ALPHA OMEGA COUNCIL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SERVICE, LEADERSHIP AND HELLENISM WITH THREE-DAY ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
Posted by estiator at 5 October, at 11 : 42 AM Print
Milestone Celebration Featured Annual Honors Gala, Historic Konstantinos Argiros Concert and Leadership Luncheon Honoring Five Decades of Council Leaders
BOSTON, MA (October 5, 2026) – The Alpha Omega Council celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a milestone weekend of events October 2-4, bringing together leaders, philanthropists, business professionals, dignitaries and members of the Greek American community for three days of celebration, recognition and reflection on five decades of service, fellowship and Hellenism throughout New England.
The three-day celebration featured the Alpha Omega Council’s 50th Anniversary Annual Honors Gala at the historic Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, a landmark performance by internationally renowned Greek superstar Konstantinos Argiros at Agganis Arena, and a Leadership Luncheon at Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown honoring the Council’s founders and past presidents.
“Celebrating 50 years is a remarkable milestone, but it is also a moment to recognize the generations of leaders, members, families and supporters who built Alpha Omega Council and carried its mission forward,” said Costa Speliakos, President of the Alpha Omega Council. “This weekend allowed us to celebrate that extraordinary legacy while looking ahead to the future and the next generation of leaders who will continue the work of Alpha Omega Council. From honoring those who helped establish and strengthen this organization, to recognizing the accomplishments of today’s leaders and bringing our community together in celebration, the weekend was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when people come together with a shared commitment to service, leadership and our Hellenic heritage.”
ANNUAL HONORS GALA
The weekend officially began Friday, October 2, with the Alpha Omega Council’s 50th Anniversary Annual Honors Gala at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. The evening began with an intimate gathering in the Saint James Room for the presentation of the Peter Agris Memorial Awards hosted by Nancy Agris Savage. Held before the evening’s larger festivities, the gathering brought together a smaller group of family members, Council leaders, supporters and award recipients to honor the legacy of Alpha Omega Council founder Peter Agris. The awards recognize individuals whose accomplishments, service and commitment to the Hellenic community reflect the values Peter Agris championed throughout his life. Nancy Agris Savage, Peter Agris’ daughter and the 2026 recipient of the Alpha Omega Council Founders’ Award, presented the awards to this year’s recipients, continuing her family’s longstanding connection to the Council and its mission.
This year’s six recipients were Fotini Anastopoulos, Christian Andriolas, Tyler Davis, Maria Manousakis, Calista Sybrant and Theodora Tsevas, representing the next generation of journalists, communications professionals and storytellers. The recipients are pursuing or have recently completed studies in journalism, communications, media and public relations at institutions including Harvard University, Northwestern University, Boston University, the University of Maryland, the University of Utah and the University of Leicester. Their academic achievements, professional experiences and involvement in Hellenic and community organizations reflect the continuing impact of the Peter Agris Memorial Awards in supporting emerging communications leaders.
Following the Peter Agris Memorial Awards, guests gathered for a cocktail hour, providing an opportunity for members, honorees, families and supporters to reconnect and celebrate the Council’s 50-year legacy before the formal black-tie program began.
Following the cocktail hour, guests gathered in The Grand Ballroom, an elegant setting featuring a 28-foot ceiling, crystal chandeliers, gilded columns, balconies and classic mirrors, as the black-tie celebration formally got underway. Co-Chairman Bill Galatis welcomed guests, followed by remarks from veteran journalist and Master of Ceremonies John Metaxas. The evening continued with the national anthems of the Hellenic Republic and the United States of America, performed by Dr. Vivian Paraskevi Douglas and Peter Costarakis, followed by an invocation and remarks from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and remarks from His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston.
Guests then viewed a special 50th Anniversary video presentation before President Costas Speliakos delivered his remarks. Harry Vlachos, followed with remarks and a presentation, leading into the evening’s first major honor, the presentation of the Founders’ Award to Nancy Agris Savage.
President Costa Speliakos said, “Visibility creates awareness, awareness creates participation, and participation strengthens our ability to serve. Just as importantly, we have a responsibility to prepare the next generation to lead. Organizations remain strong when new people are welcomed and young leaders are given meaningful opportunities and responsibilities. We must continue laying the groundwork for the next generations to participate in Alpha Omega — to lead, to innovate and, ultimately, to carry this organization and its mission forward. Fifty years ago, our founders planted something extraordinary. Now, it is our responsibility to build upon it. As we begin our next 50 years, our responsibility is not simply to preserve what has been built, but to strengthen it and create new opportunities for those who will come after us. My hope is that future generations will gather to celebrate Alpha Omega’s 75th anniversary and, ultimately, its 100th anniversary, and look back on this moment not simply as the occasion when we celebrated our first 50 years, but as the moment when we began strengthening the next 50.”
Nancy Agris Savage received the 2026 Founders’ Award, recognizing her lifelong commitment to education, the preservation of Hellenic heritage and the advancement of the Greek American community. The award carried particular significance as Agris Savage is the daughter of Alpha Omega Council founder Peter Agris, who helped establish the organization in 1976.
For more than three decades, Agris Savage has overseen the Peter Agris Memorial Awards, which have provided nearly $1 million in grant assistance to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in communications and journalism. She also succeeded her father at the helm of The Hellenic Chronicle following more than a decade on the senior staff of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs and currently serves as Team Leader of the ongoing Hellenic Chronicle Digitization Project.
Following the Founders’ Award presentation, the Council recognized the 2026 recipients of the Peter Agris Memorial Awards, continuing a scholarship program established in honor of Alpha Omega Council founder Peter Agris and his lifelong commitment to journalism, communications and education.
Dinner followed the scholarship recognition before the evening’s remaining awards were presented. Boston University received the 2026 Philhellene Award, with Kelly Polychroniou, Head of Modern Greek Language Program at Boston University, accepting the honor on behalf of the university. The award recognizes an individual or organization whose work promotes the ideals of Hellenism and makes a meaningful contribution to the broader community. Boston University has also maintained a longstanding connection to Hellenic scholarship through its Department of Classical Studies, including the work of Professor Loren J. Samons II, recipient of Alpha Omega Council’s 2024 Philhellene Award.
Telemachus “T.A.” Demoulas then received the 2026 Emerging Leader Award, recognizing his business leadership, community impact and commitment to Hellenic values. A fourth-generation member of the Demoulas family, Demoulas has been part of Market Basket since childhood and joined the company full-time in 2014, serving in key roles in the grocery and real estate departments and most recently leading the grocery buying team. Market Basket was founded in Lowell in 1917 by T.A.’s great-grandparents, Athanasios and Efrosini Demoulas, who emigrated from Kalambaka, Greece. The family-owned company has grown from a single store into one of New England’s largest grocery chains while maintaining a longstanding emphasis on family, service and community.
The Honors Gala served as the centerpiece of Alpha Omega Council’s annual recognition and fundraising efforts while marking the organization’s five-decade history of educational initiatives, charitable giving, civic engagement and support for the Greek American community.
KONSTANTINOS ARGIROS CONCERT
On Saturday, October 3, Alpha Omega Council continued its 50th Anniversary Weekend as the local host for an historic concert featuring Greek superstar Konstantinos Argiros at Boston University’s Agganis Arena in partnership with Dream Hospitality Group.
The concert marked Argiros’ first performance in Boston and the first time an international Greek artist headlined a concert at Agganis Arena, named after legendary Boston University athlete and Boston Red Sox first baseman Harry Agganis, known as “The Golden Greek.” With over 7,000 attendees from 46 states across the United States as well as Canada and Greece, the concert also marked the second biggest concert in history at Agganis Arena.
The Boston concert provided an opportunity for members of the Greek American community and music fans from throughout the region to come together in celebration of contemporary Greek music and culture, and be the first to hear Argiros’ first performance of “Revma”. Argiros brought his internationally acclaimed performance to Boston following major appearances at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Chicago’s United Center and OAKA Stadium in Athens.
ALPHA OMEGA COUNCIL LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON
The 50th Anniversary Weekend concluded Sunday, October 4, with a special Leadership Luncheon at the Taxiarchae Parish Cultural Center at Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown.
The day began with Orthros, Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service, which was held in honor of the Council’s deceased Past Presidents, all which were offered by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston. The service was followed by the Leadership Luncheon, bringing together generations of Alpha Omega Council leadership, members and families to recognize the organization’s founders and 38 past presidents and reflect on the individuals who have helped shape the Council since its founding in 1976.
With nearly 200 people in attendance, the luncheon celebrated the Council’s rich history and the lasting contributions of its past presidents, beginning with founding president Judge Monte G. Basbas, who served from 1976-1978. Basbas was among the organization’s founders and dedicated his life to military, legal, civic and community service. A Manchester, New Hampshire native and graduate of Dartmouth College and Boston University School of Law, he served as a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot during World War II, completing 62 combat missions and more than 300 hours of combat time. He later served as a Judge Advocate General in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a captain in 1959. His subsequent career in public service included 19 years as Assistant City Clerk and City Clerk of Newton, three terms as Mayor of Newton, and service as a District Court Judge until his retirement in 1990.
Remarks during the luncheon were offered by luncheon Co-Chairs Manny Frangiadakis and George Karalis, as well as recently appointed Alpha Omega Council President Costa Speliakos. A video presentation chronicling the history of the Alpha Omega Council was also shown during the luncheon, offering a look back at the organization’s five decades of service, leadership and community involvement.
The luncheon culminated with a special tribute to the Council’s past presidents. Family members and representatives of each of the 38 past presidents were invited to accept a custom crystal award on their behalf, presented by co-chairs Manny Frangiadakis and George Karalis and recently appointed President Costa Speliakos. The presentation honored the legacy of each individual who served as president and recognized the collective leadership that has guided Alpha Omega Council throughout its first 50 years.
The Council’s leadership history spans presidents from Judge Monte G. Basbas, who served as the organization’s founding president, through most recently President Harry J. Vlachos and now President Costa Speliakos. The 50th Anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to recognize that full continuum of leadership and the enduring contributions of the individuals who have served throughout the organization’s history.
50 YEARS OF SERVICE, PHILANTHROPY AND HELLENISM
The Alpha Omega Council’s Articles of Organization were officially filed on May 13, 1976, with 10 incorporators: Peter Agris, Menelaos Aliapoulios, Monte Basbas, Louis Dadasis, George Delegianis, Nicholas Metaxas, Paul Scangas, Nicholas Vinios, Nicholas Xanthaky and George Karageanis.
Early members including George Danis and George Behrakis also played important roles in establishing the organization’s foundation and continue to support and mentor future generations of Alpha Omega Council members.
Over the past five decades, Alpha Omega Council has contributed millions of dollars to charitable causes and educational initiatives while serving as a leading voice for Hellenism, civic engagement and community service throughout New England.
The organization’s signature programs include the Peter Agris Memorial Awards, Marathon Education Essay Event, Boston Marathon Wreath Ceremony, Greek Heritage Night with the Boston Red Sox, Golf Classic Fundraiser and Annual Honors Gala.
The 50th Anniversary Weekend reflected the breadth of that mission — honoring the individuals who built the organization, celebrating those carrying its values forward, bringing the Greek American community together through music and culture, and reaffirming Alpha Omega Council’s commitment to future generations.
As Alpha Omega Council begins its next chapter, the 50th Anniversary Weekend stands as both a celebration of the organization’s history and a reflection of its continuing commitment to leadership, philanthropy, education, Hellenism and service.
For more information on Alpha Omega Council and its 50th Anniversary celebration, please visit AlphaOmegaCouncil.org or follow on social media via Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.
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About Alpha Omega Council:
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, the Alpha Omega Council is a Boston-based nonprofit philanthropic organization dedicated to promoting patriotism to the United States and cultivating the ideals of Hellenism. With over 100 members, its mission is advanced through support of scholarly, athletic, medical, charitable, scientific, literary, religious, and educational initiatives throughout New England and the United States. Comprised of Americans of Hellenic ancestry across diverse professional fields – including business, education, academia, medicine, law, politics, engineering and science – the organization has contributed millions to philanthropic causes since its inception, in addition to supporting the annual Peter Agris Memorial Awards. Signature annual events include the Marathon Education Essay Event, Boston Marathon Wreath Ceremony, Greek Heritage Night with the Boston Red Sox, Golf Classic Fundraiser and Honors Gala. For more information, please visit https://alphaomegacouncil.org or stay tuned for updates on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Dena Panagopoulos
Founder, Dena Public Relations
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