Eleni Gazi is a well-accomplished professional graphic artist and a prominent figure in the non-profit sector in Greece. She graduated from Pierce in 1960 and following her studies, she began her career as an illustrator of children’s books and advertisements for various magazines, including the Kathimerini newspaper.
In 1979, Eleni Gazi co-founded the children’s magazine To Rodi with three colleagues. Her passion for volunteer work and involvement of young people in it led her to establish the Elix non-profit organization in 1987. The organization’s primary objective is to promote the ideals of volunteering as a means of personal development for young people from all over the world and to encourage active citizenship.
Elix’s projects focus on protecting the environment, preserving the Greek cultural heritage, and ensuring social cohesion. Over the past 35 years, Eleni Gazi has been working on a volunteer basis in ELIX, organizing hundreds of volunteer projects and trainings in various parts of Greece, involving young people from many countries.
Q&A
Q: What are three enduring values Pierce has taught you?
Non ministrari….
Fair play
Teamwork
Q: Describe Pierce in three words.
Sunny
Engaging
Caring
Q: Which is your fondest memory from your time at Pierce?
Starting the day with singing in the auditorium. Regardless of the spiritual meaning, singing together is a very powerful process for starting the day. Also the choir with Mr Dounias, wonderful teacher.
Q: What do you miss most from your days at Pierce?
Our youthful carelessness in the beautiful natural environment of Ellinikon.
Q: If you could go back in time, is there anything that would you do differently?
Be more open with classmate in the first years.
Q: Where was your favorite spot on campus?
The fields, the athletic competitions.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher and why?
Mrs Poumboura in first year, very caring for us 12 yrs olds and later Mrs Kesisoglou for opening our young minds to learning with kindness.
Q: After graduation, have you maintained a relationship with your school and classmates?
Not much with the school, apart from the class reunions.We meet regularly with classmates, a few though.
Q: Looking back, how did your time at Pierce help you become the person you are today?
By the school’s openminded view on many factors that contribute to the empowerment of young minds and hearts, the value of being women, giving us a strong voice and opportunities to flourish.
Q: What advice would you give a new Pierce student?
make the best of your time there, grab everything that is offered, be positive in participating in all activities.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Mostly Nature and continuing to learn and practice every day. And of course …ministrare, offering.
Q: What is your motto in life?
“to whom much is given, more is requested”.
ACG Alumni: We Stay Connected!
