WASHINGTON, DC —The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) mourns the passing of the former chairman of the American Hellenic Institute Public Affairs Committee (AHIPAC) and advocate for Cyprus, Dr. Dean C. Lomis. He passed away February 13, 2021.

“During his many years as a community advocate that began shortly after Turkey’s illegal invasion of Cyprus in 1974, and especially during his four terms serving as AHIPAC chairman from 1984 to 1992, Dr. Lomis worked relentlessly with AHI Founder Eugene Rossides to bring justice for Cyprus under the rule of law,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said.

According to Larigakis, Dean Lomis is credited for raising awareness and ‘educating’ then-Senator Joe Biden about the Cyprus issue and as AHIPAC Chairman, he presented in-person witness testimony to key congressional committees on our positions regarding foreign aid to Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey on several occasions.

“Dr. Lomis was one of my strongest mentors from whom I learned tremendously beginning from my time at AHI in 1987. We travelled the country together advocating on behalf of policy issues impacting Greece and Cyprus and informing and educating communities.

 “Dr. Lomis will be remembered fondly by the American Hellenic Institute and its members as an exceptional individual who worked diligently to promote Hellenic ideals and values in addition to advocating for Hellenic policy issues. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with the Lomis family, especially his wife, Toula; and sons, Van, Nicholas, and Michael. May his memory be eternal.”

 AHI presented Dr. Lomis with the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award in 1997.

Dr. Lomis also actively promoted the teaching of Modern Greek in American universities and cooperated with AHEPA and the University of Thessaloniki to establish courses for Greek American students. He promoted Hellenism in the United States for which Hellenic News of America recognized his efforts, and he remained committed to the promotion of Greek culture and language among Greek American youth until the time of his passing.

DEAN C. LOMIS, PH.D.

Dean C. Lomis, native of Gary, Indiana, was the son of Greek immigrant parents Angelo Tsolomitis from Leonidion, Arcadia and Helen from Naphlion. In 1955, he received is BA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, and attended flying training in Houston, Texas. In 1956, he was assigned overseas to United States Air Force Intelligence Headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany and in 1957, to the Office of the Air Attaché of the American Embassy in Athens, Greece.

In 1960, Dean Lomis began his teaching career at Mesquite High School in Mesquite, Texas while pursuing graduate studies. He received his M.A. in 1965 and his Ph.D. in 1967 in Educational Administration from East Texas State university. From 1959 and until his retirement in 1991, he served as the director of international Center at the university of Delaware where he taught three courses.

Dr. Lomis has served as reginal Chairman of the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs, Delaware State Chairman of the American Association of university administrators, President of the Delaware Division of United Nations Association, President of the Delaware Division of Unite Nations Association, President of the Delaware Division of United Nations Association, President of the Delaware Branch of the English-speaking union, member of the Board of Directors of the Wilmington (Delaware) World Affairs Council, Delaware Council of International Visitors, and Delaware Chapter of People-to-People International, as well as member of various civic and public organizations.

Dr. Lomis has received the AHI Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award in 1997 and Greek honorary awards: the 1972 Santa Clara, California “recognition of Achievement;” the 1978 “Oscar Award of Merit” by the Philadelphia Exclusive and the 1991 “Award of Appreciation by the National Council of international Visitors. He was included in the 1976 “Who’s Who in North America” and was nominated twice for the University of Delaware “Excellence-in-Teaching” Award.

He is a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Wilmington, Delaware and a 35-year member of the Order of the AHEPA. He has served as President of the Hellenic University Club of Wilmington and four two-year terms as the Chairman of the American Hellenic Institute Public Affairs Committee. He also served as the Chairman of the United Hellenic American Action Societies of Delaware.

Dr. Lomis’ military and international education assignments have taken him to 50 countries and all 50 states of the United States. He has authored two books and numerous articles.

Dr Lomis was married to the former Toula Manos of Dallas, Texas. They had three sons; Van, an internist, Nicholas a radiologist and Michael, a pathologist; and eight grandchildren.