About the Foundation
History
On December 22, 1998 in Athens, Greece, the President of the Parent Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, Mr. Stelio Papadimitriou, in the presence of the Ambassador of the United States of America, Mr. Nicholas Burns, signed the founding act of the Affiliated Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA).
After a preparatory period, on October 24, 2000, the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA) celebrated its inauguration and the opening of the Onassis Cultural Center in New York. The inauguration was celebrated in the presence of high ranking Greek and American officials, and approximately 600 guests.
The celebration featured two major cultural events;the first being the opening of an art exhibition at the Onassis Cultural Center entitled "Classical Memories in Modern Greek Art" under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and in cooperation with the National Gallery of Greece. The second event was the display, for the first time, in the Atrium of The Olympic Tower, of the Collection of Casts of the Parthenon marbles owned by The City College of New York, on loan to the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA).
Mission
The mission of the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA) is to disseminate information about Hellenic civilization throughout the United States and Canada. By cooperating with universities, colleges and art institutions in Greece and throughout America, the Onassis Foundation (USA) promotes bilateral cultural relations.
Founder
Aristotle Onassis (1906-1975) was one of the most important and best-known ship owners in the world, specifically in the field of oil tankers. In 1956 he established Olympic Airways, which, after having developed it into a private company serving five continents, was transferred to the Greek State in 1975. Alexander Onassis (1948-1973), son of Aristotle Onassis and Athina Stavrou Livanou, was tragically killed in an airplane crash at the age of 25.
Aristotle Onassis provided in his hand written will for the creation of a private, independent Public Benefit Foundation, named after his son, Alexander, to which he bequeathed half his fortune. The Parent Foundation, Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, is unceasingly active in developing public benefit projects in Greece and abroad. Its activities promote the humanistic ideals of the Hellenic civilization.
Board of Directors
The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA) is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of the following individuals:
Anthony S. Papadimitriou, Esq
PRESIDENT
Ambassador Michael Sotirhos
VICE PRESIDENT
Mr. Paul Ioannidis
SECRETARY
Professor George Babiniotis
MEMBER
Professor Evangelos Chryssos
MEMBER
Mr. Michael Jaharis
MEMBER
Professor Gregory Nagy
MEMBER
Ambassador Loucas Tsilas
MEMBER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ambassador Vassilios Vitsaxis
MEMBER