University of Nevada, Las Vegas Foundation and The National Hellenic Society Launch the National Hellenic Society Culinary Legacy Fund

The National Hellenic Society (NHS), a non-profit organization dedicated to perpetuating, celebrating, and passing on Hellenic heritage, proudly announces the establishment of the National Hellenic Society Culinary Legacy Fund at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).  The Fund will promote Hellenic heritage, culture and cuisine to culinary arts students enrolled in the Food and Beverage Program within the UNLV’s world-renown William F. Harrah College of Hospitality.

​Stowe Shoemaker, dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and his team hosted a memorable reception for NHS members and guests attending the annual NHS Heritage Weekend event in celebration of the launch of the Fund.  NHS Guests included Her Excellency, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, Greece’s Ambassador to the U.S., David Horner, President of the American College of Greece, Alexander Zagoreos, Chair of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Nancy Papaioannou, President of Atlantic Bank, George Marcus, John Calamos and Drake Behrakis, NHS Co-Founders, and NHS members from all over the U.S.

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The Fund’s initial program is the NEWS Program (NHS Epicurean Workshop Series) with Master Chef Diane Kochilas, star of My Greek Table to kick-off the NEWS Program.  Chef Diane was thrilled to have the opportunity to teach the College’s hospitality students about wellness and other benefits associated with the Greek Mediterranean diet in several classes held over a 2-day period at the College.  NHS will help bring other chefs, culinarians and experts that will impart their insights of the Greek Mediterranean diet, culture, traditions, and lifestyle to students.

NHS Chair, Drake Behrakis emphasized NHS focus on its effort to pass on this important aspect of our Hellenic heritage and culinary legacy with students enrolled in the nation’s leading academic centers of hospitality.  Specifically, Drake Behrakis said “The kouzina plays an important role in our lives, where family, friends and colleagues gather to engage in dialogue, reflect, laugh, and enjoy a wonderful meal in the spirit of parea/kinship.  We look forward to collaborating to promote wellness and all the benefits of the Greek Mediterranean diet and to share Hellenic philoxenia/hospitality with the College’s students in hopes they will bring that spirit to others as they advance in their career paths throughout the U.S. and beyond."

​“We are grateful to be working on such a unique project with such amazing partners,” said Dean Shoemaker. “Collaborating with the NHS means we’re able to give students a rich understanding of Greek culture and cuisine—exposure that helps these young people not only grow as hospitality professionals but also citizens of the world.”

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