The Hellenic University Club of Southern California was founded in 1961 and incorporated as a non-profit cultural organization "to engage in the specific business of promoting the study and understanding of Hellenic culture and philosophy." (Paragraph IIA of Articles of Incorporation dated December 29, 1961). Its founders were a group of Hellenic-American scholars and members of the professions with vision and a strong sense of pride in their ancestral origin.

Since its founding, the Club has provided the Greek Community of Southern California with the opportunity and the forum to explore, understand, appreciate and celebrate the Hellenic cultural heritage. Through perseverance and enthusiasm the membership grew from the original nucleus of 25 in 1961 to nearly 300 members today. The members represent most sectors of the Greek American Community of our area and work closely with all the other elements of the community. This growth and expansion have been, in part, the result of a deliberate policy followed in the past several years to broaden the base of the Club and make it representative of our community.

Sponsored events throughout the year directly contribute towards the Club's objective and indirectly encourage fellowship among the members. Proceeds from donations, membership dues and sponsored events ensure the Club's ability to support its stated objectives. This is accomplished through grants to educational organizations which promote Hellenic culture. Among the organizations supported are the Basil P. Caloyeras Center for Modern Greek Studies at Loyola Marymount University, the Theasaurus Linguae Graecae at the University of California-Irvine, the Speros Vryonis Center for the Study of Hellenism in Sacramento, and the Society for the Preservation of Greek Heritage in Washington DC.