A man of outstanding character,
of exceptional skill and of brilliant talents, Stelios
Papadimitriou worked hard to establish the necessary
structures and conditions, which, among others, supported
us through the most crucial moment of our career,
both financially and morally.
A dear friend and close associate of the late national
benefactor Aristotelis Onassis, Stelios Papadimitriou,
joined by Paul Ioannidis and Apostolos Zabelas,
accepted the challenge of realizing Onassis’ vision:
to establish the Foundation’s solid social presence
through its various cultural and public benefit
activities. Since 1978, the Foundation has established
the Program of Scholarships for Hellenes who wish
to continue their studies in Hellas or abroad,
with a special provision for Pontians from the
former Soviet Union and for Epirotes from North
Epirus. Another program has been added since 1997:
the Program of Scholarships for foreigners who
wish to come to Hellas.
Under the presidency of Stelios Papadimitriou,
the granting of scholarships did not mark the end
of the Foundation’s support. The Special Grant
and Support Program of the Foundation also awards
and publicizes one treatise (preferably a PhD thesis),
funds two research projects, in which one or more
Associate members are the principal researchers,
and funds a scientific conference or an important
cultural event, in which one or more Association
members participate.
The dear departed Stelios Papadimitriou actively supported the idea of the creation
of an Association (i.e. a legal entity); anyone who had received a scholarship
by the Foundation could become a member. The Association would primarily aim
at promoting both individual and collective contribution to the society, as well
as at strengthening the ties of friendship among us. Thus, when the Association
was created, the Foundation supported its effective operation by providing housing,
secretarial assistance, technical equipment, and a much generous, annual funding.
With his sharp, accurate, and full of fatherly
love remarks, our Association’s activities have
been improved and we hope to be in a very satisfactory
level.
Although all of the above could be attributed
to some good, conscientious or at least inspired
manager, Stelios Papadimitriou in charge of the
Foundation was a lot more than that; he was a true
supporter who sincerely cared for our problems,
and who became a model of integrity and creativity.
The pain for his loss is great, and the void this loss is leaving in our hearts
is irreplaceable. We are wholeheartedly standing by his family and especially
by Mrs. Alexandra, his much deserving life companion. Our gratitude will be eternal.
Ioanna Kondylis
President of the Scholars' Association of the Alexander S. Onassis Public.Benefit Foundation |
