TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFTS well as a commitment to supporting education and his community . He passed away in January 2016 .
Stevenson will break ground and begin site development on the new Philip A . Zaffere Library this spring . In addition to library facilities , the complex will include a black box theater ; a faculty commons with offices ; and a variety of gathering spaces for academic , social , and cultural functions . The building will enhance Stevenson ’ s student experience on the Owings Mills campus by expanding research , study , and social spaces as well as foster collaborations between academic departments .
“ Phil was someone who not only could see into the future , but had the courage to act on it ,” said Phyllis Friedman , a long-time friend of Zaffere . “ I know that he would be so proud to have his name on this library of the future that will offer to so many the opportunity to create a better world .”
ALUMNI BROTHERS COMMIT $ 50,000 TO NEW LIBRARY
Harry Tsakalos ’ 96 , and Filio ' 03 and Chris Tsakalos ’ 03
For Harry Tsakalos ’ 96 and his brother Chris ’ 03 , family traditions run deep . The brothers are scions of Baltimore ’ s Greek American community ,
and their grandfather , Harry Tsakalos , and great grandfather , Isidore “ Steve ” Paterakis , founded one of Maryland ’ s iconic businesses , H & S Bakery , in 1943 . Supporting and giving back to the community are values that have guided their family for generations .
This is a tradition they continue as Villa Julie / Stevenson alumni . Over the years , the brothers have supported Stevenson ’ s Annual Fund , joining the Nick Mueller Society , and supporting fundraising through events such as the university ’ s annual Golf Tournament . In this spirit , Harry , Chris , and Chris ’ s wife Filio — also a 2003 Villa Julie alumna — have made a commitment of $ 50,000 to the new Philip A . Zaffere Library . Like the previous generations that helped them , they saw an opportunity to make a positive impact on future generations .
“ We wanted to give back to Stevenson because it ’ s important for the next generation to realize that the university is committed to preparing them for the real world ,” said Chris , who serves as a member of the President ’ s Advisory Council .
“ I wanted to give back to support Stevenson ,” added Harry , who studied Business Information Systems at Villa Julie . “ The college had an enormous influence on my life . It shaped me into the person I am today . Because of that , I want to provide the same opportunities to future generations of Stevenson students .”
In the end , it is the community and personal support that they found at Villa Julie that made the difference for them as students and now as alumni .
“ I would say what we loved the most about VJC was that the faculty and staff knew each student individually ,” Chris said . “ You were not just a number . The relationships made during our time there last for a lifetime .”
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