On Saturday, June 28, the Aghia Paraskevi campus came alive with celebration as the Deree Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony honored the Class of 2025. This year’s event marked a milestone in the history of The American College of Greece, not only commemorating the achievements of its newest graduates but also celebrating two historic moments: the 150th anniversary of ACG’s founding in Smyrna in 1875 and the final commencement presided over by President David G. Horner, who retires this month.
In his farewell address, President Horner marked 2025 as a truly historic year for The American College of Greece, not just for the institution but for himself. With warmth and candor, he announced two momentous life events: his recent marriage to Dr. Deborah Jewell-Sherman and his retirement after 17 years of transformative leadership at the helm of ACG. Reflecting on his tenure, he celebrated this period as one of “unprecedented growth in a time of exceptional challenge,” highlighting significant gains in enrollment, scholarly and research output, social impact, and institutional reputation. Between 2008 and 2025, ACG’s undergraduate enrollment doubled, with this year’s class including 991 Parallel Studies students from Greek public universities and 1,324 study abroad students from 257 international institutions—figures that underscore the growing collaboration between public and private higher education in Greece and the country’s rising profile as an international academic destination. Addressing the graduating class—only the third to receive dual degrees from both Deree and The American University of Greece—President Horner expressed deep pride in their accomplishments and thanked the families and supporters who stood by them. “To all of you,” he concluded, “welcome to the 2025 Commencement of Deree College – The American College of Greece in this our historic 150th year.”
President Horner then introduced the Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Greece, Ms. Maria Olson, who brought a heartfelt greeting on behalf of the people of the United States. In her remarks, Ms. Olson expressed her appreciation for the enduring partnership between the U.S. Embassy and The American College of Greece, highlighting the college’s significant contributions to both the academic community and the broader international landscape.
The valedictorian for the Class of 2025, Alhussein Farouk H. Ammar, a graduate of International Relations & European Affairs, delivered a heartfelt and stirring speech that captured the essence of student life at Deree. “Let’s be honest. This was never just school,” he opened. Reflecting on his personal journey from Saudi Arabia to Aghia Paraskevi, Ammar said, “It’s strange how a place becomes yours not all at once but slowly, until one day you realize you’re not adjusting anymore—you just belong.” With poignancy and humor, he recalled student life, from uphill treks to CN to passionate discussions on AI ethics, reminding his fellow graduates that their time at Deree was as much about transformation as it was about education. “Your legacy won’t be your GPA or accolades,” he concluded. “It will be the lives you made easier, the people you stood up for, and the systems you challenged.”
As is tradition, the ceremony featured the conferral of an honorary degree. This year, Doctorate of Deree – The American College of Greece was awarded to Ambassador Daniel Bennett Smith, former U.S. Ambassador to Greece and current Chair of The American College of Greece Board of Trustees. Ambassador Smith joins a distinguished roster of more than 100 honorary degree recipients recognized for their leadership and service in academia, diplomacy, the arts, and philanthropy. Reflecting on his journey, Ambassador Smith shared, “One vivid memory I have from my time at about your age is of my grandmother saving as much money as she could to help send me to college… it meant more to me than any gift anyone has ever given me because I recognized the sacrifice and the love that it represented.” His life and work exemplify the ideals of public service, cross-cultural understanding, and academic excellence that ACG proudly upholds.
The highlight of the evening came with the conferral of degrees, as graduates crossed the stage to receive their Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science diplomas—each name called out in a moment of personal triumph and public recognition. Awards for Undergraduate Academic Achievement and Open University Academic Achievement honored those who exemplified Deree’s rigorous academic standards and spirit of perseverance.
The ceremony was not only a celebration of achievement, but of community. President Horner took a moment to acknowledge the families, friends, and mentors who stood behind the graduates every step of the way: “To those who are here in person or in spirit, thank you. This moment belongs to you as well.”
As the evening progressed, the sky above Aghia Paraskevi lit up in a spectacular drone display—illuminating the messages “We are proud of you” and “150 Years of The American College of Greece.” This awe-inspiring moment brought together past, present, and future in a shared celebration of legacy, growth, and hope, perfectly capturing the spirit of this historic Commencement.
With tassels turned and caps soaring skyward, the Class of 2025 joined the ranks of nearly 69,000 ACG alumni across the globe. As they now step forward—toward graduate school, new careers, or paths not yet imagined—they carry with them the values, skills, and purpose instilled on the hillside campus they once called home.
Congratulations to the Deree Class of 2025. Your journey is just beginning, and the world is already better for the mark you’ve made—and the impact you’re about to create.
If you would like to watch the commencement in full, please click below: