and elsewhere.  For more information, please visit www.afglc.org, call 734-474-3756 or email ubalis@afglc.org.