On September 25, 2024, the Dukakis Center hosted a voter registration drive on campus for American study abroad students currently enrolled to take courses at ACT. The effort was supported by ACT’s department of student services and by resident NUin staff from Northeastern University.
Assisting in the proceedings were two Dukakis Center volunteers, Despina Krlevski and Michael Hatsiulis, themselves US citizens.
Upwards of 40 study abroad students availed themselves of the opportunity to register (or confirm their registration) and request an absentee ballot. Two study abroad students, Shayne Buddman and Kristina Dolgacheva, later visited the US Consulate General to submit their ballots to be sent Stateside via diplomatic pouch, and to meet with the current Consul General Jerry Ismail.
This was the second voter registration drive this year for the benefit of Americans residing in Thessaloniki who intend to vote in the 2024 General Election. The first took place in March, when the Dukakis Center also hosted the Global Democratic Presidential Primary, and assisted some 50 study abroad students wishing to register to vote.
Dukakis Center personnel continued to advise the American student cohort in an ad hoc manner right up to the end of October to ensure that anyone wishing to vote was encouraged to do so.
The Center has organized innumerable events on elections in Greece, the EU, and the USA since 2000. The emphasis on voting and elections supplements the Center's work on the 2023 Greek parliamentary elections, which included a landmark poll on the youth vote conducted at the Center's behest by the market research firm Ierax Analytix.
Similarly, a pair of Dukakis Center volunteers conducted an exit poll during the Global Primary, while other interns added to their findings from a poll of first-time candidates who campaigned in 2023. Current intern Michael Hatsiulis is conducting in-house polling exercises during the electoral and post-electoral periods as part of his internship.
The mission of the Dukakis Center, based on the campus of the American College of Thessaloniki, is to inspire young people from both sides of the Atlantic to take an active interest in public affairs. The Center is celebrating its Silver Jubilee season of public service initiatives in 2024-25.
The American College of Thessaloniki announces the launch of the Archery Club, an exciting, unique addition to the college’s offerings. The project was initiated by the Office of Athletics and Student Activities and reflects ACT’s commitment to enriching student life through diverse extracurricular provisions.
Maria Nasoula, the club’s instructor, is a student at the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. At the same time, she is pursuing archery at high-level sport. As the daughter of Ms. Evangelia Psarra, a six-time Olympian, and Mr. Alexandros Nasoulas, member of the Hellenic Archery Federation and a prominent figure within the community for almost four decades, Maria’s attraction to the sport was simply inevitable. Her interest in archery blossomed at a remarkably young age, gradually transforming into a passion that only grows stronger with time. Following her parents’ example, she has also found fulfillment in mentoring others, helping them discover and develop their abilities as archers. The ACT archery club aims to provide a welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced athletes, ensuring that everyone can participate, learn, and improve their skills.
According to Maria and Evangelia, “Archery is much more than the elements we tend to associate it with. It represents the balance between intention and action, the harmony between mind and body. It is an act of mastery over oneself”.
Anastasios, a regular ACT student, intrigued by an acquaintance’s experience with the sport, decided to enroll. As his years-long preoccupation with soccer had come to an end, he considered archery an interesting alternative and an opportunity to immerse himself into something unfamiliar. From the very beginning, he noticed elements both similar and unique to other sports. “As is every competitive game, archery is a challenge of precision, focus, and discipline, as well as a journey of self-reflection and discovery. Yet, what I was surprised to find out is the adaptability that it allows for. Speaking from an amateur’s point of view, I think archery is a significantly less physically demanding sport. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their fitness. What is more, an hour’s practice at the club is the boost that I need to tackle the rest of my tasks. It does not exhaust me but rather helps me clear my mind and energize my body while bonding with classmates and friends. Maria and her father, who is a guest trainer, are doing a wonderful job as they mentor us with patience, allowing us to develop at our own pace and ability while ensuring that training is conducted as safely as possible. I would definitely encourage anyone who is considering joining to do so”.
For the fall 2024 semester, the club meets every Thursday, from 1 to 2:30 pm, at the Archery Field, located between the Constantinides and the West Hall. All relevant equipment is provided by the college.
“Over a billion have voted in 2024,” runs a recent headline in The Economist, “has democracy won?”
The news is both good and bad, continues the same article, prompting an alert reader to wonder how useful this piece of journalism is as a specimen of political analysis. How well served have inquisitive fellow citizens worldwide been in the unprecedented celebration of democracy that was, seemingly, 2024?
To delve into the question, as this year of global elections comes to an end -- going back in fact to two parliamentary elections in Greece in the summer of 2023, the Dukakis Center at ACT will host a gathering of attuned observers in a variety of formats to discuss the current state of political analysis the world over.
The goal will be to gain an initial understanding of what voters seek and what they get in return when they listen to or read their preferred sources of information about political developments in those places where it matters most to them.
Do the outstanding examples of analysis in 2024 serve to rebut the widespread sentiment that democracy is in decline? Looking back at this long year of elections, would we have been right to conclude, as did one American analyst in the New York Times, that “the stark reality is that there are no immediate solutions to a potential election crisis”? Or will we agree with Francis Fukuyama when he writes “thus far, the year of elections has not been a terrible one for democracy worldwide.”
Concerning the current state of the news ecosystem, meanwhile should those of us who rely principally on the mainstream media lament what Mike Allen is now calling the era of “shards of glass?” Was David Von Drehle right to assert in 2022 that “History will likely conclude that the 20th century was the high-water mark of mass communication?”
The in-person event on December 2 will be open to the general public free of charge and will include a panel in Greek and one in English, with bilingual discussion.
A complementary series of virtual panels in English will be broadcast during special episodes of Dukakis Center Live on Anixneusis Web-TV, on December 3 and 4, 6-8 PM.
Monday, December 2, 6-8:30 PM, Daios Hotel, Leoforos Nikis 59
Panel 1 (in Greek)
Featured panelists: Sotiris Serbos, Democritus University of Thrace
Moderator: George Kokkas, International Hellenic University
Panel 2 (in English)
Featured panelists: Alkman Granitsas, formerly Wall Street Journal; Ino Afentouli, Institute of International Relations, Panteion University, formerly NATO Public Affairs (tbc)
Moderator: Lambrini Nassis, American College of Thessaloniki
Bilingual discussion
Dukakis Center Live panels
Tuesday, December 3, 7-8:30 PM
Elections in the EU and the UK: Rikard Jozwiak, Radio Free Europe; James Quirk, American University; Dimitris Papadimitriou, University of Manchester
Wednesday, December 4, 7-8:30 PM
Global elections and US foreign policy: John Koenig, former US Ambassador to Cyprus, Henry Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington; Alan Makovsky, Center for American Progress; Melinda Haring, Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council (tbc)
The Michael and Kitty Dukakis Center for Public and Humanitarian Service Celebrating 25 years of public service initiatives 1999-2024
This open event held in Greek is organized by the Psychology program at ACT in collaboration withthe Dukakis Center, aiming to both raise awareness about adoption and highlight the significant contributions of Michael Dukakis on the subject. Since 1976, November has been recognized in the U.S. as "Adoption Awareness Month," a tradition initiated by then-Governor of Massachusetts, Michael Dukakis, who sought to encourage more families to provide a warm and safe home for children in need.
Speakers
Zoe E. Giannopoulou, Supreme Court Lawyer, PhD, Accredited Mediator (Greece, UK, USA, Singapore), Director of the European Institute for Conflict Resolution
Aigli Brouskou, Social Anthropologist, Scientific Association for Child and Adolescent Care (SYMEPE)
Christina Chatzidimitriou, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Assoc. Professor of Psychology, ACT
Georgia Chatzichristou, MSc, Social Worker - Systemic Therapist, Deputy Head of the Department of Child Protection, Foster Care, and Adoption, Central Macedonia Social Welfare Center
The speakers will delve into issues related to the current framework and practical aspects of adoption and foster care, exploring both challenges and opportunities that arise. Additionally, they will discuss the vital role of interdisciplinary teams in successfully implementing these processes, aiming for comprehensive support for families. Special focus will also be placed on the support needed by adoptive and foster parents, along with the importance of family mediation as a tool to strengthen their relationships with their children. Lastly, a historical overview of adoption will provide insight into its evolution and social impact.
This event is open to the public and is geared toward anyone interested in learning more about the adoption and foster care process, modern approaches, and supportive practices. Join us for an engaging discussion that sheds light on adoption from various scientific perspectives, showcasing the invaluable work and efforts that connect children with loving families.
Η ανοιχτή εκδήλωση με τίτλο «Γέφυρες Αγάπης: Η Υιοθεσία στη Σύγχρονη Πραγματικότητα» διοργανώνεται από το Τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του ACT σε συνεργασία με το Dukakis Center, σε μία διπλή προσπάθεια ευαισθητοποίησης για την υιοθεσία και ανάδειξης της σημαντικής συνεισφοράς του Michael Dukakis στο θέμα. Από το 1976, ο Νοέμβριος έχει καθιερωθεί στις ΗΠΑ ως «Μήνας Ευαισθητοποίησης για την Υιοθεσία», καθώς ο τότε κυβερνήτης της Μασαχουσέτης, Michael Dukakis, επιδίωξε να ενθαρρύνει περισσότερες οικογένειες να προσφέρουν ένα ζεστό και ασφαλές σπίτι σε παιδιά που το έχουν ανάγκη.
Γεωργία Χατζηχρήστου, MSc, Κοινωνική Λειτουργός - Συστημική Θεραπεύτρια, Αν. Προϊσταμένη του Τμήματος Παιδικής Προστασίας, Αναδοχής και Υιοθεσίας του Κέντρου Κοινωνικής Πρόνοιας Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας
Οι ομιλήτριες θα αναλύσουν θέματα που αφορούν το σύγχρονο πλαίσιο και τις πρακτικές εφαρμογές της υιοθεσίας και της αναδοχής, διερευνώντας τις προκλήσεις αλλά και τις ευκαιρίες που ανακύπτουν. Επιπλέον, θα εξεταστεί ο κρίσιμος ρόλος που διαδραματίζει η διεπιστημονική ομάδα για την επιτυχή υλοποίηση αυτών των διαδικασιών, με στόχο την ολοκληρωμένη υποστήριξη των οικογενειών. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση θα δοθεί επίσης στην υποστήριξη που χρειάζονται οι θετοί και οι ανάδοχοι γονείς, καθώς και στη σημασία της οικογενειακής διαμεσολάβησης ως εργαλείο ενίσχυσης της σχέσης τους με τα παιδιά. Τέλος, θα γίνει μία αναδρομή στην ιστορία της υιοθεσίας, για την κατανόηση της εξέλιξής της και του κοινωνικού της αντίκτυπου.
Η εκδήλωση είναι ανοιχτή για το κοινό και απευθύνεται σε όλους όσοι ενδιαφέρονται να ενημερωθούν για τη διαδικασία της υιοθεσίας και της αναδοχής, τις σύγχρονες προσεγγίσεις και τις υποστηρικτικές πρακτικές. Ελάτε να συμμετάσχετε σε μία ουσιαστική συζήτηση που φωτίζει το θέμα της υιοθεσίας από ποικίλες επιστημονικές οπτικές, αναδεικνύοντας το πολύτιμο έργο και τις προσπάθειες που συνδέουν τα παιδιά με στοργικές οικογένειες.
An open event in English, organized by the MBA program and The Entrepreneurship Hub at ACT.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 12:45 - 14:00 Bissell Library, ACT - American College of Thessaloniki
Join us for an insightful open event, organized by the MBA program and The Entrepreneurship Hub at ACT, focused on driving Greek business success in global markets. In today’s highly competitive landscape, with consumer preferences evolving rapidly, Greek companies face both the challenge and the opportunity to extend their reach beyond domestic borders. This event will explore the strategies and insights required for expanding Greek businesses on a global scale.
Hear from leading Greek companies who have successfully taken their brands to the world stage. Representatives from Pelopac, a leading exporter of Mediterranean foods; Olympia Electronics, a pioneer in electronic safety and security systems; Pyramis, a global manufacturer in kitchen and bathroom solutions; Souroti, known for its premium mineral water; and SEVE (Greek Exporters Association) will share their experiences, challenges, and key learnings on building competitive advantages and navigating international markets.
Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or business professional, don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge on the strategies that drive international success for Greek brands.
“Over a billion have voted in 2024,” runs a recent headline in The Economist, “has democracy won?”
The news is both good and bad, continues the same article, prompting an alert reader to wonder how useful this piece of journalism is as a specimen of political analysis. How well served have inquisitive fellow citizens worldwide been in the unprecedented celebration of democracy that was, seemingly, 2024?
To delve into the question, as this year of global elections comes to an end -- going back in fact to two parliamentary elections in Greece in the summer of 2023, the Dukakis Center at ACT will host a gathering of attuned observers in a variety of formats to discuss the current state of political analysis the world over.
The goal will be to gain an initial understanding of what voters seek and what they get in return when they listen to or read their preferred sources of information about political developments in those places where it matters most to them.
Do the outstanding examples of analysis in 2024 serve to rebut the widespread sentiment that democracy is in decline? Looking back at this long year of elections, would we have been right to conclude, as did one American analyst in the New York Times, that “the stark reality is that there are no immediate solutions to a potential election crisis”? Or will we agree with Francis Fukuyama when he writes “thus far, the year of elections has not been a terrible one for democracy worldwide.”
Concerning the current state of the news ecosystem, meanwhile should those of us who rely principally on the mainstream media lament what Mike Allen is now calling the era of “shards of glass?” Was David Von Drehle right to assert in 2022 that “History will likely conclude that the 20th century was the high-water mark of mass communication?”
The in-person event on December 2 will be open to the general public free of charge and will include a panel in Greek and one in English, with bilingual discussion.
A complementary series of virtual panels in English will be broadcast during special episodes of Dukakis Center Live on Anixneusis Web-TV, on December 3 and 4, 6-8 PM (program to be announced).
The Minor in Leadership equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to lead effectively in diverse organizational settings. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, students will develop their leadership potential, learn to inspire and manage teams, and navigate complex business environments. The program emphasizes strategic decision-making, ethical leadership, and interpersonal communication, preparing graduates to take on leadership roles across industries.
Nikolina Djermanović, an ACT psychology student, stands out for her deep commitment to volunteerism and community engagement. Her academic journey began in the U.S., where she earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Presidential Scholar award and the Clarkesville Kiwanis Excellence Award, both recognizing her leadership and academic excellence.
Volunteerism has been a central theme in Nikolina’s life. She has contributed her time and efforts to organizations like the Novak Djokovic Foundation and The Family Resource Center, enhancing her understanding of community needs and collective action. In 2020, her dedication was recognized with the "Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All" award.
Recently, Nikolina was appointed as the Country Chair for Serbia in the G100 Wing for Values and Volunteerism, a global network of women leaders advocating for gender equality and promoting volunteerism. In this role, she is working to foster a culture of volunteerism in Serbia. Her long-term vision includes establishing an advisory council of like-minded individuals to support initiatives that encourage social change through small, collective actions.
Nikolina delivered a speech at the "Values & Volunteerism Online Global Leadership Summit" in partnership with World Values Day, on October 11-12. Her speech titled "Hands On, Hearts Open: The Real Impact of Volunteering."
Her goal is to inspire others to join her in making a meaningful difference in their communities.
2+2 Program with the University of New England (UNE) in Maine, USA
Are you passionate about the ocean and eager to pursue a career in marine science? Our 2+2 program offers a unique opportunity to gain a solid foundation in marine biology and oceanography while earning your undergraduate degree at ACT and University of New England (UNE), one of the leading colleges in the US for Marine Biology degrees.
The Science and Technology Division of ACT is offering a new combined degree in Marine Sciences with the University of New England (UNE). This is an intercollegiate program which allows students to spend two (2) years studying at ACT and another two (2) years finishing their studies in the US.
Studying Marine Sciences is an exciting and fulfilling journey into the vast and dynamic underwater world.
This field offers a unique opportunity to uncover the mysteries of the ocean, from microscopic life forms to majestic marine creatures. As a marine scientist, you’ll contribute to the discovery of new species, study their behaviors, and expand our understanding of marine ecosystems.
The oceans are vital to Earth’s climate and health, and marine science plays a critical role in conserving these environments. You’ll address pressing challenges like pollution, overfishing, and climate change while protecting endangered species. Furthermore, marine organisms offer invaluable resources for medicine, food, and sustainable energy solutions—fields that you can actively contribute to through research and innovation.
A degree in Marine Sciences opens doors to a wide range of career paths, from research and conservation to education and policy-making. Whether in the lab, in the field, or across marine industries, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful impact.
If you’re passionate about the ocean, fascinated by marine life, and eager to contribute to a better, more sustainable world, Marine Sciences could be your perfect career path.
Two Unique Pathways Available
BS in Marine Sciences - Marine Biology
The Marine Biology track delves into the fascinating world of marine organisms and the ecosystems that sustain them. This pathway emphasizes the study of marine life forms—from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals—and their interactions within diverse marine environments. You will explore the biological processes that govern marine ecosystems, focusing on ecology, evolution, physiology, and behavior. Students gain hands-on experience in fieldwork and laboratory research, studying species in their natural habitats and contributing to conservation efforts. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in marine conservation, wildlife management, fisheries, aquaculture, and environmental research.
BS in Marine Sciences - Oceanography
The Oceanography track offers an in-depth exploration of the physical, chemical, and geological processes that underpin life in the ocean. This track covers the study of ocean circulation, waves, and tides, as well as the chemical composition and geological structure of the seafloor. You’ll investigate how these elements shape marine habitats and influence biological life. With a focus on climate change, ocean health, and resource management, students gain the skills to analyze complex environmental systems and address global challenges. Career paths for this track include oceanographic research, environmental consulting, marine policy, and climate science.
Key Benefits
Seamless Transition: Our program offers a smooth transition between ACT and NEU, allowing students to fully integrate into both academic environments.
Hands-On Learning: Experience an immersive curriculum with lab work, field trips, and research opportunities, ensuring you gain practical skills and real-world experience.
Expert Faculty: Learn from distinguished marine scientists who bring their vast expertise and passion for marine sciences to every class.
Diverse Career Pathways: Prepare for a range of careers in research, conservation, education, and marine-related industries, equipped with the skills to make a global impact.
Experiential Learning: Engage in unique learning experiences that prepare you for a globally conscious career, including fieldwork and research exchanges between ACT and NEU.
Prime Coastal Location: Study ocean life at NEU’s coastal campus, where the Saco River meets the Atlantic. Picture yourself walking from state-of-the-art labs to the campus dock, boarding a research vessel, and conducting studies in the Gulf of Maine or on NEU’s private island. Through these hands-on opportunities, you’ll work with professional scientific and nautical equipment, developing valuable career-ready skills.
Program Highlights
Core Courses: Build a solid foundation in marine science with courses covering marine biology, oceanography, chemistry, and microbiology.
Specializations: Tailor your education with specialized courses in areas like marine physiology, underwater robotics, cellular and molecular approaches in marine science, and fish genetics.
Research Opportunities: Collaborate with faculty on research projects and contribute to pioneering discoveries in marine science, enhancing your academic and professional credentials.
Internships: Gain real-world experience through internships at leading marine research institutions, private companies, and organizations dedicated to marine conservation and innovation.
Admissions Requirements
Submission of a completed application, all official college/university transcripts, and official high school transcript.
Successful completion of at least 66 credits of courses at ACT.
Achievement of 2.5 or better GPA while studying at ACT.
About the University of New England
The University of New England is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other inter-professionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts. Visit www.une.edu for more.
Want to Know More?
Contact ACT Admissions via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call us at +30-2310-398-398.
17 Sevenidi St. 55535, Pylaia Thessaloniki, Greece Tel. +30 2310 398398 P.O.Box 21021 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
