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Elina Yiannopoulou Harper P ’61

WHAT PIERCE MEANS TO ME

The six years I spent at Pierce College were the most magical, enriching, and important years of my youth. My school was made for me and I was made for it. Pierce empowered me to respect education, to continuously seek intellectual development and to understand the blending of the arts and science. Perhaps above all, I learned to respect the dignity of man and the importance of service to others.

THE LIFE LESSONS I LEARNED AT PIERCE "THE SPIRIT" AND HOW THEY HAVE STAYED WITH ME.

Introspection is not a hallmark of youth and the full realization of how much was given to us during our years at Pierce, did not come to be until many years later.  Our school's creed as inscribed over the entrance of Pierce Hall at Helleniko, "NON MINSTRARI SED MINISTRARE", has been my quiet companion over my mature years. Relevant when first adopted by the brave missionaries back in Smyrna, it remains so today in our fast changing world. Advanced degrees, high powered positions in the realms of government, science, technology, and research can easily become insignificant achievements if they do not adhere to the goal of serving others.

WHY I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT PIERCE

All of us have contributed to our world in our way. Some of us quietly raised our children to become mindful and responsible citizens, others became leaders in science, the arts, and social sciences. I believe it is imperative to support and enable our school to carry on its legacy.

MESSAGE TO MY FELLOW GRADUATES ENCOURAGING YOU TO PARTICIPATE AS YOU ARE ABLE

Do stay connected with our beloved school, not only in spirit but also attending alumni functions and contributing to the scholarship fund.

Please, do not underestimate the power and significance of any contribution you can make even if it is “small”.  Yes, we all can help build the Pierce Scholarship Fund by taking small steady steps (fasouli to fasouli yemizi to sakouli!)  We don't want to miss educating anyone who could belong to the next generation of leaders and become goodwill ambassadors to the world. Greece (and the world) needs well- educated, compassionate, energetic and committed young people who will not only help our own country but also reach to the far corners of the world. The infinite wisdom of our school creed, "NON MINISTRARI SED MINISTRARE", speaks for itself.


Elina Yiannopoulou-Harper lives in Bend, Oregon in the United States. After graduating from PIERCE she went on to earn her college degree at DEREE and later became an operating room nurse. Mrs. Harper attended the Helliniko reunion in 2011 and was inspired to become more involved with her alma mater and to make a gift in support of the PIERCE scholarship fund.


For more information about scholarships offered by ACG, please visit: http://www.acg.edu/scholarships-continuing-students or contact the Financial Assistance and Planning Office Tel.: +30 210 6009800, ext. 1327 | [email protected]

To learn how you can join Mrs. Harper in supporting needy and deserving students by creating your own scholarship fund at ACG or by contributing to existing funds please contact the Office of Development:

George E. Triantaris, Vice President – t. + 1.617.459.2829, [email protected]
Mary-Irene Triantafillou, Executive Director – t. 210.600.9800, ext.: 1239, [email protected]

October 2013