Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (

STARS is a comprehensive sustainability framework for colleges and universities administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Developed by the higher education community through a transparent and inclusive process, STARS evaluates and promotes sustainability across all aspects of higher education with participants reporting achievements in five overall areas: 1) academics 2) engagement, 3) operations, 4) planning and administration, and 5) innovation and leadership. It addresses the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.

ACG’s STARS report is publicly available on the STARS website.

The 2026 submission marks ACG’s fifth report and reflects the College’s long-standing commitment to measuring, benchmarking, and continuously improving its sustainability performance. The framework provides a common set of measurements that enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions while helping identify opportunities for further progress.

This achievement is particularly significant because it was earned under STARS 3.0, the latest and more comprehensive version of the framework, released in 2024. Despite the more rigorous assessment criteria, ACG not only maintained its Gold Rating but improved its overall score from 81.87 in 2023 to 84.70 in 2026, achieving its highest score to date and placing the institution just 0.30 points away from the Platinum level.

“ACG’s STARS Gold Rating is both a recognition of our institution’s sustained commitment to sustainability and a testament to the collective work taking place across our community. As Sustainability Director and STARS project leader, I am proud of the collaboration that made this achievement possible across academics, operations, student engagement, and community partnerships. My role as Vice President of the AASHE Board of Directors has further reinforced my belief in the value of transparent, evidence-based sustainability reporting as a catalyst for institutional transformation and continuous improvement,” shares Rania Assariotaki, ACG Sustainability Director, Office of Sustainability – Public Affairs. “This achievement reflects not only how far ACG has come, but also our commitment to keep leading with purpose, measurable impact, and shared responsibility.”

With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance.

“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. ACG has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Gold Rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”

With this achievement, The American College of Greece remains the only institution in Greece currently submitting a report and is among a relatively small number of institutions (21) outside the United States and Canada to have achieved a STARS Gold Rating. The recognition places ACG within a select international cohort of colleges and universities demonstrating excellence in sustainability across academics, research, campus operations, engagement, and governance.

Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. Because STARS is a program based on credits earned, it allows for both internal comparisons as well as comparisons with similar institutions.

The Office of Sustainability – Public Affairs at ACG will continue to coordinate, encourage, and report on all sustainability-related initiatives. For more detailed information on ACG’s sustainability achievements, please visit our Sustainability@ACG webpage.

About AASHE:

AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. AASHE’s mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation.  It provides resources, professional development and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research. For more information about AASHE, visit www.aashe.org.

For more information about the STARS program, visit stars.aashe.org.

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Meet June’s Sustainability Face: Rita Dionysopoulou

Rita Dionysopoulou, Deree ‘20, is part of the ACG Office of Admissions team and serves as Advisor to the Deree Fashion Club.

For Rita, sustainability starts with the everyday choices we make, including the way we consume fashion. As part of her commitment to living more sustainably, she actively seeks ways to reduce waste and promote more responsible fashion consumption habits.

Rather than discarding clothing she no longer wears, Rita regularly declutters her wardrobe and gives those items a second life by donating them to people in need or organizations that repurpose and transform them.

“I believe that sustainability begins with everyday decisions, and even small changes in our habits can have a meaningful impact,” she shares. “Through the Fashion Club, we strive to extend this mindset to our wider community!”

This philosophy is reflected in the initiatives of the Deree Fashion Club, which organizes secondhand bazaars and supports organizations that give pre-loved clothing a new purpose. Through these activities, the student club encourages a more thoughtful approach to fashion. one that values reuse, creativity, and responsibility over excess consumption.

Rita leaves us with a powerful reminder:

“Every garment has a story beyond its first owner. The question is: will we continue the story, or will we allow it to end before its time?”

Her message highlights how seemingly small choices can contribute to a more sustainable future and demonstrates how individual actions can inspire broader community impact!

Every month, we proudly feature members of the ACG Community—students, faculty, and staff—who lead sustainable lives on campus and beyond and inspire our community.

Because ACG Cares!

Want to meet past Sustainability Faces? Scroll through our social media.

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Through this partnership, students enrolled in the Biomedical Sciences programs of the School of Science and Technology at Deree will have the opportunity to undertake internship placements within Omnigen’s departments and functions, gaining valuable hands-on experience in research, medical, laboratory, pharmaceutical, and related healthcare services.

Working alongside Omnigen’s scientific staff, students will gain firsthand exposure to both individual and team-based professional activities while developing a deeper understanding of the services provided to beneficiaries and the wider healthcare community. Internship experiences may include participation in activities related to the development, approval, distribution, education, and promotion of healthcare and biomedical services, as well as opportunities to observe diagnostic assessments, individual consultations, and other professional practices.

The partnership will also provide students with access to educational and professional development programs designed to enhance their knowledge, skills, and readiness for careers in healthcare and the life sciences. In addition, students will benefit from lectures, workshops, and masterclass series jointly organized by Deree and Omnigen, bringing together faculty members, scientific professionals, and industry experts to share expertise and insights into emerging developments in the field.

Beyond student placements, Omnigen will contribute, on a voluntary basis, as an external collaborator in selected thesis and capstone project evaluation committees, further strengthening the connection between academic study and professional practice. The two institutions will also collaborate to support research, innovation, and education in Biomedical Sciences, while working together to raise public awareness of healthcare services and promote health education initiatives.

Reflecting the shared commitment of both organizations to academic excellence, scientific advancement, and experiential learning, the partnership creates meaningful opportunities for students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings while preparing the next generation of healthcare and life sciences professionals to make a positive impact on society.

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Held on May 28, 2026, as part of the annual Panathēnea Festival in Athens, the 12-hour hackathon brought together some of the region’s most talented builders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to develop AI-powered solutions and compete for more than €50,000 in prizes and credits. Out of more than 100 applicants, only 25 teams were selected to participate.

Dimitris and Roman impressed the judges with Portside, an AI-powered solution designed to address a major challenge in the maritime industry. The platform streamlines delay claims by transforming complex voyage documentation into fully cited claims in less than 60 seconds, significantly reducing the time and effort traditionally required for this process.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the speed at which the team transformed an idea into a polished solution. Building on concepts first explored during the Zone01 hackathon, the students refined, developed, and presented their project on the main stage at Zappeio in less than 10 hours.

Their success reflects the spirit of innovation and applied learning that defines the student experience at Deree. By combining technical expertise, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset, students are developing practical solutions to real-world challenges and demonstrating how artificial intelligence can create meaningful impact across industries.

Congratulations to Dimitris and Roman on this outstanding achievement. Their accomplishment is a testament to the talent, ambition, and innovative thinking emerging from the Deree community and serves as an inspiration to future student entrepreneurs and changemakers.

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Hosted by the Office of Advancement – Alumni, the event became a meaningful reflection on the power of education, opportunity, and generosity to shape lives. Through personal stories and shared experiences, participants highlighted the lasting impact of Libra’s support and the ways in which scholarships, internships, mentorship, and access to global opportunities continue to empower students and alumni across the ACG community.

ACG President Ed Wingenbach welcomed participants and reflected on the significance of the long-standing partnership between ACG and Libra, emphasizing its alignment with the College’s mission to advance education, strengthen civil society, and prepare future leaders.

Around the room, students and alumni shared stories of perseverance, gratitude, and growth. Current scholars spoke about the financial support that made it possible for them to pursue graduate studies in fields such as psychology, communication, education, and business. Alumni reflected on how the Libra Internship Program gave them international exposure, professional confidence, and connections that continue to shape their careers today.

Among them was Rozanna Mortopoulou, a Deree alumna and former Libra intern who now serves as CEO of Libra Philanthropies. Her journey from student to intern to leader offered a powerful example of the opportunities made possible through the partnership.

“It’s that access to opportunity,” she said. “And then the rest, it’s up to you—what you do with it and what you build.”

Nikos Logothetis also reflected on the origins of the Libra Internship Program, launched during Greece’s economic crisis to help talented young people gain international experience and see new possibilities for their future. Today, that commitment continues through Libra Philanthropies’ broader work in education, leadership, and social impact.

Throughout the discussion, one message stood out: the true measure of philanthropy lies in the lives it helps change.

“The focus is not the numbers,” said Logothetis. “It’s the change in people’s lives.”

As the gathering came to a close, current scholars sat alongside alumni whose careers had been shaped by the same programs years earlier—a powerful reminder of the ripple effect created when education meets opportunity.

More than a decade after the partnership began, ACG and Libra continue to demonstrate what can happen when generosity, vision, and belief in young people come together: lives are changed, futures are strengthened, and new generations of leaders are empowered to make their own impact.

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To commemorate the historic anniversary, ACG collaborated with Maya Tsoclis, who served as narrator and co-scriptwriter; Natassa Blatsiou, director, producer, and co-scriptwriter; and ERT S.A., the film’s co-producer, to develop the documentary Mission Sunny Days: From Smyrna to Modern Athens. This film draws on extensive material from ACG’s archives provided by ERT S.A., tracing the institution’s extraordinary journey from its founding in Smyrna in 1875 to its thriving presence in Athens today.

Through archival material, historical footage, and personal testimonies, the documentary brings to life pivotal moments in ACG’s history and the people who helped shape them. It follows the College through times of displacement, renewal, and growth, highlighting a legacy built on educational excellence, social contribution, and a deep commitment to serving future generations.

At its core, Mission Sunny Days is a tribute to the spirit of The American College of Greece — a spirit shaped by service, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives. It honors the values that have carried the College forward for 150 years and continue to guide its future, captured in its enduring motto, Non ministrari sed ministrare — to serve, not to be served.

We invite you to experience the documentary on ERTFLIX and discover the remarkable story of ACG’s first 150 years. Watch it here.

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This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to providing our students, student-athletes, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members with a premier fitness and wellness environment that supports performance, health, and overall well-being.

Through this partnership with one of the world’s leading fitness and wellness companies, the renovated facility will feature state-of-the-art equipment, innovative training solutions, new flooring, and a modernized fitness experience aligned with the highest international standards.

The renovation project is scheduled to begin on July 18 and is expected to be completed by September 10. During this period, the Fitness Center will remain closed and reopen upon completion of the renovation project.

At The American College of Greece and Deree Athletics & Recreation, we continue to invest in facilities and initiatives that enhance the student experience and promote a culture of wellness, fitness, and excellence.

We look forward to welcoming our community to the renovated Deree Fitness Center soon.

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Organized by the Center of Excellence in Sustainability (CoES) in collaboration with the School of Science and Technology, the event invited students, educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, families, and science enthusiasts to explore the many ways science connects with everyday life. Through keynote talks, interactive workshops, scientific demonstrations, and experiential learning activities, Deree Science Days 2026 offered an engaging program designed for audiences of all ages.

The event opened on Friday, April 24, with two distinguished speakers who addressed some of today’s most fascinating questions in science and medicine. Dr. Paraskevi Nomikou presented a lecture on marine geohazards and underwater geological processes, highlighting the importance of volcanic and seismic activity in the Aegean region and the role of marine research in understanding natural phenomena and environmental change.

The evening continued with Dr. Med. Dimitrios Isaakidis, who explored the relationship between consciousness, neuroscience, medicine, philosophy, artificial intelligence, and physics. His presentation encouraged the audience to reflect on the future of brain science and the evolving connection between human cognition and emerging technologies.

The first day concluded under the night sky with a stargazing session on campus, supported by the Hellenic Amateur Astronomy Union. Participants observed celestial objects through telescopes and engaged with astronomy enthusiasts and science facilitators, enjoying a memorable hands-on experience that captured the event’s spirit of curiosity, exploration, and public engagement with science.

On Saturday, April 25, the campus came alive with a rich program of sessions and activities. A key part of this year’s event was a series of dedicated workshops for educators, focusing on two important themes: the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and addictions. The workshops offered teachers practical tools, interactive methodologies, and contemporary educational perspectives to support science engagement among students, foster inquiry-based learning, and encourage innovative approaches to STEM teaching and experiential learning in the classroom.

A special session dedicated to World Parkinson’s Day brought together clinicians, researchers, innovators, patients, and caregivers for meaningful dialogue on the role of scientific research, collaboration, and community engagement in advancing healthcare and improving quality of life.

Throughout the event, visitors had the opportunity to discover student and faculty research initiatives and explore a wide range of scientific fields, including biology, genetics, biodiversity, chemistry, neuroscience, environmental science, astronomy, robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. Activities included forest biodiversity exploration, microbiology observations, interactive human anatomy sessions, everyday chemistry experiments, molecular gastronomy “cooking,” the timeline of evolution, telescope observations, weather phenomena demonstrations, virtual reality experiences, cryptography games, and robotics interactions.

Deree Science Days 2026 also highlighted ACG’s dedication to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the important role that science, education, and innovation play in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.

With strong public participation and enthusiastic engagement, Deree Science Days 2026 reaffirmed its role as an important platform for science communication and community outreach in Greece. The event was made possible thanks to the invaluable contributions of more than 20 faculty members and lab technicians, as well as more than 30 students, whose energy and dedication helped bring science closer to the community.

By connecting academic research with society and creating opportunities for lifelong learning, Deree Science Days 2026 demonstrated how science can inspire curiosity, creativity, and collaboration across generations.

Telescope

Telescope

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Science Labs

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Volcano Robot

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Two Events with ACG presence in San Francisco

Under the auspices of the Greek Consulate in San Francisco, the “ACG in San Francisco” event took place on May 10, where Consul General Grigorios Tassiopoulos warmly welcomed the ACG leadership team. The gathering brought together ACG alumni and friends, as well as select prominent members of the Greek-American diaspora who have excelled across a range of industries.  ACG President Ed Wingenbach shared ACG’s vision and mission and referred to some key ACG developments and initiatives currently shaping the institution’s future, joined by Claudia Carydis, VP of Public Affairs and Aliki Giannakopoulou, VP of Advancement. President Wingenbach had the opportunity to meet, reconnect and engage with guests in a very welcoming atmosphere.

A second highlight of this visit was the cocktail reception co-hosted on May 11^th by Sid and Nancy Ganis, two prominent members of the local film industry, recognized for their important contributions to film, entertainment leadership, and charitable work. The event aimed at introducing and building support for the creation of the Greek Film Institute Master’s Program in Film & Media Arts at The American College of Greece. Nancy Ganis presented her vision for the program, mentioning how this fits well with the current Greek government’s plans to make Greece a global destination for film productions and explained why they feel that The American College of Greece is the ideal academic partner in this endeavor. President Wingenbach gave an overview of the role and impact of ACG throughout the years, highlighted some of the other major initiatives currently underway at ACG, while also sharing his enthusiasm about a potential collaboration in establishing the Greek Film Institute. The event was supported by the Elios Society and the San Francisco Greek Film Society.

Engaging Leaders Across Industries

Beyond the events, the ACG leadership team – President Wingenbach, VP of Advancement Aliki Giannakopoulou and VP of Public Affairs Claudia Carydis, – engaged in a series of private meetings with members of the Greek American community. These included visits to the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, where Nikos Kyrpides, Computational Biologist and Senior Scientist, offered an insightful look at current research projects in the US and potential areas for collaboration with the Greek tech and innovation ecosystem.

A Network Built on Lasting Relationships

The conversations held throughout the visit reaffirmed the vibrant and dynamic presence of the Greek American diaspora, with young and older generations of Greeks thriving and actively seeking ways to connect with Greece and contribute to its future growth.

ACG continues to play a leading role in further advancing US-Greece relations through academic partnerships and by bringing the largest number of American students to study in Greece each year.

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Two Public Events Bring the ACG Community Together

Two flagship public events marked this visit.  The first, “ACG in Chicago’’ was graciously hosted by John P. Calamos, Sr. at the beautiful National Hellenic Museum in Chicago on May 5^th. The evening brought together ACG alumni, Trustees, and friends of the institution in a warm gathering, giving them the opportunity to reconnect with their alma mater and among them. ACG president, Dr. Ed Wingenbach, highlighted ACG’s vision and mission, while also sharing some of the exciting projects and initiatives ACG is currently working on. The event also featured a heartfelt welcome by John P. Calamos, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Calamos Investments.

The second event, co-organized with HALC (Hellenic American Leadership Council), took place on May 6^th under the title ‘’Conversations on geopolitical realignments, soft power, and the role Greece is playing in the greater Eastern Mediterranean.” President Wingenbach joined Tom Ellis, Editor in Chief of Kathimerini English Edition, for a fireside chat on the role of ACG as a Regional Hub of Education. The discussion highlighted the role of ACG as a regional hub of tertiary education attracting more than 2,000 international students annually, as well as ACG’s overall social impact and contribution to enhancing the people-to-people ties between the US and Greece.

The conversation then expanded into a broader panel discussion on “Conflict and Realignment in the Middle East” moderated by Tom Ellis. The panel featured distinguished speakers: Constantinos Filis, Director of the ACG Institute of Global Affairs and an Associate Professor at The American College of Greece. Rachel Bronson, Lester Crown Senior Nonresident Fellow, Energy and Geopolitics, Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Endy D. Zemenides, Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council.

The discussion focused on the latest developments in the Middle East and the manner in which they are precipitating a reconfiguration of regional alliances, while simultaneously contributing to the emergence of new global power dynamics. Particular emphasis was placed on the role and positioning of Greece, which has assisted Gulf states in their efforts to defend themselves against Iranian attacks, especially with respect to the protection of critical infrastructure, including energy installations.

Engaging the Greek American Community

Beyond the ACG events, the ACG leadership team – President Wingenbach, VP of Advancement Aliki Giannakopoulou, and VP of Public Affairs Claudia Carydis – engaged in a series of private meetings with many members of the Greek American community. These included visits to the offices of John Kampas, Founder and CEO of EMPIST and Nick Stavropoulos, CFO, offering an insightful look into successful Greek American businesses in the US.

The team also met with representatives of the Hellenic Foundation in Chicago, including William Vranas and Peter Valessares, as well as the Board of Trustees of the N. Demos Foundation – one of the longest-standing donors of study-abroad scholarships at the school.

A Network Built on Lasting Relationships

Throughout the visit, President Wingenbach and the ACG administration had the privilege of connecting with numerous alumni, Trustees, and valued friends and supporters of the College. These conversations reaffirmed the strength and vitality of the ACG network and the enduring importance of nurturing close ties with its global community.

ACG continues to play a pivotal role in further advancing US-Greece relations through academic partnerships and by bringing the largest number of American students to study in Greece each year. This visit represented a meaningful step forward in advancing ACG’s strategic priorities – fostering collaboration and reinforcing its role as the leading, private, US-affiliated, non-profit academic institution, one with a truly global outlook.

For additional photos from the event at the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago, we invite you to view the following Album.

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