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# PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation Honors 57 Students at Chicago Gala
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/panhellenic-scholarship-foundation-honors-57-students-at-chicago-gala/
- Published: 2026-06-24T13:15:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:08:04.000Z
- Description: The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation gala blended academic recognition, cultural celebration, and spiritual observance into a single weekend honoring Hellenic excellence.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, GOARCH, Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis), Orthodoxy in America

**CHICAGO —** The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation hosted more than 800 guests at its 2026 Awards Ceremony & Gala on June 20, honoring 57 high-achieving [scholarship recipients](https://orthodoxobserver.org/panhellenic-scholarship-foundation-welcomes-800-guests-for-annual-awards-ceremony/) of Hellenic descent. The Foundation awarded over $250,000 in scholarships, spotlighting academic excellence, leadership, and service within the Greek American community. Among the evening’s major recognitions were the Paradigm Award presented to U.S. Army Gen. Andrew P. Poppas and the Exceptional Alumni Award given to NBC reporter and anchor Trish Christakis.

His Eminence Abp. Elpidophoros of America attended the celebration, joining organizers in recognizing the achievements of this year’s recipients. His presence brought spiritual significance and encouragement to the event, underscoring the role of education and Hellenic identity in public life across the United States. Following the formal program, guests participated in an elegant dinner and a lively glendi (celebration) featuring music, dancing, and fellowship.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/06/panhellenic-scholarship-foundation-honors-57-students-at-chicago-gala-image-f2d53f41d3bf.jpg)On this topicAbp. Elpidophoros Throws First Pitch at Greek Jersey Night](https://uoj.news/news/abp-elpidophoros-throws-first-pitch-at-greek-jersey-night/)

The [weekend concluded](https://orthodoxobserver.org/72667/) the following morning with a Divine Liturgy at Annunciation Cathedral in Chicago, presided over by Abp. Elpidophoros. Scholarship recipients, board members, and guests attended the service, which included a memorial tribute for Christ Tomaras, the founder of the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation, honoring his legacy and vision for the organization.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/abp-elpidophoros-highlights-spiritual-fatherhood-in-fathers-day-message/) that Abp. Elpidophoros highlighted spiritual fatherhood in his Father’s Day message.