The AHEPAN - Spring 2009 - (Page 9)

ahepa Family leaves its heart in San Francisco Nicholas A. Karacostas Unanimously Elected Supreme President T he City by the Bay, San Francisco, played host to the 87th Annual AHEPA Supreme Convention held June 29 to July 5, 2009. Conventioneers were treated to fantastic views of San Francisco Bay and Bay Bridge, the thrill of riding the city’s famous cable cars, and the ease of getting to Fisherman’s Wharf, which was in close proximity to the Hyatt Regency hotel. It was a cinch to see why San Francisco is often called “Everybody’s Favorite City.” And true to the song Tony Bennett made famous—San Francisco’s golden sun shone brightly for the AHEPA family during a fun-filled and exciting week that saw AHEPA delegates unanimously elect Nicholas A. Karacostas their supreme president. “Words cannot express how humbled and honored I am to be elected AHEPA Supreme President,” said Karacostas, who emigrated from Kyrenia, Cyprus as a three-year-old with his family; a personal journey he emotionally recounted during the Installation Ceremony on July 5 (view his remarks at www.ahepa.org/president). “It is the culmination of 30 years of service to the organization, dating back to my membership in the Sons of Pericles.” He continued, “I look forward to working with our new Supreme Lodge, and entire membership, to keep AHEPA on the steady path set forth by my predecessors. There are many challenges facing the community, and new ones will emerge. However, I’m confident we will strive to overcome them together in the true spirit of our mission.” The newly elected supreme president, who hails from Flushing, N.Y., is a member of AHEPA Gus Cherevas – EstiaPindus Chapter 326, in Flushing. He has served AHEPA in numerous leadership positions including supreme vice president, two terms as supreme counselor, and on its Board of Directors. Karacostas is a past supreme secretary of the Sons of Pericles. As AHEPA supreme president, Karacostas’ responsibilities include being the chief executive officer, and principal spokesperson, of the entire AHEPA domain, which includes the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus. Karacostas, an attorney, is the senior vice president of Arch Insurance Group. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the New York Bar Association, and National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Karacostas received his J.D. from the City of New York Law School and is a graduate of New York University. Karacostas has served on the Parish Council of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Flushing, N.Y., for six years. Also, he is a legal advisor to the Pancyprian Association of America Inc., and serves on the Board of Directors of HANAC, Inc. and St. Michael’s Home. Karacostas and his wife, Anna, have two daughters, Georgia and Andreana. Continued on following page Left: Supreme President Gulas presents Basile Katsikas with the Aristotle Award. Center: Consul General Stefanidou accepts the Pericles Award on behalf of Foreign Minister Bakoyannis. Right: Supreme President Gulas and Vice President Karacostas present George Marcus (center) with the AHEPA Archbishop Iakovos Humanitarian Award. www.ahepa.org Spring 2009 the ahepan http://www.ahepa.org/president http://www.ahepa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN - Spring 2009

The AHEPAN - Spring 2009
Table of Contents
AHEPA President's Message
Daughter's of Penelope President's Message
Sons and Maids Presidents' Messages
AHEPA Family News
AHEPA Family Leaves Its Heart in San Francisco
Housing
Athletics
AHEPA Family Chapter News

The AHEPAN - Spring 2009