On Friday, June 27, 2025, The American College of Greece proudly hosted the commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2025 from Alba Graduate Business School and the Deree School of Graduate and Professional Education. This year’s event held profound significance, coinciding with ACG’s 150th anniversary since its establishment in Smyrna in 1875. Commemorating a century and a half of academic excellence and influence, the occasion celebrated not only the accomplishments of the graduating class but also ACG’s enduring legacy in shaping the future of higher education in Greece and beyond.
The new graduates join an extended family of nearly 69,000 ACG alumni from Greece and abroad, each forging a bright and impactful career path. Equipped with essential skills to lead an entrepreneurial, innovative, and sustainable future, our master’s degree graduates received degrees in Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Arts (MA).
The ceremony commenced with welcoming remarks from Dr. David G. Horner, President of The American College of Greece:
This evening’s ceremony holds special meaning as we mark the 150th anniversary of our founding in Smyrna in 1875 and as I prepare to conclude my 17-year tenure as president of The American College of Greece. Throughout these years, despite economic crises and a global pandemic, ACG has expanded in size, quality, and impact. Deree’s undergraduate enrollment has doubled, and our student body now includes an exceptional blend of learners from Greece and worldwide, encompassing nearly 1,000 Parallel Study students from Greek public universities and over 1,300 study abroad students from 257 international institutions. As I preside over my final Deree Commencement, I do so with profound pride in our graduates and unwavering confidence in their ability to lead, serve, and inspire in the years ahead.
George Kottis, recipient of the 2025 Alba Highest Achievement Award and Master of Science in Finance graduate, delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing the profound impact his education at Alba has had on his personal and professional development:
Our journey at ALBA has been one of both academic rigor and personal growth. We each arrived at this school from different backgrounds, some of us returning to the classroom after years in the field, others still exploring who we are and where we’re going. But what united us was the same intention: to grow not just academically, but personally as well. In an international framework characterized by dramatic changes, disruptions and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, possessing the right soft skills is of utmost importance. In response to these challenges, we didn’t just gain technical knowledge at ALBA. We sharpened our critical thinking, broadened our understanding of how today’s global economy and society operate, and learned how to respond, not just react.
Angelos Bollas, recipient of the 2025 Deree Highest Achievement Award and Master of Arts in Learning Design and Technology, was not able to attend. Christoforos Kapsalis, Deree graduate in MS in Data Science, offered remarks on the Deree graduate class:
Graduate studies reshaped us beyond academics, fostering a global community united by shared challenges and growth. This transformation marks just one of many in life. Some of us will pivot careers, others will deepen current paths, and many are still finding their way—and that’s perfectly fine. Let us embrace this journey, continue learning, and carry forward this invaluable experience. Thank you to all who supported us.
The heartfelt speeches from our graduates resonated deeply, inspiring and motivating us. Witnessing their growth and readiness for the next chapter was truly memorable. The evening’s highlight was an awe-inspiring drone display illuminating the night sky with messages of “We are proud of you” and “150 Years of The American College of Greece,” capturing the essence of this historic milestone.
If you would like to watch the commencement in full, please click below:
To the Class of 2025: We extend our heartfelt best wishes for your continued success and personal growth. May you continue to cultivate your curiosity, uphold your social responsibilities, and contribute meaningfully to your communities. Congratulations on your remarkable achievements!