THE HELLENIC STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

The Hellenic Students ' Association at OSU was formed as an organization to provide friendship and activities for students from Greece.

About a year ago, President Makis Skoulakis began a program of contacting students in Greece who had been accepted at OSU. Information is sent ahead to the students and when they arrive at the Columbus International Airport, they are greeted by a member of this organization. They are then driven to the campus area and assisted in locating an apartment. In the weeks that follow, the newcomers are helped in numerous ways to overcome the culture shock of coming to an American university.

During the school year, activities include parties, patriotic celebrations, an Easter lamb roast, and the commemoration of other cultural events. Speakers are invited to visit the campus to give discussions on topics of artistic or political interest.

The advisor for the group is Professor Vassilis Lambropoulos

Originally a soccer club that played in the Ohio-Indiana-Kentucky league, this organization was formed as a vehicle for fellowship among soccer players and newcomer Greeks. A highly successful annual dance brought in enough money for operating expenses and gift money for the land fund drive. Their first money-making event was in 1973 and was called the Zorba Glendi. Done pretty much on the same concept as the annual festival, it was decided that year that instead of having two smaller festivals and numerous dances, the Big Brothers, the Pholoptpchos, and the Olympic Club would pool efforts to hold one big festival each year to benefit the church.

The Olympic Club took on the adoption of a child in Greece through the Save The Children Federation. Monthly installments were sent to help the child with basic school expenses. The Club had also an outreach to newcomer Greeks in which they had "kafenion" type gatherings at various local restaurants. Usually following soccer games, the men would get together to discuss their adjustment to life in America and to solicit the help of those already established.

Informal classes were held to instruct the basics of English and to help newcomers find employment or housing. One service performed by Kosmas Synadinos and Dimitris Papaleonardos was to the translation of the exam for an Ohio driver's license into Greek.

Due to the marked tapering off of t immigration from Greece in recent years, the club has not been nearly as active as in early years. The present officers of the club are planning to undertake the sponsorship of various athletic programs for the youth and thus revive the club.