On Monday, June 29, Deree – The American College of Greece proudly hosted its third annual Minor Commencement Ceremony at the Deree Track and Field, celebrating the achievements of 218 graduates who completed a Minor alongside their undergraduate studies. Representing Deree’s three schools — the School of Business and Economics, the School of Science and Technology, and the Frances Rich School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences — the graduates pursued Minors across a wide range of fields, from business, economics, technology, science, and psychology to communication, humanities, social sciences, and the arts.
This year’s ceremony marked a meaningful moment for The American College of Greece, as it was the first Minor Commencement presided over by Edward C. Wingenbach, PhD, President of ACG. It also marked the third year of a ceremony dedicated to recognizing students who chose to broaden their academic experience, explore new fields of knowledge, and pursue learning beyond the requirements of their major.
Faculty, family members, friends, and members of the ACG community gathered on the Aghia Paraskevi campus to honor the graduates and celebrate their commitment to interdisciplinary learning. Through their Minors, students expanded their academic horizons, connected different areas of study, and developed skills and perspectives that will support them in their future academic, professional, and personal paths.
The ceremony was led by Haris Daskalothanassis, Executive Director for Outreach and Student Retention, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Lucy Kanatsouli, Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Students, announced the certificate recipients, while President Wingenbach delivered the opening remarks, congratulating the Class of 2026 on their achievement and the dedication reflected in completing a Minor.
The student address was delivered by Christina Petsa, who spoke on behalf of the Class of 2026 and reflected on the pride, nostalgia, and sense of possibility that come with completing one chapter and beginning another. Looking back on her academic journey, she described the Minor as a pivotal part of her growth at ACG, one that became much more than an academic credential. “The opportunities that ACG gave us extend beyond the academic,” she said. “Those experiences taught us that growth often happens outside the classroom, in the moments when we take initiative, engage with the community, and step outside our comfort zones.”
In her remarks, Petsa also paid tribute to the people who shaped the graduates’ experience, from classmates and club members to professors, mentors, families, and friends. Addressing her fellow graduates, she invited them to look back on the milestone with warmth and gratitude, reminding them that the day honored not only their own efforts but also the support of those who stood beside them through every deadline, setback, and success.
The Minor Commencement Ceremony reflects Deree’s commitment to the breadth and flexibility of an American-style education. By pursuing a Minor, students are encouraged to combine their major with another area of interest, creating a more personalized academic path and strengthening the interdisciplinary perspective that defines the Deree experience.
As the graduates crossed the stage, each certificate represented more than an additional academic credential. It reflected extra effort, intellectual curiosity, and the decision to make the most of the opportunities available at Deree.
Congratulations to the Deree Class of 2026 Minor graduates!