ACT Celebrates the Graduation of the Class of 2026
On June 17th 2026, ACT, a division of Anatolia, proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 in a memorable and inspiring ceremony held at the William Mc Grew Sports Center at the Anatolia College campus. Families, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the ACT community gathered to honor the achievements of this year’s students as they marked the culmination of years of academic dedication, personal growth, and perseverance.
The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Stamos Karamouzis, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, who welcomed graduates and guests and reflected on ACT’s mission of educating a diverse student body within the framework of Greek heritage and the principles of the American Liberal Arts educational philosophy. He also emphasized the institution’s commitment to civic awareness, social responsibility, and respect for others, while recognizing the contributions of faculty, staff, families, and friends who supported the graduates throughout their academic journey.
Dr. Stamos Karamouzis, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
This year’s commencement speaker was Mr. Dimitris Papoulis, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Member of the Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Investment Committee of Trade Estates REIC. Mr. Dimitris Papoulis was introduced by Mr. Constantinos Constantinidis, Anatolia College Trustee and Anatolia High School alum '81.
Mr. Constantinos Constantinidis, Anatolia High School '81, Anatolia Board of Trustees
Mr. Dimitris Papoulis, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Member of the Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Investment Committee of Trade Estates REIC
Mr. Papoulis, an alumnus of Anatolia High School class of 1984 and Anatolia’s School of Business Administration and Liberal Arts (SBALA) class 1986, reflected on his educational journey and the evolution of the institution from SBALA to ACT and, most recently, to Anatolia American University. Addressing the graduates, he shared a personal reflection on the unexpected paths life can take: “If someone had told the eighteen-year-old student walking into Compton Hall that one day he would study abroad, build businesses across different industries and regions, lead startups, raise a family, and return decades later to address this historic graduating class, I would never have believed it. And that is perhaps one of the most important lessons I can leave with you tonight: Nobody truly knows what is possible” he noted.
For him, Anatolia, SBALA, and the roots of what became ACT were invisible touches.He described the establishment of Anatolia American University as a historic milestone and encouraged graduates to remain intellectually curious, continue learning, and embrace future opportunities. Reflecting on the role of education in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, he emphasized the importance of critical thinking, judgment, humility, and humanity.
“Your education matters because it taught you how to think. The diploma you receive today represents immense achievement, but it also represents responsibility."
He encouraged members of the Class of 2026 to cultivate both resilience and empathy, noting that life requires “a strong stomach” to face uncertainty, adversity, and difficult decisions without turning away, as well as “a warm heart” to lead with empathy, compassion, and humanity. “The world has no shortage of intelligent people. What it needs more of are people who combine intelligence with judgment, achievement with humility, and ambition with humanity. Those qualities will not only make you more successful; they will make you more valuable. They will make you the kind of leaders people choose to follow”.
Concluding his address, Mr. Papoulis urged graduates to continue seeking knowledge and approaching the world with curiosity and integrity: “Continue reading. Continue questioning. Continue listening. Continue learning. In a world filled with noise, evidence-based thinking will remain one of your greatest strengths. Be ambitious, but also be kind. Pursue excellence, but never lose humility. Build successful careers, but above all, build meaningful lives”.
The Teaching Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Yanis Krassas, Assistant Professor, Division of Business Studies, a long-standing member of the ACT finance faculty. Dr. Krassas was recognized for his unwavering commitment to students, his ability to bridge theory and practice, and his engaging and creative teaching methodology. Student testimonials noted his success in transforming challenging courses into intellectually rewarding learning experiences.
Mr. Evripidis Konstantinidis, President of ACT Alumni Association, Dr. Yanis Krassas, Assistant Professor, Division of Business Studies
Dr. Yanis Krassas, Assistant Professor, Division of Business Studies
The Undergraduate Valedictorian for the Class of 2026 was Athanasios Konstantinos Charitidis. Originally from Thessaloniki, he began his studies at ACT in 2022 and distinguished himself through his academic achievements, service as a teaching assistant, and internship experience specializing in the processing of satellite data. He was recognized for his dedication to personal development and his willingness to support and guide fellow students.
Athanasios Konstantinos Charitidis, Undergraduate Valedictorian for the Class of 2026, Dr. Grigoris Baglavas, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Administration and Student Affairs
The Graduate Valedictorian for the Class of 2026 was Grigorios Vardarinos. A recipient of a merit scholarship, he completed the MBA program while balancing the demands of family, career, and full-time study. Passionate about travel and lifelong learning, he plans to apply the lessons of the MBA program to future ventures and industries, with the long-term goal of pursuing an applied Doctorate in Business Administration.
Grigorios Vardarinos, Graduate Valedictorian for the Class of 2026, Dr. Sevasti Kessapidou, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Faculty
A series of distinguished awards were presented to honor students who excelled academically and through their contributions to the ACT community:
- William W. McGrew Award for Excellence in History & International Relations: Iglika Zlateva Borisova – BA in International Relations. Recognized for her academic achievements, professional experience as a training facilitator and research analyst, commitment to social causes, diversity, equity and inclusion, and cross-cultural communication. She has secured admission and a scholarship for an MA in Politics at Central European University in Vienna.
Iglika Zlateva Borisova, BA in International Relations, Dr. Stamos Karamouzis, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
- Alki Kyriakidou-Nestoros Memorial Prize for Excellence in Liberal Arts: Fani Spantsou – BA in Psychology. Honored for her academic excellence, enthusiasm for research, volunteer work with The Smile of the Child and ELEPAP, and admission to the Clinical Psychology program at Leiden University.
Fani Spantsou, BA in Psychology, Mr. Dimitris Papoulis, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Member of the Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Investment Committee of Trade Estates REIC
- Stavros S. Niarchos Award for Excellence in Computing: Daniil Saltykov – BSc in Business Computing. Recognized for his academic performance, pursuit of a Minor in International Business, Professional Certificate in Data Science, and collaborations with companies in the private sector.
Dr. Roxanne Giampapa, Head of School – Vice President of the Pinewood American International School, Daniil Saltykov, BSc in Business Computing
- Elizabeth Yfantis Demeter Award for Excellence in Business Administration: Aleksandra Krotic – BSc in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business and Finance. Recognized for her academic achievement, engagement in campus activities, and international outlook. Following graduation, she plans to pursue postgraduate studies in Athens.
Aleksandra Krotic, BSc in Business Administration, Mr. Constantinos Constantinidis, Anatolia Board of Trustees
- Fotis Minaretzis Memorial Award for Outstanding Participation in Extracurricular Activities: Karim Walid Fathi Abdelsatar. Recognized for his leadership as President of the Student Government Association and for his outstanding contribution to student life through service, communication, organization, and strong moral character.
Mr. Peter Chresanthakes, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Anatolia College, Karim Walid Fathi Abdelsatar
In his address to the graduates, Dr. Panos Vlachos, President of Anatolia and ACT, reflected on the institution’s continued growth, increasing international reach, and ongoing academic development. He highlighted the integration of Artificial Intelligence into the learning ecosystem, the progress of the institution’s Master Plan, and the historic establishment of Anatolia American University as the first non-state private university in Greece. Addressing the graduates directly, he encouraged them to use the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and values developed during their studies to contribute positively to a rapidly changing world.
Dr. Panos Vlachos, President of Anatolia and ACT
The Class of 2026 joined in reciting the Graduation Pledge before the ceremony concluded with the Greek National Anthem and the official conferral of degrees by Dr. Panos Vlachos, President of Anatolia
With pride and joy, ACT presented to the world the Class of 2026; graduates who now join the institution’s long tradition of alumni and carry forward the values and experiences gained throughout their time at ACT.
Emmanouil Maou, Associate Dean of Enrollment Management, Dr. Stamos Karamouzis, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Grigoris Baglavas, Associate Professor & Associate Dean for Administration and Student Affairs, Mr. Constantinos Constantinidis, Anatolia Board of Trustees, Mr. Dimitris Papoulis, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Member of the Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Investment Committee of Trade Estates REIC, Dr. Panos Vlachos, President of Anatolia and ACT, Dr. Sevasti Kessapidou, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Faculty
Undergraduate Class of 2026
