The Hermes Expo Awards Dinner and Gala, held on June 19, 2024, at the renowned Grand Marquis Banquet Hall in Old Bridge, New Jersey, is a pivotal event for the Greek-American and Philhellenic communities. This multifaceted platform highlights the achievements and contributions of individuals across various sectors, particularly in business. This annual celebration fosters a spirit of collaboration and cultural pride, uniting business leaders, professionals, and community members to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore new opportunities for growth.
From the very beginning, the gala resonated with the power of collaboration and the importance of community. Honorees took the stage to express heartfelt gratitude for the recognition of their hard work. These exceptional individuals not only excelled in their professions but also exemplified the values of empathy, resilience, and a commitment to service.
Costas Tsourakis, President of the Archdiocesan District Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, set the tone for the evening by singing the national anthems, instilling a sense of pride among the attendees.
As the Master of Ceremonies, Jim Polos, Executive Director of the Improvement Authority of Middlesex County, New Jersey, highlighted the event’s significance. He stated, “I attended the expo today, and it was enormously successful. It was great to see so many new faces, businesses exchanging ideas and information, and meeting new people. This is what Paul Kotrotsios and this event are all about. It is not about him; it’s about you. It’s how he creates opportunities for networking and personal growth.”
Following Polos’ introduction, Mr. Paul Kotrotsios, the president and founder of the Hermes Expo, took the stage. In a world filled with challenges, Kotrotsios emphasized the limitless possibilities that arise when we unite in purpose and vision. “Our community thrives on the collective energy of its members, and tonight, we honor those who have dedicated themselves to its growth and prosperity. Our honorees epitomize passion and commitment. Their journeys are marked by perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering drive to make a positive impact. This gala, in conjunction with the Hermes Expo, is more than an awards ceremony; it is a celebration of the power of community. It serves as a reminder that when we come together, we can achieve greatness,” he shared.
Honorees of the Evening
The evening recognized several remarkable individuals for their contributions:
Dr. Konstantinos Poulikidis, M.D.: Healthcare Hero Award
A thoracic surgeon at Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, Dr. Poulikidis is also affiliated with Hackensack Meridian Health and is a member of the leadership team at the Advanced Lung and Airway Center at JFK University Medical Center. He and his colleagues screen, diagnose, and treat patients with both benign and malignant respiratory disorders. Dr. Poulikidis expressed his gratitude upon receiving his award: “Thank you very much. I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive this award today. I would like to thank the Hermes Expo for recognizing healthcare professionals,” he stated.
Dr. Vasiliki Filioti: Paideia Award
The second honoree of the night, Dr. Filioti, was recognized for her distinguished career in education. She has taught at various Greek schools in Greece and New York, contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of the Greek language and heritage. “Thank you for this honor, which is dedicated to all educators who strive to promote our language, culture, and Hellenic principles,” Filioti remarked.
Dr. Perry Halkitis: Hippocrates Award
An accomplished infectious disease epidemiologist and Dean at Rutgers School of Public Health, Dr. Halkitis dedicated his acceptance speech to the importance of heritage and empathy. “I found myself in public health. I recognize now the inspiration of my parents, Nicholas and Kaliope, coupled with my heritage as a Greek and part of a tribe from Kos with Hippocrates, directing me to this passion and profession. I want to thank Aphrodite and Paul for this award, and I promise to continue fighting for the well-being of people, particularly immigrant and migrant populations,” he said.
Dr. Antonios Gasparis: Hippocratic Award
The System Chief for Venous Disease at Northwell Health in New York, Dr. Gasparis has been a pioneer in vascular surgery. He founded the Stony Brook Vein Center in 2003, establishing it as a leading provider of venous care. In 2014, he inaugurated the first office-based lab for Stony Brook Medicine, further enhancing the institution’s capabilities in vascular care. “Although I am here, I really don’t believe that I deserve this honor. I strive to be a good physician, a good parent, and to do things the right way,” he shared.
Dr. Dimitrios Monos: Hippocratic Award
As the Evelyn Willing Bromley Professor of Pathology and Lab Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Monos also directs the Immunogenetics Laboratory at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. His work focuses on improving the quality of life for children in need of organ transplants. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of collaboration in healthcare. “This award is a testament to the effort of many years as we try to improve the quality of lives of children who need transplants. I would like to thank Paul, Aphrodite, and the Hermes Expo for this recognition,” he said.
Robert Buhler: Philotimo Award
The President and CEO of Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin, Buhler is also the Chairman and Trustee of the Pan Hellenic Scholarship Foundation. His dedication to the Greek-American community and leadership in various philanthropic initiatives were at the heart of his recognition. “It is an honor to receive the Philotimo Award. I strive to emulate the kindness and generosity of my Greek-American peers. Our commitment to supporting educational opportunities for students is a testament to our lasting impact,” he stated.
George Moutis: Philotimo Award
A distinguished member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Parish, Moutis spoke about his commitment to youth mentorship. “I am grateful for this recognition and reaffirm my dedication to helping the next generation of Greek-Americans stay connected to their cultural and spiritual roots,” he noted.
Steve Zervoudis: Philotimo Award
President of Galaxy General Contracting Corporation, Zervoudis was honored for his contributions to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Archdiocese, several parishes, primarily his generous donations to rebuild Saint Peter the Apostle Greek Orthodox Church in the Bronx, and many notable charities. “My work has always been a team effort, and I owe my success to the support of my family. It’s important for us to give back to our community,” he stated.
George Thomas: Restaurateur of the Year
Starting with the Spotless Diner in Newark, Thomas grew to include 27 restaurants in his catalogue, establishing him as a business leader and community figure. His daughter Lori conveyed the family’s pride: “My father’s dedication to our community drives him every day.”
Dr. Sam Chekwas: Paideia Award
Founder and President of Seaburn Associates, a global publishing and consulting company, Chekwas is a passionate advocate for preserving and promoting Greek culture and language. “Greece brought light to the world, and I am committed to ensuring that this light continues to shine brightly within the Greek-American community. I admire Paul’s dedication to our heritage,” he affirmed.
Savas Tsivicos: Aristotelian Award
The Supreme President of AHEPA expressed his gratitude, stating,“I am very happy to be here tonight to receive this honor, which I do not deserve. Thank you for this honor and as I said, I accept this on behalf of all of you. Long Live Greece! Long Live Cyprus,” He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in preserving Greek heritage and advancing the interests of the Greek-American community.
Dimitris Tsetsilas: Deputy Governor of Thessaly, Greece
“The honor is ours for being here. You are our ambassadors, representing the entire diaspora,” he remarked, emphasizing the strength of Greek identity among the community in the USA. Tsetsilas shared his enthusiasm for the Hermes Expo, stating, “I had prepared a speech, but after witnessing today’s events, I thought I would speak from the heart. If the millions of Greeks could be here today to experience this occasion, they’d feel even more Greek than what they are. It’s hard to say, but it’s the truth. You proudly raise the Greek flag and show us your light. This event is vital in fostering connections and promoting the rich culture of Greece.”
A Night of Gratitude and Vision
The Hermes Expo Awards Dinner is not merely a celebration of individual accomplishments; it is a powerful reminder of the strength of the Greek-American community and the endless possibilities that arise when individuals unite for a shared vision. Each honoree’s story illustrated the profound impact that dedication, empathy, and community-focused leadership can have on the world.
As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere buzzed with inspiration and unity. Attendees reflected on the collective achievements of the honorees and the potential for even greater success in the future. The Hermes Expo once again showcased the power of community and the lasting impact of those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
