Tassos Paphites (2021) - Hall Of Fame - Virginia Wesleyan University

Hall Of Fame

Tassos Paphites

Class

1979
Induction

2021
Sport(s)

Men's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Men's Tennis, Benefactor

Tassos J. Paphites '79
2021 - Benefactor
Tassos Paphites '79 has been an asset to Virginia Wesleyan Athletics on and off his chosen field of play for over 45 years. He has served on the Virginia Wesleyan Board of Trustees since 2010, and two of his four children are VWU graduates - Ryan, Class of 2013, and Andrea, Class of 2016. He has supported many aspects of the University including academics, student life and intercollegiate athletics. His contributions to Marlin athletics include the scoreboard in TowneBank Arena as well as the NBA-style renovation of the men's and women's basketball locker rooms, all in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Paphites Pavilion at Birdsong Field, which was dedicated in 2015, is a capstone facility for intercollegiate sports, housing field hockey and men's and women's lacrosse. Paphites Pavilion features a prominent entryway with ticketing, concessions and restrooms, offering players and fans a grand, welcoming atmosphere to the competitive playing ground. As a Virginia Wesleyan student, Tassos earned accolades in tennis, soccer, and basketball. He was the first graduate of the University to become a professional athlete, starting as point guard for PAOK European Basketball in Greece. As a result, he was inducted into the VWU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 as an athlete. It is an honor to recognize Tassos once again for his outstanding contributions to VWU Athletics.

2011 - Men's Basketball, Men's Soccer and Men's Tennis (1975-79)
	Throughout Tassos Paphites collegiate career at VWC, he was a three-sport letterman, the first to achieve this rank. He played in the #1 position in tennis for four years and played soccer for four years and was captain for two years. He played basketball for three years, starting as a sophomore, was selected first-team All-Conference twice and selected to the Virginia State All-Star game twice. Tassos became VWC's first alumni professional athlete, starting as the point guard for PAOK European Basketball in Greece and received the Greece National Basketball Award. Tassos is Founder and Chairman/CEO of BurgerBusters Inc. and its affiliates in Virginia Beach. His company has grown from one restaurant in 1986 to more than 100 to date. Tassos is on the Board of Trustees at Virginia Wesleyan.