BAE Systems Honors Dr. John Apostolos
Mike Heffron, Vice President of Engineering at BAE Systems, presented the 2000 Jack L. Bowers Award to Dr. John Apostolos for his distinguished scientific contributions during the last year. One of four scientists to receive awards from BAE this year, Dr. Apostolos was selected for his work on a new low-profile antenna, the Meanderline Loaded Antenna, used in a wide range of applications from HF direction-finding to UHF communications and also in commercial application. A physicist and the holder of 20 patents, Dr. Apostolos received his doctorate from the University of New Hampshire.
New Book Profiles Greek-American
Luminaries, Celebrates Modern Day
Hellenism in the U.S.
"When you have a legacy as great as the Hellenes, it's natural for people to stop and think, 'O.K., so that's what they did a few thousand years ago. What are they doing today?' It's quite a heavy load to bear on ones' shoulders. I hope that my work comes to answer that question," says Effie Lascarides, author of APOLLO'S LEGACY: The Hellenic Torch in America at the Dawn of the New Millennium. Lascarides, a resident of Rhode Island, is a journalist whose articles have appeared in the U.S. and internationally.
In her book, Lascarides sets out to illustrate that Hellenes today the world over are making contributions just as significant as those of their forefathers. Recently released by Hellenic College Press in Brookline, MA, Apollo's Legacy is a collection of 16 in-depth, intimate interviews with Greek-American luminaries.
Business leaders such as Alex Spanos, owner of the San Diego Chargers and founder of one of the nation's largest land development companies, are interviewed here. So are figures from the political world, including former Massachusetts Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Michael Dukakis, as well as former Clinton advisor George Stephanopoulos. Among the world-renowned scientists represented are Dr. Nikolaos Robakis, who has made significant contributions to the battle against Alzheimer's, and Harvard's Dr. Tom Maniatis, responsible for identifying and putting together the first DNA library. Biotech pioneer Dr. Teni Boulikas discusses his newest, successful clinical trials in non-invasive cancer treatment. The arts are represented by Helene Alexopoulos, Prima Ballerina of the New York City Ballet, and by master floral designer Chris Giftos.
Modern-Day Accomplishments Continue Classical Legacy
Author Lascarides says that her book concentrates on Greek-Americans who are still professionally active at the dawn of the third millenium. "My book is a tribute to Classical Greece through the accomplishments of her children, who today, many generations, centuries and a few millennia later, are bearing their ancestors' torch in another continent. The great Greek philosopher Socrates said that Hellenism is in the Spirit. This book is for everyone who espouses the Hellenic Spirit."
Lascarides addresses the Cyprus issue in her interviews with political figures, persistently asking for an answer as to why it has not yet been resolved after all these years. With Philip Christopher, President of the Pan-Cyprian society, she discusses it at depth. "My hope is to increase public awareness and sensitivity on this very serious issue which, unfortunately, the average American is not aware of," she says. "If as a nation we claim to be supporters of Human Rights and Justice, we have to support these ideals consistently. We, on the other hand, have been doing it selectively: aggressively at times, and in the case of Cyprus, turning our back, pretending not to see. That's not what Democracy is about. There are Americans out there who don't even know the geographical location of Cyprus!" she says.
The luminaries featured in this work discuss their careers, their lives and how their Hellenic identity has significantly shaped their paths of success and achievement. Lavishly illustrated, the book includes over 150 photos as well as a 16-page color section.
Available through all major bookstores (ISBN 0-917653-51-3), Apollo's Legacy can also be ordered through Hellenic College Press in Brookline Massachusetts at 1-800-245-0599 and at 1-617-850-1230 or by emailing HCBKS@hchc.edu.
