Mrs. Elizabeth Cappos
Elizabeth Balaban Cappos was born with a desire to be involved and to serve and “got down to business” early. She was President of her class in grammar school and at San Diego High School, and Vice President at San Diego State College. She inherited the philanthropist gene from her mother, twice President of Anthousa Philoptochos, who inspired Elizabeth to become an active lifetime member. Over the years she chaired numerous fashion shows, Hellenic balls, and opened her home for membership teas and Mother's Day luncheons. Her favorite Philoptochos endeavor by far however, has been the almost $16,000 in aluminum cans she has collected over 20 years, earning her the infamous title “The Aluminum Queen”! She has always been equally involved in church activities. At St. Spyridon, she was President of the Daughters of Penelope and led the Epitaphio decorating for over 10 years. When she became a founder of Saints Constantine & Helen Church, she oversaw the Epitaphio there, too. She chaired the festival pastry booth for over 25 years, and still joins the Thursday Baking Group. One of her favorite duties at Saints Constantine & Helen has been the Sunday Outreach Program. Elizabeth's daughter jokes: “If I had a dollar for every person that told me their story of how my mother made them feel welcomed as a part of the community, we could retire from fundraising!” Throughout San Diego County, Liz has also served on various boards, like the Women's Auxiliary of the Salk Institute, the Country Friends, and as President of the Chula Vista Junior Women's Club. In organizations like National Charity League, along with her daughter, she has volunteered at the Old Globe and the San Diego Historical Society. She remains an advocate and supporter of all things Hellenic: the Friends of Classics, the Hellenic Cultural Society, and development of Classics Chairs at SDSU and UCSD. Liz has never been reluctant to spearhead new or different ideas and has lived her life by the motto “try to do something constructive each day, not merely exist.” She continues to inspire those who know her to do the same.
Mrs. Jean Colarusso
Jean Colarusso’s philanthropic efforts in San Diego commenced in 1973 when she began supporting several underprivileged families for over 25 years, through educating their children, building homes, and providing financial assistance. In 1975 Jean helped launch a senior center for Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla. She has provided schools in Tijuana, Mexico with books, school supplies and material for school uniforms. In 1982, Jean established a medical clinic in Tijuana and affiliated it with UCSD Medical School; the partnership is still in operation today. Also in 1982, she co-founded Friends of The Poor to help the needy in San Diego and Mexico. In 1988, Jean first met Mother Teresa when she established her world-wide headquarters in Tijuana. Her close relationship and philanthropic service with Mother Teresa lasted for nine years until her death. Over the course of many years Jean built a tubercular sanitarium for the inmates in the La Mesa Federal Penitentiary in Tijuana, as well as a workshop where the prisoners made crosses that Jean sold throughout the United States. In 1989, Jean partnered with a pastor in San Diego to mentor and feed inner-city children for several years. Jean’s service in Nigeria commenced in 1998; she was instrumental in providing funds for the expansion of a boys’ boarding school and a pig farm for food and extra revenue. Also in 1998 Jean accepted an assignment from a Bishop in Nigeria to help him finish building a cathedral that had been started 20 years earlier but was abandoned due to a lack of funds. She was also instrumental in building an orphanage in Nigeria in 2004, as well as an HIV clinic and an all girls’ Academy, which will open in September 2008, plus several smaller schools. She believes in educating and empowering women to better their lives and the lives of their children. Jean and her husband Cal have been married for 48 years and have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS OF THE ANTHOUSA AWARD
2008
Mrs. Mary Gikas
Mary R. Gikas, her husband Stellios, and sons Nicholas, John and Paul relocated to California from New Hampshire in 1969. Always focused on education, in the mid-seventies, Mary introduced and chaired a Religious Education committee to strengthen the Sunday School program at St. Spyridon. Concerned about the lack of educational resources on Greek Orthodoxy, she proposed and opened St. Spyridon’s library in 1982. Mary served as President of St. Spyridon’s Philoptochos Society from 1984-1989. During her tenure, she chaired two ecumenical luncheons for San Diego Church Women United, represented our church at the San Diego Ecumenical Council of Churches as well as the Balboa Park Committee of 100, and involved Philoptochos in the San Diego Human Relations Multi-Cultural Fair at Balboa Park. In March of 1988, Mary chaired the Diocesan Philoptochos Southern California Regional Meeting in San Diego and was appointed to the Diocesan Philoptochos Council by His Grace Bishop Anthony. Her work with the Diocese included co- chairing several events and being a regional representative for the Diocesan Chapter Team-Up Program, which assisted Philoptochos chapters in Southern California. Mary was also a hostess for the Patriarchal Banquet honoring His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomaios, Archbishop of Constantinople in Los Angeles. Through Mary’s efforts, the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, which assists those studying for the priesthood, received a generous gift of $85,000 from the Marie Casterline Estate in 1991. Mary also served as the Recording Secretary of Philoptochos from 1989 to 1993 and chaired its Welfare Social Service program for fifteen years. The Parish Council recognized Mary with an award in 1989 for her dedication to the St. Spyridon community. Mary helped organize celebrations honoring the 50th Anniversary of Philoptochos in San Diego; she chaired a luncheon and dinner banquet, and produced an anniversary history album. In honor of St. Spyridon’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Mary co-chaired the Family Histories Committee. Mary has been very involved with Kids ‘n’ Cancer, serving on steering committees and as Chairman of Reservations for the last ten years. She is also responsible for the Kids ‘n’ Cancer Agape Bear Care Packages, which are given to the San Diego Armed Services YMCA Naval Medical Center for military children who are ill.
Mrs. Laurie Paschalydis
Laurie Paschalydis has been an active member of the St. Gregory of Nyssa’s Ladies Philoptochos Society. She served as the organization’s Treasurer, participated in the Christmas gift program for needy families, and raised funds for Project Mexico, Holy Cross Seminarians, and Kids ‘n’ Cancer. Currently she chairs the Outreach Committee, visiting nursing homes, arranging monthly visits to God’s Extended Hand, a homeless shelter in San Diego, collecting canned goods and running a Christmas toy drive for needy children. Laurie has also been very involved in her church community. She is a former Parish Council member and currently serves on the Building Committee. She chaired St. Gregory of Nyssa’s Festival for four years. Educating the children of St. Gregory has been very important to Laurie. She was a Sunday School teacher for two years and helped develop the school’s curriculum. Laurie also ran a summer Art Class for the children. The church’s Book Store was started by Laurie, and she ran it for many years. She has opened her home to the church, hosting many Christmas fundraising dinners, and has helped with Pascha picnics and rummage sales. Laurie has been active in the San Diego community as well, especially helping the homeless. Every month for the last 15 years she has provided God’s Extended Hand with a meatloaf dinner for the homeless. She has also collected and distributed blankets, clothing and toiletries for the homeless. In addition to her commitment to the homeless, Laurie has been visiting nursing homes since 1980 and has spent many years helping Project Mexico with mailings. Laurie has been a Certified Residential Care Administrator for 25 years. She provides care and supervision for adults who have been diagnosed with a chronic mental illness. Though her work is challenging, Laurie feels rewarded by the smiles, hugs, and love she receives from her clients. Laurie and her husband, Nick, received the Residential Care Operator award in 1992. Her latest endeavor is as a REALTOR with Century 21 Award. She loves helping people find their dream home in San Diego and is always willing to help anyone in need.
2007
James Zathas
James (Jim) Zathas was involved in the creation of the St. Spyridon Hellenic Foundation in 1982 as an instrument by which real estate surrounding the church could be acquired for the benefit of the community; for the last 22 years he has served and continues to serve as President of the Foundation. The Foundation in conjunction with St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church continues to strive toward acquiring the final parcel on which to build the parish’s future. Jim also served as President of St. Spyridon Parish Council for 5 consecutive years. During his leadership he chaired the committee, which converted the pledge system to the current stewardship program and installed the computer system in the church office. Additionally, Jim raised funds to renovate the church, and was one of the founders of the festival. In 1991 Jim established the Zathas Foundation to create a common resting place for all Eastern Orthodox faithful. He chose El Camino Memorial Park; it offered a serene five-acre area which he named St. Demetrios Garden. Jim funded the construction and personally supervised the building of St. Demetrios Chapel, which provides perpetual use for religious services by all Eastern Orthodox Christians. In 1994 Jim created and financed the Zathas Foundation Scholarship Program to financially assist Greek Orthodox high school graduating seniors and full-time undergraduate college students. Grants vary from $500 to $1500; so far more than 70 “rising stars” have been financially assisted. That same year Jim was invested the Honor of Archon Notarios by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos. He is also 1st Vice President and financial advisor to the St. Spyridon Scholarship Fund. A partial list of his awards include Who’s Who in California from the Historical Society in recognition of exceptional achievements, leadership and services as a renowned citizen of the Golden State and a Distinguished Leadership Award from the American Biographical Institute. Jim has been selected for inclusion in the International Directory of Distinguished Leadership for Outstanding Service to the Greek Community of San Diego.
Mrs. Jeannie Ranglas
Jeannie Ranglas has held many leadership roles within the Greek Orthodox Church, expanding her commitments within the community and nationally. In the year 2000, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America appointed her as a Board Member of the National Philoptochos Ladies Society of the Greek Orthodox Church. She has been assigned as one of the co–chairs for the 11th Annual Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon which benefits Children’s Hospitals nationally. In addition in 2002, His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony appointed her as a board member of the San Francisco Metropolis Philoptochos Ladies Society. Jeannie was assigned the responsibility to chair the Kids ‘n’ Cancer Ministry whose mission is to provide a summer camp experience for hundreds of children afflicted with cancer and their families through the Camp Agape Program. It is through her faith, hope and love that her efforts will continue to expand Camp Agape. She has been an active member in her local church parish since its inception in 1978. She has served as President of Saint Helen Philoptochos and Parish Council President. Other endeavors have included, Member of Leadership 100 of the Greek Orthodox Church, Liaison of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, Board Member of Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, Family Recovery Center for substance abuse mothers with children, National Charity League, Women’s Leadership Council and the Bellarimine College of Liberal Arts Advisory Board at Loyola Marymount University, and Lead donor for the UCSD Endowed Chair for Ancient Greek History. Jeannie has been honored a Woman of Dedication for the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary.
Mrs. Dianne Xenos Ryan
Dianne Ryan is one of the founders of St. Gregory of Nyssa church. She worked as the church secretary for 12 years, tirelessly giving of her time and talent to make the church office run properly. She is a “behind the scenes” volunteer at her church, involving herself with the festivals and bake sales, helping with luncheons, preparing Christmas cookies for shut-ins, scheduling meetings and preparing mailings. Before coming to St. Gregory of Nyssa Dianne was a Sunday School teacher for 21 years at St. Spyridon church. She was also Sunday School Director for grades K through 6 for 1 year. She has served on the Parent Teacher’s Association, Little League, and the San Diego Pisces Bass Club. She also devoted significant time volunteering for KPBS fundraising, the Backyard Swim Programs and Hearing Handicap groups. She has been recognized for her efforts by being awarded the Key to the City of Santee. Dianne, a self-taught artist, has incorporated her art into volunteer efforts that range from creating St. Gregory of Nyssa festival signs and posters, designing the Anderson Elementary Achievement Recognition Awards, and creating the logo for the San Diego Pisces Bass Club. Dianne’s work for the Sunday School included the creation of the curriculum, the class plans and lessons. She also worked on and helped illustrate the San Diego City Schools Sign Language Dictionary. Dianne has a special place in her heart for senior citizens, visiting with them and caring for their needs. She currently volunteers for Meals on Wheels and cares for an elderly woman several times per week, helping her with occupational therapy. Dianne appreciates the wisdom of the elderly, the honesty of children and the value of true friendship.
2009
Jo Cormier
Dynamite really does come in small packages as is evident when you meet Jo Cormier. Her feisty spirit was ignited early, having been raised with six siblings, and is exemplified by her recent award as one of San Diego’s 2009 Salvation Army Women of Dedication.
Educated as a speech pathologist, Jo Cormier spearheaded the development of a Speech and Hearing Clinic at Balboa Naval Hospital in 1971. Staffed and funded by reserve and active duty Navy wives, the Clinic was taken over by Navy Medicine in 1978.
Jo has served in many leadership capacities including past President of the San Diego Navy League Women’s Council and was co-chair of the Armed Services YMCA’s Avant Garde. As Vice President of Education for the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge, Jo planned seminars for high school juniors and escorted selected students to Valley Forge and Washington, D.C.. She served three years on the Southern California Operation Homefront Board of Directors, allocation committee, helping families of deployed military personnel overcome financial difficulties and needs. No project is too large or too small for Jo Cormier. From fundraising to USO Family Night Dinners, the fuse keeps burning. Because of Jo’s Greek heritage, it was natural for the Cormier’s to extend their hospitality to Greek Senior Military Officers. They have graciously sponsored and hosted many of them in their home since 1984 and still maintain life-long friendships.
The Cormier family shares the dream of building the St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church in El Cajon where they have been charter members since 1991. Jo is a member of Philoptochos and has welcomed into her home several youth group activities. She’s worked on various committees for the Friendship Fair, Oktober Fest, and East County Greek Festival. The St. Gregory Philoptochos has been very supportive of the Armed Services YMCA Mission adopting military families, providing seasonal food baskets and toys to various handicapped children. Jo Cormier feels privileged to be associated with these wonderful and inspiring ladies of St. Gregory.
Jo has been married to retired Navy Captain Warren for forty-five years. They have two daughters, three sons, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Jo feels she has had wonderful life thus far, and she wishes she had it all to do over again. Her positive attitude and energy trickle down to all who work with her. She illustrates St. Paul’s instruction in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Alicia & Tony Gwynn
If San Diego had a first couple, it could very well be Tony & Alicia Gwynn. Not only are they both athletes (baseball, basketball, & track), they are also philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and educators. Dr. Alicia Gwynn is the President and CEO of Gwynn Sports, a full-service marketing and design firm, and is the President of the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation (TAG). She also holds a Doctorate in Education, Certificates in Information Systems and Management, and a Master’s Degree in Christian Education. And, if that weren’t enough, Dr. Gwynn is a Certified Anger Management Specialist, an Ordained Minister, and the Chairperson of the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce Educational Foundation (Regional). Alicia, however, is not the only one hitting it out of the park.
Tony Gwynn received his Physical Education Degree and much of his experience at San Diego State where he was a star player on both the baseball and basketball teams. He even turned down an opportunity to play in the NBA to join the San Diego Padres. For the good of the team and the entire San Diego Community, Tony remained a Padre for his entire 20 year career in the major leagues, a commitment that is nearly anomalous among elite athletes. He was one of the greatest and most consistent hitters and right fielders in the history of baseball. Tony’s record of 3,141 lifetime hits is the most of any hitter who started his career after WWII. In 2007, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving 98% support in his first year of eligibility. After retirement, he returned to San Diego State as Head Coach of the baseball team where he is revered by all.
Tony and Alicia formed their foundation, TAG, in 1995 with the goal of improving the education, health, emotional stability, and citizenship of San Diego youth. The foundation offers programs in risk management, obesity prevention, gang prevention, pregnancy prevention, self-esteem, and social skills. Furthermore, TAG provides supplemental educational instruction, career counseling, skill workshops, and parent support groups. Tony and Alicia provide inspiration, education, and support to the young people of San Diego who need it most. In addition to raising their own successful son and daughter, (and now two granddaughters share the spotlight), the Gwynn Team has provided a loving home for many foster children! They emulate the fact that charity begins at home, but never ends there. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans … in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27
Peter Preovolos
Peter Preovolos is one of the few people who believe that, “children should be seen AND heard!” His life has been guided by I Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down upon you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love in faith, and in purity.” Being the father of three boys, and loving his faith as he does, it was natural for Mr. Preovolos early on to put his energy and time in the church youth programs. He has taught Sunday School, served as its Principal, and Youth Director. In 1975 Peter, supported by his loving wife Litsa, founded the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance Festival, (FDF) under the blessings of Bishop Meletios, serving as General Chairman and Advisor until 2004. As his family matured, so did Peter’s interests. Hence, he founded the St. Spyridon Junior Parish Council, a forerunner to the Young Adult League (YAL) and Co-Founded the Metropolis Youth Conference, a program in partnership with FDF. Peter became an active Board Member and later President of the Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. He has served as St. Spyridon’s Parish Council Treasurer and President. His commitment to his parish and church at large has earned him Father of the Year and the high honor of Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. Not only is Peter Preovolos a dedicated servant to his Church, but to his community as well.
Peter currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Grossmont Hospital Foundation and is its immediate Past President. His public service includes an appointment to the San Diego City Employee Retirement System. He has served as Chairman and received a Community Service Award from the National Council of Christian and Jews. Other awards and recognition include being invited by CID (a division of UNESCO) to speak before the world council on the preservation of Folk Art and Greek Folk Dancing. More locally, the City Council of La Mesa passed a Resolution honoring Peter for his voluntary service to the city in the area of finance and future city planning and growth. As you can see, Peter still talks the talk; walks the walk; and dances the dance!!!
Carol Vassiliadis
Although she considers herself a New Yorker, Carol Vassiliadis has made San Diego her home. The Big Apple’s loss is our gain! Carol’s contributions have had a forceful impact on our community and run the gambit from the arts to the sciences. She has been on Gala committees benefiting the Old Globe and Meals on Wheels. Carol has served on the Children’s Home Society Board, the Children’s Action League, and the University of San Diego Parent Board. She is the current Parliamentarian of the Salvation Army Auxiliary. Mrs. Vassiliadis is the recipient of the Henry F. Lippitt Award for her committed leadership and devoted service to the Francis Parker School from 1988 to 2006. Carol served as both a Parent Board Member and a Member of the Board of Trustees during the aforementioned time period.
UCSD is certainly grateful for the endowed fellowship at the Moores Cancer Center for Cancer Research from Carol Vassiliadis who also sits on its Board of Trustees. She has also funded a study on breast cancer and, presently, the Research Center for Pacific Oncology is performing trials for Melanoma through the efforts of this generous Philanthropist. Carol also keeps up with cutting edge research through her membership with the Salk Institute.
The Vassiliadis Endowed Chair in Byzantine History at UCSD for the preservation and perpetuation of Hellenism is supported by Carol in honor and love of her late husband, Alkiviadis. She has served on committees and/or co-chaired the Hellenic Ball for several years and has also received the prestigious Alexander Award from the Hellenic Cultural Society. Carol Vassiliadis has not only honored the San Diego Community with her time, talent, and treasures, but the Greek Orthodox Community of San Diego as well.
As one of the founding members and benefactors of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, providing significant assistance to the Metropolis of San Francisco, and the Archdiocese, Carol Vassiliadis is a member of Leadership 100. She has served twelve years on the Parish Philoptochos Board holding various offices including Event Chair and Recording Secretary. She has unselfishly opened her home and extended hospitality for many occasions from fundraising to education. Carol, a teacher by profession, has been a dedicated religious educator, Greek festival and Greek dance volunteer. It’s said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Carol has certainly made a great life, and although she is has accomplished much, she considers her family, Melissa and Andrew, her greatest award.
2010
Jan Hicks Manos
A gifted actor and educator, Jan Hicks Manos has been a vibrant force in the San Diego county arts and education scenes for many decades. A graduate of San Diego High School, and holding B.S. and M.A. degrees from San Diego State University, Jan has taught, acted, and served with numerous school, arts, and education organizations throughout the county.
The first woman to be chosen by the San Diego City and County Board of Education to enter the “Theater Teacher Hall of Fame” in 2004, and receiving the Citation for Excellence in Teaching 43 times, Jan has taught theater and drama through the Grossmont Unified School District, Grossmont College and the Poway Unified School District, both creating and developing drama curricula. She has starred at the Lawrence Welk Theatre, and directed and performed at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, where the stage was named for her.
From 1990 until 1996 Jan served as the City of Poway’s representative to the governing Board of Advisors for the Poway Centre for Performing Arts. During these years she also served on the San Diego Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television Radio Artists Council in San Diego.
Because Jan’s grandfather, Robert Ernest Hicks, opened the Balboa Theatre in March of 1924, the saving and restoration of this wonderful downtown landmark was an important part of Jan’s community involvement. She joined the Save Our Balboa (Theatre) Committee in 1985, served many years on the Board of Directors, where she was elected President and served until 2003.
A gracious and loving wife and mother, Jan was married in 1951 to John Manos, who passed away in January of 2003, and has two sons and five grandchildren.
George Marinos
A tireless leader, George Marinos was born the eldest of four children to hardworking parents who immigrated to San Diego from Greece in the early 1900s. A graduate of San Diego High School, he served honorably in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, after which he completed a degree at the University of Southern California. Using his education and drawing upon all he had learned from his father’s family produce business, he found employment in a produce brokerage firm and subsequently became a buyer for Safeway stores in Los Angeles, California. He used this experience to return to San Diego and join his father’s business, Sam Marinos Produce, which he operated until 1960. Adding to this success, he began law school at the University of San Diego. In 1963, he received this law degree and began practicing law in his own firm until he retired in 1991.
George has been firmly rooted in the life of his family, faith and community, beginning his service at an early age as an altar boy at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church where he was baptized. He learned leadership as a member of the church choir and serving as president of the Sons of Pericles. He went on to become a member of AHEPA, to which he belongs to this day, as well as serving three times as the president of the Parish Council at St. Spyridon.
A champion of Greek culture, George was the first president of the Hellenic Cultural Society, which through his continued involvement and support, has enriched the San Diego community with a library of scholarly works, free public lecture programs, and three endowed Greek History Chairs at the University of California at San Diego. The endowment of these chairs was a monumental undertaking, but George’s work and that of the Society continue in raising funds for fellowship and scholarship grants.
George and his wife, Mary, whom he met and married in Los Angeles in 1954, have two children and four grandchildren.
Jeanette Rigopoulos
From her years volunteering in her children’s schools to her current presidency of Friends of Classics, a community support group for the Classics and Humanities Department of San Diego State University, Jeanette Rigopoulos has used her organizational skills and her love of Greek language and culture to enrich the lives of her family, her church and the San Diego community at large. An expert in event management, she has planned and executed countless dinners, luncheons, fashion shows and tours for both fund-raising and educational purposes.
At both St. Spryidon Greek Orthodox Church and Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, she has served her congregations by chairing Parent Teacher Organizations, singing in the choir, soliciting building funds, and winning gold, silver, and bronze medals with the Greek Folkdance team she and her children began. A founding member of Saints Constantine and Helen, she served the Parish Council for eleven years in the capacity of Secretary and has chaired a booth at the annual Greek Festival for 29 years. She has held several offices in the Philia Chapter of the Daughters of Penelope, attending conventions as their delegate, and is currently a member of the Pan Arcadian Federation of America. Her longstanding membership in the Philoptochos has included chairing the Elpis, the social and fundraising circle, as well as holding the presidency for six years. She continues to attend national and regional conferences and retreats at St. Nicholas ranch.
Jeanette’s hospitality has extended to housing young people needing assistance in challenging times as well as to a family visiting from Greece needing housing and translation assistance while they sought medical care for their son.
In the broader community, Jeanette is a member of the Hellenic Cultural Society as well as Friends of the Classics, which is currently in the process of endowing a Professorship of Classical Studies at UCSD. She is actively involved in creative fund raising for this project and in assisting students traveling to Greece in a Study Abroad program. Add to this her planning of a special docent-led tour and exhibit (Heroes: Mortals and Myths in Ancient Greece) at the San Diego Museum of Art, and it is apparent that Jeanette’s energy knows no bounds.
Jeanette and her husband, Alex, live in La Mesa, California. They have three grown children, Alex, Madelynn and James.
Marianne McDonald
Marianne McDonald is Professor of Theatre and Classics in the Department of Theatre at the University of California, San Diego, a member of the Royal Irish Academy, and a recipient of many national and international awards: Greece’s Order of the Phoenix (1994); Italy’s Golden Aeschylus Award (1998); and many honorary degrees from Greece and Ireland. She has about 150 publications, and six have been translated into Greek. She has translated all the Greek tragedies and several of the comedies (all prized for their accessible English), besides writing versions and original plays, many prize-winning. She is a devoted teacher and most of her doctoral graduates now have university positions. She is Greek Orthodox with the name Eirene.
She has lectured around the world, and in the major universities of Greece. She was recently asked to open the Centre for the Reception of Greece and Rome, at the University of London (Royal Holloway), based on her pioneering work in the field. She is an honorary citizen of Delphi and brought her translation of Antigone to Delphi with an Irish cast. Since 2000, each year three of her plays are performed locally and around the world. A few titles of her books are: Euripides in Cinema: The Heart Made Visible; Ancient Sun, Modern Light: Greek Drama on the Modern Stage; Sing Sorrow: Classics, History and Heroines in Opera; and The Living Art of Greek Tragedy; with J. Michael Walton: Amid Our Troubles: Irish Versions of Greek Tragedies and The Cambridge Companion to Greek and Roman Theatre.
She has a black belt in karate, mostly to keep her six children in line, besides her eight grandchildren.
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