The Arthur and Mary (Seiradakis) Platsis Endowment for the Greek Legacy, a gift from Arthur and Mary Platsis' son, George Platsis, was first announced at the official opening of Hellenic Cultural Month in October of 2001.

Arthur and Mary (Seiradakis) Platsis, immigrants from the island of Crete in Greece, exemplified the finest traditions of modern Hellenism, including hard work, service to their adopted homeland, and a commitment to education. This commitment was maintained by each of their three children and six grandchildren, all of whom earned university degrees. Arthur Platsis demonstrated his devotion to the United States by proudly volunteering for military service with the 32nd Michigan Infantry in World War I. Upon his return, he served as head chef at the American Legion Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan that cared for veterans who suffered the effects of poison gas attacks. Like many immigrants, Arthur Platsis labored to support not only himself but also family members in Greece. He helped accumulate dowries for his four sisters. Mary (Seiradakis) Platsis also demonstrated her desire for serving others through volunteering for the Red Cross, founding the Battle Creek Friends of Greece during World War II that shipped clothes to her wartorn homeland and providing relief to the orphanages of Kandanos and Sougia, the village of her grandfather, from 1945-1947, under the United Nations Relief and Reconstruction Act.

It is in the spirit exemplified by these two individuals that their son, George Platsis, created the Arthur and Mary (Seiradakis) Platsis Endowment. Funds from this endowment will serve two main purposes: an annual symposium and student prizes for original work relating to all aspects of the Greek Legacy.