PanHellenic Class of 2014
Steve Eustratios Alexander, III
Business Administration, Georgia Institute of Technology
Steve is a sophomore at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, studying Business Administration. In high school, Steve served as GOYA president, Metropolitan Alexios acolyte leader, Cathedral orchestra member, Greek festival dancer, and summer camp counselor. He is currently corporate sponsorship chairman for the Georgia Tech HEROs, Alpha Tau Omega alumni relations chairman, and career fair liaison.
Maria Anastasia Arianas
Biochemistry and Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago
Maria is an Honors College student at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Biochemistry and Psychology with a Mathematics minor. Maria was
valedictorian of her class, a National AP Scholar, a National Merit Commende Scholar, an Illinois State Scholar, and a member of the 2012-2013 Daily Herald AllAcademic Team. She served as Vice President of the National Honor Society and Student Council, and has earned Senior Awards in Mathematics, Science, and Community Service.
Aristos Athanasiou Athens
Medicine, Stanford University
Aristos is a freshman at Stanford University with the hopes of eventually attending medical school. A proud Greek Cypriot, Aristos graduated from high school in Davis, California, where he worked as a private math tutor for other high school students and conducted research in a biotechnology lab at the University of California, Davis. As a result of his research, Aristos has published a peer-reviewed article in PLOS ONE, a leading online scientific and medical journal.
Nicholas Chingas
Finance and Economics, Saint Joseph's University
Nicholas is a junior at Saint Joseph’s University and has made the Dean’s List every semester. He is a Finance and Economics double major and a member of his University’s Honors Program. He is an active member of the Greek American Student Association, Finance Society, and various on-campus volunteer organizations, in addition to being involved as the Secretary of Communications for his University’s Student Senate. After graduating, Nicholas intends to attain his MBA or Masters Degree in Finance.
Marie Steven Christophell
English, DePaul University
Marie is a freshman in the Honors Program at DePaul University. She is majoring in English with a French minor, and hopes to become an English teacher. She received her Greek education from Plato Academy and graduated from Lane Tech High School in the top 5% of her class. Marie has made the Dean’s List and is a member of DePaul’s Bhangra team. In her free time she enjoys writing short stories, singing, and reading.
Costa Dimitrios Christopoulos
Physics and Earth, Atmospheric, & Planetary Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Costa is a freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He plans to receive a bachelor’s degree in Physics along with Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science. Costa’s academic interests include Particle Physics and Meteorology, and he was an AP Scholar and member of the Honors Society in high school. Costa was awarded the Principal’s Choice Award and received the Science Student of the Year Award three times.
Timothy Christopher Daly
Management and Labor & Employment Relations, Pennsylvania State University
Timothy attends the Schreyer Honors College at the Pennsylvania State University and is majoring in Management and Labor and Employment Relations, while also obtaining his Human Resources and Employment Relations masters, a five year integrated program. Timothy plans to either go to law school or work in human resources. He was in the National Honor Society, has served as Math Honor Society President, is a National AP Scholar, past GOYA President, and is an active member of the OCF.
Peter Michail Danos
History, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Peter is a freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign with plans to major in History and minor in Secondary Education. He aims to pursue a career as a high school teacher and has been recognized for an outstanding freshman year by being inducted to the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. Peter was co-captain of his High School’s Speech Team and Vice President of the National Honor Society. He is currently a volunteer at Edison Middle School, a member of the OCF, and an active brother in the Psi Upsilon Fraternity.
Talia Lasandra Davis
Mathematics, Arizona State
Talia attends Barrett the Honors College at Arizona State University. She is majoring in Mathematics with the hope of attending Medical School. She graduated high school with the highest honors and is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Scholar. She has been on the Dean’s List every semester, is a recipient of the Arizona State Provost Scholarship, the 2012 Arizona Hellenic Foundation Scholarship, and winner of the Williams Institute Ethics and Sustainability essay contest.
Christopher Stephen-James Deloglos
Electrical Engineering and Physics, Virginia Commonwealth University
Christopher is a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University in pursuit of a double major in Electrical Engineering and Physics as well as a double minor in Mathematics and Business Administration. He plans on receiving a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and getting licensed as a professional Engineer. Christopher received his Associate’s Degree in general engineering at the age of 18 at John Tyler Community College where he was elected as the Student Representative of the Year.
Anastasia Fitzpatrick
Nursing, Utica College
Anastasia attends Utica College and is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She enjoys being active and playing sports as a member of Utica’s softball and tennis teams. Anastasia graduated from Liberty Central School District, where she was part of the National Honor Society, named Scholar Athlete, and received high honor roll every quarter. She was Captain of both her Varsity Tennis and Softball teams. She is a chanter at her Greek Orthodox parish and is also a member of the choir.
Jennifer Andrea Fokas
Biological Sciences, Northwestern University
Jennifer is a sophomore at Northwestern University majoring in biological sciences with aspirations of attending medical school. She placed on the Dean’s List multiple times and graduated high school as an Academic Scholar. She regularly volunteers with numerous organizations as a member of the service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. Jennifer has received the Three Hierarchs Award and also had the amazing opportunity to visit Greece as a Hellenic Birthright participant.
Sophia Joy Gianou
Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Sophia is completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, majoring in Social work with a Business minor. She has been on the Dean’s List every semester and is also actively involved with the Sigma Alpha Lambda Honors Society and the Phi Alpha Social Work Honors Society. She plans to obtain her Master’s degree and pursue her desire to help needy families through Macro Practice Social Work and Nonprofit Management.
Julia Mary Horiates
Biology and Chemistry, East Carolina University
Julia graduated as Dixon High School’s Class of 2013 Valedictorian. She attends East Carolina University Honors College and is working toward a Biology and Chemistry degree with a minor in English Literature. After college, Julia plans to attend Brody Medical School, specializing in either cardiology or pediatrics. Currently, Julia volunteers with the North Carolina Food Bank and Special Olympics. She also researches in the Biology Department and is a member of the Rock Climbing Team, American Medical Student Association, and Biological Honors Society.
Jason Keith Ioannides
Finance, Virginia Tech
Jason is a junior at Virginia Tech pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Finance with a Certified Financial Planner concentration and a Philosophy minor. Jason has achieved the Dean’s List every semester and plans to eventually work in the financial services industry. He is an analyst in Bonds and Securities Investing by Students, a student portfolio managing $5 million of the Virginia Tech Endowment. He has served as Vice President for the Hellenic Student Association, President for the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and Leadership Chair for Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
Christina G. Karahalios
English, DePaul University
Christina is a junior at DePaul University where she is in the Honors Program majoring in English with a concentration in Literary Studies. She is in a combined English Program where she will work toward her Bachelor’s while receiving her Master’s in just one year. She is Treasurer and Vice President of Best Buddies DePaul, an active member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority, the Hellenic Student Association, and Vice President of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship. Christina also works as a law clerk, helps with GOYA, and volunteers at her Greek Orthodox parish as a Sunday school teacher.
George John Kartsounis
Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic and State University
George is majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic and State University. He is a member of the University’s car club, surf club, and Formula SAE team. George plans on seeking an engineering career in the automotive industry. In years past, he has been Vice President of his high school class, President of his school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, and recipient of a Scholar Athlete Award. George enjoys traveling; especially spending time at his grandparents’ home in Vresthena, Greece.
Katherine Valerie Katsivalis
Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Chicago
Katherine is a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She intends to enroll in UIC’s pharmacy school after completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience. She has found strength for her education through the communities of both Sts. Constantine and Helen and St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Churches and hopes to one day achieve her dream of becoming a clinical pharmacist. Katherine enjoys participating in UIC’s Hellenic Student Association as well as its Orthodox Christian Fellowship.
Christina Khouri
Biology and Hispanic Studies, Wesleyan University
Christina is a sophomore at Wesleyan University majoring in Biology and Hispanic Studies, and plans to pursue a career in medicine. She is currently on the Dean’s List, Secretary of Circle-K International, a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, and a member of Unite for Sight. Christina is a teaching assistant for the Biology Department, and a volunteer at Advocate BroMenn Hospital and Highland Park Hospital. She attended the Hellenic American Academy for 15 years and also received the Agrafon Award.
Katherine Demi Kokkinias
Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Katherine is in the Honor’s program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Biology, with plans of becoming a biological researcher. She is currently the Secretary of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship and has coached for Saint Nectarios’ Jr. Olympics soccer team. Katherine was awarded the AP Scholars Award, Prairie State Achievement Award for Mathematics, and Jefferson Leadership Award. She was a member of the National Honors Society, President of the Environmental Club, and Senator of Student Council.
Jason Kourkouvis
Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Jason is a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Spanish. He is a James Scholar and has been on the Dean’s List every semester. Jason has raised money for the Northfield Food Pantry during the holiday season, and has also volunteered at Garden Hills Elementary School. Jason’s goal is to continue his education in Mechanical Engineering by earning a Master’s Degree.
Malamo Koutsogiannis
Mathematics and Spanish, Hunter College
Malamo is a Macaulay Honors Scholar at Hunter College, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Spanish, as well as a Master’s Degree in Adolescent Education. Currently, Malamo is a Senior Health Educator in the Peer Health Exchange Program, the Director of Mathematical Education in the Hunter College Math Club, member and Event Coordinator of the Artemis Hellenic Club. In her spare time, she captains the NY Magic “B” team, a women’s soccer club, and manages the Hunter College Men’s soccer team.
Margarita Sanchez Montgomery
Classical Languages and Literature, Dartmouth College
Margarita is a senior at Dartmouth College pursuing a major in Classical Languages and Literature and a minor in Government and Classical Archaeology. Margarita studied archaeology in Greece and Turkey and continued this education at the American Academy in Rome last summer. She has also worked with the excavation team at Pompeii and interned in the Greek and Roman Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Dimitrios George Nikitopoulos
Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
Dimitrios is a freshman at Johns Hopkins University pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Robotics. Dimitrios graduated Valedictorian of his High School and also earned his International Baccalaureate diploma. He was awarded an internship at the Roskamp Institute where he assisted in research focusing on neurodegenerative disorders. He has received numerous awards and recognitions which include the AP Scholar with Distinction, National Technology Student Association Honor Society membership, and several first place awards at national competitions for robotics.
Dimitrios Pagonakis
Theoretical Mathematics and Civil Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dimitrios is a junior at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology pursuing a double major in Theoretical Mathematics and Civil Engineering with a minor in Energy. His passion for mathematics has led him to numerous distinctions in several national and international Math Olympiads. In 2013, his first research paper in topological optimization was published and he is currently working on two additional research papers. Dimitri is an undergraduate researcher on 3D printing technology and smart materials in MIT’s renowned Media Lab.
Evangelia Maria Pagones
Music Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Evangelia is a Chancellor’s Scholar at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign where she is pursuing a Music Education degree. She is currently Vice President of her Orthodox Christian Fellowship chapter and is a chanter at the Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church. The proceeds of a Byzantine chant CD she recorded with the Panagia Koukouzelissa Choir benefited the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. In her free time, Evangelia enjoys participating in Orthodox vocational and mission trips such as Hellenic College’s CrossRoad program and Project Mexico.
Christina Mary Palis
Religion and Psychology, University of Rochester
Christina is a senior at the University of Rochester and is pursuing a double major in Religion and Psychology. She hopes to attend graduate school for Religious Studies before going into social work or mental health counseling. She has been on the Dean’s List every semester and is a member of the Religion and Psychology honor societies. She has studied abroad in Greece and Turkey, and is currently the President of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at the University of Rochester.
Patrice Victoria Pirpiris
Commuication Studies, Loyola University Chicago
Patrice is pursuing Communication Studies with an International Studies minor at Loyola University Chicago. By the end of her high school career, Patrice was involved in two sports teams, four organizations, served as a journalist for the Chicago Tribune, and received the Girl Scout Gold Award. Patrice was selected as the spokesperson for the Chicago Public Schools International Baccalaureate programs and spoke at a press conference along with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel.
Katerina Finny Powers
Economics, Michigan State University
Katerina is completing her Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Michigan State University. She has worked as an Economic Research Assistant and served as a Legislative Intern at the Michigan House of Representatives. One of her greatest honors was being selected for the University’s Economics Scholarship Program, which is reserved for only the highest achieving economics major. She has dedicated over 120 hours volunteering at the Resource Center for People with Disabilities and is a contributing member of her Maids of Athena Chapter.
Alexander George Przeslawski
Earth Science, Dartmouth College
Alexander plans on majoring in Earth Science at Dartmouth College and pursuing a pre-medical route. He is an AP Scholar and avid clarinet player who has performed in the Michigan Honors Band and Orchestra, and currently performs with the Dartmouth Wind Ensemble. Alexander was a St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival metropolis finalist and an executive of GOYA. His dream is to publish his book and help people.
Kathy Golfo Rodogiannis
Biology, Trinity College
Kathy is a first-year at Trinity College studying Biology and taking part in the Genomics Research Program. Kathy is a Quest Scholar who received Faculty Honors and is pursuing a career in medicine. She received an internship from the American Cancer Society where she did research at the University of Chicago. She graduated Eisenhower High School as valedictorian, an AP Scholar with Distinction, Illinois State Scholar, and member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.
Vasilis Vournous Sitaras
Music, New York University
Vasilis is a junior at New York University majoring in Music, and intends on applying to Physician Assistant programs. He graduated from Nazareth Area High School with high honors, and held the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, and President of the St. Nicholas GOYA in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. An avid musician, Vasili sings, chants in the Greek Orthodox Church, and has been playing violin for eight years. He aspires to one day combine his love for helping others and his passion for music.
Nicholas John Sotos
Accountancy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Nicholas was admitted to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s School of Business as a James Scholar, who plans to major in Accountancy and minor in Technology and Management. He was a member of three honor societies in high school, graduating with Highest Honors. As a member of Stevenson High School’s Business Professionals of America, Nicholas competed at the regional and state competitions in computerized accounting. Nicholas volunteers at his church’s Greekfest, and is a member of the University of Illinois’ Hellenic American Student Organization.
Samuel Patrick Sullivan
Biology, University of Chicago
Samuel is a third-year at the University of Chicago pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Paleontology has always been Samuels’ main academic interest, and his involvement includes not only coursework and lab research, but also expeditionary experiences and volunteer work at the Field Museum and University of Chicago. Samuel says much of his life is shaped by his local Greek Orthodox parish, where he learned the Greek language, traditional dance, Byzantine iconography, and the importance of religion in the family and Greek community.
Katerina Christina Svigos
Economics, New York University
Katerina is a senior at New York University where she is majoring in Economics with a Chemistry minor. After graduation she plans to continue her studies in a post-baccalaureate program to earn pre-med requirements for medical school. Katerina hopes to attend Medical School and eventually become a dermatologist with her own practice. Aside from her love of family and visiting with friends, Katerina’s interests include fitness, travel, language, and fashion.
Thomas Stavros Topalis
Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Thomas is a freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign majoring in Biology. He graduated with highest honors from Buffalo Grove High School where he was on the Math Team, Scholastic Bowl, and the National Honor Society. Thomas also volunteered over 175 hours at Northwest Community Hospital and received the Cook County Youth Service Medal of Honor for his service. In college, he serves as the Public Relations Chair for the James Scholar Honors Student Association. Thomas hopes to attend medical school and become a physician.
Dimitris S. Tselepatiotis
Finance, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dimitris is a freshman at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Business Finance. He is a graduate of Socrates Greek American Day School, and completed Gymnasio at the Hellenic American Academy. In high school, Dimitri was on the
honor roll and was a National AP Scholar. He earned the distinction of Ridgewood High Student of the Term in English, while also playing on the basketball team and participating in the Junior Orthodox Youth League. Dimitri also takes pride in volunteering with his church to help the homeless and less fortunate.
Sofia Eleni Vatougios
Political Science and Philosophy, Saint Xavier University
Sofia is an Honor’s Program sophomore at Saint Xavier University double majoring in Political Science and Philosophy, and aspires to attend law school. She plays three musical instruments, is fluent in three languages, and loves to read and write in her spare time. She is an attorney in her school’s competitive mock trial team, alongside being an executive member of the Saint Xavier University PreLaw Society and Honors Program Student Advisory Council.
William George Vergados
Psychology and Classical Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago
William is an Honors College senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago pursuing degrees in Psychology and Classical Studies, with the goal of attending dental school. He has been on the Dean’s List every semester and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. He is on the Executive Board of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and was recognized for having the highest GPA among all members of the seven fraternities. William is a parishioner of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and also attended Koraes Elementary School.
Victor Angelos Zaharopoulos
Finance, University of Kansas
Victor is a junior attending the University of Kansas where he is majoring in Finance with a concentration in International Business and an Economics minor. He participated in the AHEPA Journey to Greece Program in 2011, and studied abroad in Beijing, China during the spring of 2013. Victor is a re-founding father of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at the University of Kansas, and is currently serving as Chapter Treasurer. Victor spends each summer volunteering to raise money for his local Greek Orthodox parish and AHEPA chapter.