[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 3 (Friday, January 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E38]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE PANPAPHIAN ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ON THE OCCASION 
                       OF ITS ANNUAL DINNER-DANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 7, 2011

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
PanPaphian Association of America for its tremendous contributions to 
our cultural and civic life. Founded more than two decades ago by 
Hellenic Cypriot Americans of Paphian ancestry, the Association has 
carried out its vital educational, cultural, charitable, and 
humanitarian mission while helping promote peace, unity, and 
understanding on the occupied island of Cyprus.
  The PanPaphian Association of America held the Ninth Evagoras 
Pallikarides Award of Merit dinner-dance last month. The Evagoras 
Pallikarides Award of Merit was bestowed upon Mr. Alkinoos Ioannidis 
for his dedication to promoting Hellenic culture through music and 
song. Born and raised in Nicosia, Cyprus, Mr. Ioannidis studied 
classical guitar at the European Conservatory, moved to Athens, and was 
signed by Universal Music at age 23. He went on to pursue a successful 
career in acting and music, eventually focusing his efforts as a 
thriving musical performer and composer with many successful 
recordings. Influenced by traditional Cypriot music, the Greek 
composers of the last decades, and classical, jazz and rock genres. He 
often performs with orchestras and ensembles. Above all, he remains 
devoted to the Cypriot people, their culture, and their struggle for 
justice, donating his time and talent to numerous concerts and 
performances benefitting various Hellenic organizations and causes 
associated with justice for Cyprus.
  The PanPaphian Association awarded the Distinguished Fellow Cypriot 
Award to Mr. Polys Kyriacou, a distinguished poet and lyricist who has 
distinguished himself in his passionate commitment to justice for 
Cyprus and his love for Hellenic culture. Born in Nicosia, he served in 
the Cyprus National Guard before his studies at Pantios University in 
Athens. He came to New York City in 1982 to earn a Master's Degree in 
Communication and Graphic Design at the Pratt Institute and then worked 
as an Art Director at the Proini daily newspaper. He served for many 
years on the board of the Cyprus Federation of America and the Justice 
for Cyprus Committee, published two volumes of poetry, including 
Sximata, which won First Prize for a Young Poet from the Cyprus 
Ministry of Education. A Member of the Board of Directors of Cosmos FM 
Radio, he hosts his own program every Sunday morning and remains deeply 
involved in New York City's vibrant Hellenic community.
  The Member of the Year Award was given to Mr. George Kouspos. Born 
and raised in Paphos on Cyprus, he came to the United States in 1984 
after serving as an officer in the Cyprus National Guard. He earned a 
Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the City 
College of New York and an M.B.A. degree from Adelphi University while 
working his way through school. He became a principal at CY Electric 
Corp. Throughout his studies and his subsequent professional success, 
he has remained extraordinarily devoted to the cause of justice for 
Cyprus; to the PanPaphian Association, which he has served as Vice 
President, Cultural Officer, and Treasurer; and above all to his 
beloved family, Nancy (Nafsika), who was born in Asgata, Cyprus, and 
his beautiful daughters, Demetra and Maria.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues rise to join me 
in paying tribute to the PanPaphian Association of America, the 
recipients of its awards, and all its many contributions to the civic 
life of our Nation.

                          ____________________