On June 30, 2025, Deree – The American College of Greece proudly hosted its second annual Minor Commencement Ceremony at the Aghia Paraskevi campus, coinciding with a momentous milestone: the College’s 150th anniversary. This dual celebration underscored ACG’s enduring commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
A total of 219 students from across the Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, and the Frances Rich School of Fine and Performing Arts received certificates for completing a Minor in one of 62 diverse fields. These ranged from Finance and Psychology to Theater Studies, Environmental Studies, and Music, reflecting the students’ dedication to broadening their academic horizons beyond core requirements.
The ceremony, graced by distinguished guests and faculty, featured Haris Daskalothanassis, Executive Director for Outreach and Student Retention, as Master of Ceremonies. Lucy Kanatsouli, Associate VP of Enrollment and Students, announced the certificate recipients, while ACG President David G. Horner delivered a keynote emphasizing the significance of the celebratory year and the growth of the Minor program.
The student address was delivered by Maria-Alexandra Stefánova Kasapova, who reflected on the experience of attaining a Minor as more than just a credential—it was, in her words, a transformative commitment:
“On paper, it’s called a ‘minor’ certificate. But as most of us know, there was nothing minor about the time, energy, and focus it required… We might have received a minor certificate, but it was a major part of our course… Choosing to go beyond what was strictly required is more than an academic decision—it’s a habit that will serve us well, no matter where life takes us.”
The ceremony also spotlighted exceptional extracurricular achievements, recognizing Emmanouil Karalis, Olympic medalist and holder of top World and European distinctions in pole vaulting. Emmanouil received the Deree Olympian Excellence Award for his outstanding representation of both ACG and Greece on the global stage.
In honoring academic achievements alongside extracurricular excellence, Deree reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing interdisciplinary learning and academic curiosity among its students. The event celebrated not only academic milestones but also the personal and professional growth of each graduate, showcasing their readiness to shape the future as professionals and visionaries.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 Minor graduates! Your choice to pursue more than what was required is a testament to your ambition, your growth—and your place in ACG’s 150-year legacy of shaping futures.