Sophia Nicole Andricopulos, Accountancy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Sophia will be a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Accountancy with a minor in French and a Leadership Certificate. She is a member of the Maids of Athena and at UIUC she is a peer advisor for the Gies College of Business, a University Housing Resident Advisor, and a member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. Sophia is excited about interning with PwC in their Chicago office this summer and hopes to return there full-time after graduation.
Yanni Angelides, Biomedical Engineering, The Georgia Institute of Technology
Yanni is pursuing a Biomedical Engineering degree and Computer Science minor at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is the owner of Agona LLC, creator of the Soccer Sock. Yanni aspires to start his own BME company that creates oncological devices that will one day be in Forbes Top 30 Under 30. He is a recipient of Georgia Tech Faculty Honors and starter on the soccer team.
Vasiliki Argeroplos, Economics, Vanderbilt University
Vasiliki is a rising sophomore at Vanderbilt University. Her planned major is Economics with two minors in computer science and business. Her involvements on campus include student government, Greek life, and membership in Students Consulting for Non-Profit Organizations(SCNO). Through founding her own nonprofit, Okay to Play, she has received the Prudential Spirit Award as well as the Presidents Volunteer Service Award.
Harris Avgousti, Biology, University of Pennsylvania
Harris is currently attending the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2021. He is majoring in Biology with a concentration in the mechanisms of disease control, as well as minoring in Economics. Harris plans on pursuing a medical degree. Currently, he is president of Penn Hellenic as well as a Student Researcher at the Perelman School of Medicine in Radiation Oncology.
Alexander Bilzerian, Physics, Cornell University
A junior at Cornell University, Alexander is pursuing a Physics major and a Creative Writing minor. At Cornell, he has taken on executive board roles in his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, and was honored by the English Department for a collection of his poetry. Alex hopes to someday, somehow use his knowledge of the natural sciences to make a difference in the world of medical physics.
Sofija Chroneos, Sculpture and Art Education, Boston University
Sofija is a sophomore at Boston University, where she is pursuing a combined five-year BFA in Sculpture and MA in Art Education. She has made the Dean’s List with Distinction each semester. Sofija co-founded the undergraduate art magazine, Squinch, and volunteers weekly in public schools. In her future teaching practice, Sofija aims to defend creative opportunities for youth.
Anastasia Dalianis, Ethics, Politics, and Economics, Yale University
Anastasia is a freshman from Park Ridge, Illinois attending Yale University, where she plans to major in Humanities. She is a National Merit Scholar and has received various academic and musical awards throughout high school. Outside of class, she writes for Yale’s satire and literary magazines. Anastasia has played cello for ten years and is involved in several orchestras at Yale. After college, she would like to pursue a career that involves writing.
Paul DeBassio, Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Paul is a rising sophomore at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He is majoring in Biology and on a Pre-Medical track, hoping to become a Hematologist Oncologist. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in high school and was inducted in the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society.
Ruby Duffy, Social Studies, Wesleyan University
Ruby is a rising sophomore at Wesleyan University. She is majoring in The College of Social Studies, a multidisciplinary program focusing on the study of history, government, economics, and social theory. This year, Ruby was acknowledged for high academic achievement and was named on the Dean’s List. After college, Ruby plans to attend law school and pursue a career in law.
Nickolas Eliadis, Religious Studies, Hellenic College
Nickolas is a second year Seminarian at Hellenic College in Brookline, Massachusetts, majoring in Religious Studies. He plans to go on to get his Master of Divinity Degree from Holy Cross, and one day, God willing, become a priest of the Greek Orthodox Church. He has made the President’s list three times and has received Hellenic College’s Chrysostom Scholarship. Nickolas has been selected to attend the Asia Minor Travel Seminar this summer in Greece.
Namie Fotion, Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
Namie is a freshman at UCLA majoring in biology with the ultimate goal of becoming a well-respected doctor in the field of medicine. She has been awarded as an AP Scholar with Distinction. She has also been recognized and awarded for her artistic skill by the Southern California Rotary Clubs.
George Gemelas, Ethics, Politics, and Economics, Yale University
George is a senior at Yale University. He is majoring in Ethics, Politics, and Economics with a concentration in urban resilience. At Yale, George plays viola in the Yale Symphony Orchestra, works for the Yale Program for Climate Change Communication, and is the Greek American liaison for Yale’s Hellenic Society. He hopes to launch himself to the front lines of urban innovation.
Nicholas C. Georgiou, Computer Engineering and Computer Science, University of Virginia
Nicholas is a junior at the University of Virginia, double majoring in Computer Engineering and Computer Science with a minor in Engineering Business. He is a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and has received Intermediate Honors at UVA and Dean’s List honors every semester and plans to go to graduate school. He has been an executive officer of UVA’s Hellenic Society for two years.
George Giakoumakis, Computer Engineering, Capitol Technology University
George is a junior at Capitol Technology University majoring in computer engineering with a focus in astronautical engineering. He is currently working on NASA’s Coordinated Applied Capitol Technology University Satellite (CACTUS-1) mission that will capture low-Earth orbit micrometeorites to demonstrate a cost-saving method of cleaning the atmosphere. George is currently on the Dean’s list and has received the St. Nicholas Philoptohos Scholarship and the Rhodian Society of Maryland Scholarship.
Christina Hanos, Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Christina is a biology major at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in a 7-year medical program affiliated with Albany Medical College. She plays for the RPI field hockey team and is part of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. She has maintained a 4.0 and is part of the Dean’s Honors List as well as the National Field Hockey Scholar of Distinction list. She is very proud of her heritage and went to Greece last year through the Heritage Greece Program with The American College of Greece.
Geoffrey Hazard, Computer Science and Engineering, Brown University
Geoffrey is a rising second-year student at Brown University, where he studies Computer Science and Engineering. He designs and sews clothes, puts on ancient theater plays in Greece, and hopes to combine traditional knowledge with technical solutions that empower small-scale communities.
Katerina Kerastaris, Public Health, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Katerina is a pre-physician assistant sophomore at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in Public health. She has maintained her Dean’s List status for the past three semesters. Katerina was recently invited to join the National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter at the University of Massachusetts and was also recognized by the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Upon graduation, Katerina will attend a Physician’s Assistant program. She hopes to work in a hospital setting for a few years prior to attending medical school.
Raphael Kirou, Biological Sciences, Cornell University
Raphael is a freshman studying biological sciences at Cornell University, with a planned minor in applied economics. He is on the Dean’s list and an active member of Cornell Orthodox Christian Fellowship. In high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society, a National AP Scholar, and a finalist at the New York City Science and Engineering Fair for his research on tuberculosis. Raphael has plans to become a physician-scientist in clinical immunology.
Panagiota Kitsopoulos, Mechanical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University
Panagiota is a sophomore Mechanical Engineering major and Biomedical Engineering minor at Case Western Reserve University. She was awarded the university’s Junior/Senior Scholarship and is on the Dean’s Honors List. She was born on the island of Crete and later moved to Germany to complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. After achieving a degree in engineering, she intends to pursue a PhD.
Alessandra Koinoglou, Finance, The Ohio State University
Alessandra is a first year Honors student at The Ohio State University. She is a Finance major with a minor in Economics. Alessandra graduated high school Summa Cum Laude, was a Presidential Scholar, and was in the National Honors Society. At Ohio State Alessandra is in the Hellenic cultural fraternity, Sigma Epsilon Phi and other service organizations. She wishes to either pursue a career in wealth management or corporate law.
Elias Kotsis, Music, University of Pennsylvania
Elias is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania who is majoring in Music and minoring in Theatre Arts. He is the Chair of Front Row Theatre Company, Penn’s socially-relevant, student-run theater company. He hopes to compose music for theater and has had original music performed in the New York Musical Festival, the Philly Fringe Fest, the Edinburgh Festival, and several short films. This summer, Elias will be interning with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures.
Petra Kyriakopoulos, Accounting and Finance, Elmhurst College
Petra, a sophomore at Elmhurst College majoring in Accounting and Finance, has received Honor Roll distinction every semester. When not occupied with studies she is planning club events or on duty at work. Petra’s interests include playing the clarinet, soccer with friends, and mentoring students at school. Her career goals include earning CPA recognition and providing satisfaction for clients.
Leonidas Lavdas, Electrical Engineering, University of Florida
The oldest of six children, Leonidas is a freshman at the University of Florida studying electrical engineering. He was Valedictorian of Vanguard High School in Ocala, FL, completing the International Baccalaureate program. He is a University of Florida Presidential Gold Scholar and is active in several organizations including the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Greek American Student Association, racquetball team, and IEEE.
Darden Livesay III, Journalism and Political Science, University of Connecticut
Darden is a junior at the University of Connecticut double-majoring in Journalism and Political Science. He recently interned with the Greek America Foundation, where he is interning again this summer. He is a Dean’s List student, recipient of the Sheehan Family Journalism Scholarship, and former news director at UConn’s radio. Darden is also a language enthusiast.
Georgia Margiotis, Psychology and Education, Adelphi University
Georgia has now completed her third year at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. She is an Education and Psychology major and hopes to work for the New York Department of Education as a Special Education Elementary teacher upon completion of her degree.
Victoria Martine, Biology and Spanish, Indiana University
Victoria is a sophomore at Indiana University studying Biology and Spanish. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine. She is also a member of the Hutton Honors College. At school, she participates in Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Spanish Theater, and volunteers at the IU Auditorium. She is looking forward to taking Greek language in the fall.
Elias Mastakouris, Political Science, Yale University
Elias is a sophomore at Yale University studying international security and political theory. He is the director of the Peace and Dialogue Leadership Initiative, a Yale-West Point foreign policy group, and a member of the Yale Hellenic Society. After graduation, Elias hopes to serve in the United States Military, either as an infantry or surface warfare officer. He eventually hopes to pursue a career in national security or federal law.
Melina Megaridis, Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Melina is a junior studying bioengineering with a minor in technology & management at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She is a Cancer Research Scholar and James Scholar. Melina is also President of the Habitat for Humanity club and a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society. After she graduates, she would like to work in industry, hopefully designing medical devices or prosthetics.
John Melizanis, Economics, University of California, Berkeley
John is currently a student at the University of California, Berkeley, studying Economics with a double minor in computer science and data science. John has founded and worked with many start-ups in the Tri-State area and is currently working with multiple start-ups in the Bay-Area relating to Social Media, Machine Learning, and Algorithm stock trading.
Manousos Papadakis, Mechanical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology
Manousos will be a sophomore who is currently attending the Illinois Institute of Technology. He is majoring in Mechanical Engineering, following a career path to become an engineer in the automotive industry. Manousos is on the Dean’s List at IIT, prior to college he was in the National Honors Society, the National Technical Honors Society, and was a recipient of the STEM + scholarship, Heald Scholarship, and the Pancretan Association of America Venizelion Scholarship.
Ari Papahronis, History and Political Science, Columbia University
Ari is a freshman at Columbia University majoring in History and Political Science. After college, he hopes to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney. In college, he is on the Dean’s List, a tour guide on campus, an active member of the political community, treasurer of the Pre-Law Society, and runs a homeless shelter in the city weekly.
Athena Patitsas, Public Policy Analysis and Modern Greek, The Ohio State University
Athena is a senior at The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Public Policy Analysis in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. She also has a second major in Modern Greek and a minor in German. Athena has worked as an intern in several agencies including at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs in Washington, DC.
Peter Prastakos, Chemical Engineering and Applied Mathematics, Yale University
Peter is a rising sophomore at Yale University, double majoring in Chemical Engineering and Applied Mathematics. He was born and raised in Athens, Greece and moved to Tenafly, New Jersey before starting high school. He graduated Valedictorian of his class and won multiple awards in state and national science competitions. His primary interests lie in the areas of renewable energy, water scarcity, and sustainable development.
Matthew T. Pusic, Communications and History, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Matthew is a rising junior at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, majoring in Media Studies. He is an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, works with the Saint John the Merciful Outreach Ministry, is a member of AHEPA, and has danced with The Athenian Owls. Matthew is an Eagle Scout and at UNC-G, he has been on the Dean’s List and the Chancellor’s List.
Sophia SaPonte, Spanish, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Sophia is a rising sophomore at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, she studies Spanish in hopes of teaching others and exploring the world. She is on the Dean’s List and is a member of the meditation and outdoors clubs. In high school, Sophia was in the National Honors Society, Yearbook Club, on the Robotics Team, and continues to participate in many community service activities.
Ellen Schooley, Early Childhood Education, The Ohio State University
Ellen Theana Schooley graduated in Spring 2018, summa cum laude from The Ohio State University and received her B.S. in Education. She was a member of Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Sigma Epsilon Phi, a Greek cultural and social fraternity on OSU’s campus. She plans to become an elementary school teacher and school counselor.
Konstantinos Sellas, Computer Science, DePaul University
Konstantinos is a freshman at DePaul University, currently studying Computer Science with a focus in Software Development. His desired career path is developing code for automated systems. He received the Glenbrook South technology award for a homework agenda app he created his senior year. He also received the distinguished Principles Award while at Glenbrook South High School.
Athena Sferas, Bassoon Performance, University of Southern California
Athena is finishing up her freshman year majoring in bassoon performance at the University of Southern California. She enjoys exploring all aspects of music like conducting, music industry, and arts leadership. She also enjoys community work and has served as a guest performer for Title 1 schools and serves as a teacher at a community music center. Athena’s dream job is to become a studio musician.
Philippos Sourvinos, Public Policy and Theatre, University of Maryland, College Park
Philippos is a rising second year Public Policy and Theatre Double Degree student at the University of Maryland. In addition, he is a member of the Honors Humanities Living Learning Program within the Honors College and plans to pursue a career in sustainable development. Philippos is an AP Scholar, on the Dean’s list, and an accomplished vocalist.
Matthew Szekely, Music Education, Kent State University
Matthew is a rising senior at Kent State University, working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. After graduation, he plans to obtain a high school band teaching position and work toward a Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance. Matthew has received the John Phillip Sousa Award, the Kappa Kappa Psi / Tau Beta Sigma Outstanding Sophomore Musician Award, and is a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, a national band honor service fraternity.
Nicole Tank, Veterinary Science, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Nicole is a junior majoring in Veterinary Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is pursuing her lifelong dream of working with animals and hopes to attend The Ohio State University’s Veterinarian program. At the University of Nebraska, Nicole is on the Dean’s List, is in the Top 10% of the College of Agriculture Science and Natural Resources, in Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.
Christina Panagoulia Triantafillopoulos, Business Administration, University of Michigan
Christina is a junior at the University of Michigan-Stephen M. Ross School of Business. With a major in Business Administration and a Minor in Modern Greek Studies, Christina is interested in pursuing a career in the business field. Eventually, she hopes to attend law school. Christina has been involved with the Hellenic Student Association, Delta Sigma Pi International Business Fraternity, and will be serving as the President of the Ross School of Business for the 2018-2019 school year.
Niki Tselepidakis, Biomedical Engineering and Spanish, Johns Hopkins University
Niki is a junior at Johns Hopkins University completing a double major in Biomedical Engineering and Spanish with a minor in Mathematics. She is on Dean’s List, is vice president of the Latin Dance Team, and is secretary of both club field hockey and the Hellenic Students Association. Her goal is to attend medical school upon graduation and become a cardiologist.
Felicia Varvaras, Vocal Performance-Opera, The Boston Conservatory
Felicia is a junior at The Boston Conservatory majoring in Vocal Performance. This past summer, she made her international debut in Budapest, Hungary, starring as Marika in Cheryl Kemeny’s operetta, “Hungarian Nights” at the Erzsébetligeti Theater and on MTV Magyar Television. She recently performed in the Boston Conservatory’s main stage opera “Dead Man Walking” in November 2017. Aside from performing, she is hoping to earn her certification in Music Therapy from the Berklee College of Music.
Maria Zarifis, Human Biology and Society, University of California, Los Angeles
Maria is a sophomore studying Human Biology and Society in the Honors Program at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is a member of Bruin Belles Service Association, an organization committed to service and women’s leadership. She works for UCLA Health in a vascular surgery clinic and plans to pursue a health-related career, with a current interest in becoming an occupational therapist or physician assistant.
