[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 115 (Friday, July 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING ANGELO TSAKOPOULOS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Angelo 
Tsakopoulos on his 80th birthday for his legendary career in real 
estate development and his long history of philanthropy in California.
  Born in Greece, Mr. Tsakopoulos came to America at 15, sailing into 
New York City under the inspiring gaze of the Statue of Liberty. He 
moved to Chicago to live with family, before eventually continuing west 
to the San Joaquin Valley in California. Encouraged by a close mentor 
to continue his education, Mr. Tsakopoulos studied political science 
and business at California State University, Sacramento.
  While attending school, Mr. Tsakopoulos supported himself as a real 
estate salesman, foreshadowing his highly successful career in real 
estate development. Mr. Tsakopoulos founded AKT Development Corporation 
in Sacramento, California, which became a leading real estate developer 
in the area under his leadership and has built tens of thousands of 
homes and more than 30 million square feet of office space.
  Mr. Tsakopoulos and his family have also been dedicated supporters of 
civic and community causes. The Tsakopoulos family has donated land and 
funds to cultural institutions including the Greek Orthodox Church, the 
Crocker Art Museum, and the Roseville Arts Center. Mr. Tsakopoulos has 
also had a strong commitment to supporting education through the Angelo 
and Sofia Tsakopoulos Endowment Fund and as a co-chair for California 
State University, Sacramento's Capital Campaign. To support the study 
and celebration of Greek heritage and history, Mr. Tsakopoulos served 
as an instrumental figure in the creation of the S.B. Vryonis Center 
for the Study of Hellenism in Sacramento.
  Mr. Speaker, Angelo Tsakopoulos has led a tremendously successful 
career and has become a leader in both business and community causes in 
our state. His work and philanthropy have left an indelible mark on 
Sacramento and our larger California community, and it is therefore 
fitting and proper that we honor Mr. Tsakopoulos here today.

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