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Gearing up for the 2015 DEREE Commencement

The time has come to celebrate each DEREE student’s work and path that have led them to their Commencement!

Beginning at 20:30 on Saturday, June 27, more than 300 undergraduate and graduate DEREE students from 17 countries will receive their degrees amid much fanfare, and join the ranks of 39,000 American College of Greece (ACG) alumni distinguishing themselves in Greece and across the world.

The renowned archaeologist and Acropolis Museum president, Dimitrios Pandermalis, PhD, will deliver the 2015 Commencement Address. Professor Pandermalis, a former MP, first came to prominence leading the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s important excavation work at the site of ancient Dion and later for his rich academic career. He received further acclaim for overseeing the construction of the landmark new Acropolis Museum, beginning in 2000, and became its president when it opened to the public in 2009.

Among other distinctions, Dr. Pandermalis has been named Grand Commander of the Order of Phoenix of the Hellenic Republic and Commander, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland. He served as a Member of the Hellenic Parliament from 1996 to 2000.

Dr. Pandermalis will address the graduating class and will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, in recognition of his important contribution to education, culture, and society by ACG President Dr. David G. Horner.

DEREE-The American College of Greece is also honored to host distinguished guest speakers – His Excellency David Pearce, the US Ambassador to Greece, and Dr. Musa Mihsein, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Open University, United Kingdom.

Maria Zoe Papaioannou will deliver the student address for the Class of 2015. Papaioannou, an honors student (BSc in Business Administration, major in Finance), is wrapping up her internship in the finance department of the multinational DIAGEO in London after completing her studies at DEREE at the beginning of the year.

Cheering on Papaioannou and the rest of the DEREE Class of 2015 will be family, friends, faculty, staff, as well as ACG Trustees. Other distinguished friends and guests of the College will join them as they bid farewell to the graduating Class of 2015.

The Commencement Ceremony will be broadcast via live streaming on Saturday, June, 27, 20:30 here