Kopan, Andrew T.

Andrew T. Kopan was born in 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to Greek-American parents. He received his bachelor's degree in history from DePaul University, and master's degree in history from Northwestern University. He began teaching at DePaul University while attending the University of Chicago's doctoral program. He received the his doctorate in 1974. He retired from the University in 1994. Kopan was one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) during the 1940's, and he remained commited to the Church and its causes. He was active and influential in the Greek-American community of Chicago and the Greek-American community of the United States. He served as the Director of Ethnic Liaison for the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC), and wrote numerous articles dealing with Greek-American issues. Dr. Kopan passed away in 2006.

Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) was founded in 1951. Concerned primarily with the destiny of the Greek Orthodox Church, GOYA stands for the preservation and perpetuation of Orthodoxy as a permanent way of life in America. Based on the precepts of the Orthodox Church, GOYA offers religious, social, cultural, educational, and athletic activities to its members. GOYA's National Headquarters is also the headquarters for the Greek Archdiocese of North and South America which are located in New York.