For their dedicated service during the Korean War and for thier many contributions, in the spirit of Michael Jaharis, to our community, our country and to the world.
THE STORY
Emmanuel Michael Jaharis was born and raised in Evanston, Illinois. Jaharis was the son of Greek immigrants from the village of Aghia Paraskevi on the Greek island Lesvos. Shortly after his college graduation in June 1950, Michael was called to duty to serve in the US Army during the Korean War and was eventually deployed to Zell am See, Austria to help run the medical and pharmaceutical supply.
After his service, while working full time as a pharmaceutical sales representative, Jaharis earned his Juris Doctor as a night student from the College of Law at DePaul University. In 1988, Jaharis founded Kos Pharmaceuticals, where he led his team to pioneer innovative drug therapies to treat cardiovascular disease. Aside from working hard to improve the lives of millions through pharmaceutical products, Jaharis along with his wife Mary worked tirelessly and gave generously through their public service and philanthropic endeavors. In 1986, Michael and Mary founded the Jaharis Family Foundation, Inc. Jaharis was a model of how to offer time, energy and intelligence in pursuit of a better world. He is survived by his wife Mary, their children Kathryn and Steven and his wife Elaine, and five grandchildren, as well as by the millions of people whose lives he has positively impacted.
PAST RECIPIENTS
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2019 | John P. Calamos, Sr.
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2018 | Michael S. Johnson
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2017 | Peter Vlachos
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2016 | John Payiavlas