Athens College held a gala dinner on Thursday, January 23, 2025 to celebrate a century of history and contribution as an internationally renowned center of educational and pedagogical excellence (1925-2025).

More than 400 friends of the College, parents, alumni, and members of the Administration attended the first official Centennial celebration event, which was held at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, where, in August 1925 founders approved the statute for the establishment of non-profit "Hellenic-American Educational Foundation".

All proceeds from the evening will support the Athens College Endowment Fund for the ongoing support of the educational and pedagogical work of the College, as well as the School's Scholarship Program.

Former Prime Minister Mr. Loukas Papadimos '66, Minister of Labor and Social Security Ms. Niki Kerameus '98, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Thanasiss Kontogeorgis '97, Deputy Minister of Development Ms. Zoi Rapti and Mr. George Tsounis, who served as US Ambassador to Greece for almost three years, attended the event.

Guests were welcomed by the Chairwoman of the Athens College Centennial Steering Committee and member of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation (HAEF), Ms. Annika Papantoniou, who spoke about the events planned for the Centennial celebration. She noted that this historic moment is also an occasion to reconnect with the thousands of alumni of the College around the world, who are an integral part of the School.

Chairman of the HAEF Board of Directors Mr. Alexandros Phylactopoulos '65 referred to the social contribution of the College and the value system it cultivates in its students. As he said, "strength, knowledge, faith, and patriotism are the timeless principles that are passed on to students, who learn from an early age that a responsible citizen is one who contributes to society". According to what the "father" of the College, Stephanos Delta, wrote in 1932, "they dreamed of a school that would produce young men of humanism in society."

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Athens College, Mr. George Antoniadis '80 spoke about the importance of the Endowment for the College and thanked all benefactors, donors, and sponsors for their continuous support. He emphasized that the School is a non-profit institution and urged the entire College family to support the Endowment's strengthening efforts. He said that new gifts will ensure the financial stability of the School as it enters its second century of life.

Athens College President, Professor Spiros N. Pollalis, spoke about the comprehensive education that the College provides, as well as the innovations that it has introduced in its program since its foundation until today. As he said, "the College is a Greek school founded to serve the needs of society, embracing the pioneering spirit of American education." He emphasized that the School is entering its second century armed with a glorious past and is redefining its values in the present.

Alumni Ms. Alexandra Tsavliri ‘98 and Mr. Vassilis Fourlis ‘73, also a member of the HAEF, conveyed their love for the College and called those who share the vision of Athens College to support the School.

A presentation on the women of the College, to whom this event was dedicated, followed by Ms. Elli Filippopoulou '88, member of the Board of Directors of the College. As one of the first female students to attend the School in 1977, Ms. Filippopoulou recalled her student years and unfolded the new "college" reality that prevailed with the advent of girls at the previously all-boys school. At the same time, she spoke about the women who served at the College over the years from different positions, each leaving her own imprint on shaping the personality of the School.

Ms . Loula Kertsiikoff, member of the HAEF, closed the speeches for the evening and wished "carpe diem" to the next generations of Athens College students, urging them to make the most of every day of their lives.

The event concluded with a representation of the younger generation of the College and a dialogue between two alumni of the 2000s. Ms. Maria Nefeli Bernitsa ‘09 and Mr. Panagiotis Georgilis ‘06 spoke about the College through their own eyes, shared their experiences and everything they learned from their beloved School, which shaped their character and laid a solid foundation for their future career.

Musical performances were given by Athens College graduate and teacher Ms. Natalia Kantzia ’89 and the Head of the School's Music Department Mr. Stefanos Tsokakis, as well as by the Opera Singers.

The event was presented by journalist of “Kathimerini” newspaper Ms. Margarita Pournara.

The event was planned and coordinated by the Office of the Director/President, the Development Office and the Communications Office. 

Supporters: Hotel Grande Bretagne, Domaine Hatzimichalis, Xaidemenos S.A, Vourakis, The Secret Garden

Communication Sponsor: The Kathimerini