Anatolia College Announces New “Center for Educational Excellence”

CTY Greece p. 4 Autumn 2020

Interview: Vassos Efthymiadis, A New Home for Pinewood Two New Erasmus + Managing Director of K&N Efthymiadis S.A. International School Programs at ACT Page 5 Page 6 Page 10

fter securing a generous founding gift from Aa passionate and concerned benefactor who shares in the transformative vision, Ana- tolia College has announced an ambitious new plan to transform its educational landscape by creating a regional “Center for Educational Excellence.” The Center’s focus will be guided by our core mission to unite a diverse student body through innovative practices and commitment to academic excellence. The new Center’s mission will be to establish a Anatolia framework for developing and implementing new educational approaches, and become a Responds to the regional leader for contemporary educational methodology and development. An innovative educational model will augment Coronavirus Crisis Anatolia’s core progressive educational philos- The Center for Educational Excellence will that will grow in conjunction with economic natolia College reacted swiftly and de- ophy to provide the necessary focus, facilities, partner with leading institutions in the US and development in this part of the world. As the Acisively in response to the Coronavirus programs, and faculty to support our communi- Europe. The partnerships will foster the pro- city extends its role as an international edu- lockdown. Driven by our commitment to ty. Anatolia’s new learning paradigm will amplify fessional development opportunities teach- cational destination, Anatolia will serve as a our students, faculty, staff and the extended the current educational model toward learning ers need to best support students, both at pivotal institution in this aspect of regional de- community, we acted to assure their safety that emphasizes skills and their practical appli- Anatolia and throughout the wider region. velopment, and the Center for Educational Ex- and well-being at all times. As borders be- cations. It will introduce a flexible delivery mode, The Center will also emphasize research as a cellence will provide the platform from which gan to close, we took immediate initiatives providing personalized, student-centered learn- means of expanding the scope of the Center’s Anatolia will assume this role. to help students from abroad return safe- ing that will encourage the curiosity and critical impact. The Center of Educational Excellence The Center for Educational Excellence will in- ly to their home countries, helping them thinking skills necessary to become creative, will therefore disseminate best practices to the clude four main components: Endowed Faculty make last-minute travel arrangements, and flexible problem-solvers. Through an emphasis wider region and participate in an exchange Development and Scholarships funds, a new even providing bus transportation for stu- on communication, interdisciplinary work, and of ideas and faculty within a global academic building for our International Baccalaureate dents from Albania to return home. For the empathy, students will gain the perspective they community. program and expansion of our dormitory. The four students in the Boarding Department need to become global citizens and productively In addition, Thessaloniki remains a critical re- building projects will be designed, planned, and who were unable to repatriate to Italy and confront 21st century challenges. gional hub for economic activity, an epicenter built within the next three years. China, we ensured their accommodation on Campus - full room and board - could continue uninterrupted. Continuous efforts from our faculty and academic staff to shift the curriculum to an on- Building Towards the Future line learning environment allowed lessons to continue and kept students connected ignificant progress toward our Campaign This new building will feature dedicated labora- to the school and the educational process. Sgoals was achieved this year as Anatolia tory facilities for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology The extraordinary effort to incorporate moved forward with its planned develop- classes as well as a multipurpose classroom fully new educational technology accelerated ments and announced a new transforma- equipped for students and teachers to explore our transition to a new era of teaching and tional initiative that will inspire and nurture the most modern developments in this rapidly learning across all divisions. The summer students for many years to come. changing world. As part of the broader outreach was dedicated to preparing and refining The Anna Papageorgiou STEM Center was to the community, Anatolia College will host plans and policies which will guide every completed and is ready for the new school events and classes in this new facility that will division in facing the educational challeng- year! This 950 square-meter building is effec- be open to all students, making it an important es that await this coming fall. tively energy self-sustaining with zero emis- resource for science education in the region of sions and will showcase American green Northern Greece and beyond. technology, including photovoltaic cells, and The Anna Papageorgiou STEM Center received a geothermal heating and cooling system. major support from the USAID/ASHA (United Our STEM Center building is dedicated to the States Agency for International Development/ innovative teaching of the sciences, technol- American Schools and Hospitals Abroad), and ogy, engineering and math and will serve as from the Papageorgiou Foundation as well as a physical example of the curriculum’s con- commitments from Trustees of Anatolia Col- tent - a ‘living laboratory’ in which students lege, Anatolia Collage alumni, parents, and a not only learn, but experience the principles host of other private and corporate donors. and methodologies they are studying. - Continued on page 2

Page 1 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020 Anatolia College Institutional News

In Memoriam: Stavros Constantinidis Building Towards the Future Continued from page 1 Stavros Constantinidis, one of Anatolia College’s longest-serving Trustees, passed away on De- Bissell Challenge cember 14th, 2019, leaving an unfillable hole in the heart of the Anatolia community. is Successfully Completed From his family’s beginnings in Prousa (Asia Minor), Stavros Constantinidis graduated from The longstanding effort to expand Anatolia’s Anatolia College in 1947. He earned an under- Elementary School took a great leap forward graduate degree from the School of Chemical this year with the successful completion of Engineering of Geneva University and a PhD the Bissell Challenge. This major fundraising from Basel University. The son of a self-taught initiative will provide the necessary support industrialist, Constantinidis built his family busi- for the building project, which is critical to ness into one of the most successful textile “...One of Anatolia’s greatest the adoption of our new learning paradigm companies in northern Greece and the sur- contributions to our society at the AES. rounding region, distinguishing himself and the is the balanced, democratic It marks a great milestone in our ongoing company as a prototypical employer known for Comprehensive Campaign, demonstrat- entrepreneurial vision and good practices. environment the school of- ing once again the strong dedication and His love for Anatolia College was reflected in his fers. Teaching our students commitment felt towards our school by all service and generosity. In 1976, Constantinidis members of the Anatolia community. When became a member of the Anatolia Board of to open their minds and use Trustee and major benefactor George Bissell Trustees, where he served as Vice Chair of the the strength of their character announced his intention to match dona- Board, and as a member of the Executive, Facil- to achieve their goals – this tions from alumni and parents, and to triple ities, Elementary School Governance, and High From left: July 2020. The U.S. General Consul in Thessa- all monies received from students and young School Governance Committees. is how we can make positive loniki Gregory Pfleger, Jr, the Anatolia College President alumni, he challenged all those who cared His engineering background proved invalu- change in society...” Dr. Panos Vlachos, and the U.S. Ambassador in Greece about Anatolia’s future to support the school’s able to the Board of Trustees in matters of Geoffrey R. Pyatt. efforts by contributing to the Campaign for Anatolia’s physical environment and campus - Stavros Constantinidis “The Anatolian” (2015) the Next Century. The Bissell Challenge, as expansion projects, many of which he donat- the match-funding came to be known, raised ed funds towards. Ambassador Pyatt and the a total of nearly 1.1 million Euros, a significant A firm believer in Anatolia’s mission to edu- New Consul in Thessaloniki amount of the overall campaign goal. cate students from all socio-economic back- Visit Anatolia The campaign’s success is surely due to the grounds, Stavros Constantinidis was a strong overwhelmingly positive feedback from the advocate for scholarships. Following in his fa- United States Ambassador Geoffrey R. Pyatt roughly 300 donors who heeded to the call ther’s tradition as a donor, he funded ten full took advantage of his time in Thessaloniki to and opened their hearts and wallets. In a scholarships to Greek Cypriot students follow- visit Anatolia College in July, 2020. Accompa- time of economic uncertainty, it is heartening ing the Turkish annex of northern Cyprus in nied by US General Consul Gregory Pfleger Jr., to know that Anatolians from all walks of life 1974, and continued the tradition throughout Ambassador Pyatt paid a visit to the Summer recognize the vital role our institution plays in his lifetime, ultimately becoming one of the CTY Greece program before taking an exten- society, and that they continue to support our most generous donors to the College’s schol- ACT’s New Building Renamed sive tour of the new Anna Papageorgiou STEM mission and vision for the twenty-first century. arship program, contributing to over 60 schol- Stavros Constantinidis Hall Center, where the Ambassador remarked on arships for High School and ACT students. Anatolia College’s important role in shaping the Known for his quiet humor, intelligence, and In June 2020, Anatolia College Pres- future of Greece: generosity of spirit, Stavros Constantinidis ident Dr. Panos Vlachos and ACT “Anatolia College is one of the real treasures of will be greatly missed, but his legacy contin- Provost Dr. Stamos Karamouzis the U.S.-Greece relationship over the years, and ues through the many lives of those he has were joined by the family mem- I am very excited about how this Center is help- changed and influenced with his contribu- bers of the late Stavros Constan- ing to take that relationship into the high-tech- tions to our school and community. tinidis to unveil the name of ACT’s nology future. American investors are making New Building. The renaming of significant commitments to their technology the building pays a homage to footprint in Greece. One of the challenges for our longtime friend, Trustee and these American companies is to identify young benefactor Stavros Constantinidis, talent, the human capital that they want to whose generous support for our hire, and that’s where Anatolia comes in. We The newly arrived US General Consul in Thessaloniki Eliza- scholarship program over the years will partner with Anatolia College to incentiviz- beth K. Lee visited the Anatolia College campus, in Septem- has made it possible for more than ing young people to make the commitment to ber 2020, where she was informed about the fascinating history of the institution. Ms. Lee was toured by the Presi- 60 students to pursue their educa- become proficient in science and technology dent of Anatolia College Dr. Panos Vlachos to the buildings tion at Anatolia’s gymnasio, lykeio, so that Greece has the kind of workforce that it and the infrastructure funded by the USAID/ASHA such as and ACT. needs to compete in the 21st century.” the Anna Papageorgiou STEM Center. Stavros Constantinidis on the campus of Anatolia College © Trustees of Anatolia College

“Educating Across Cultures: Anatolia College in Turkey and Greece” - Newly Published in Greek

ormer Anatolia College President Wil- challenges faced by Anatolia College’s lead- The Anatolian is published by the Office of the Board of Trustees F liam McGrew’s fascinating chronicle ers and the solutions they found to achieve of Anatolia College of the institution’s history - a remarkable their goals within the often-turbulent so- American educational undertaking that cial, religious, and political environments 18 Tremont Street Suite 704, spanned two continents and survived of their host countries. With the issuance Boston MA 02108 three wars - is now available in Greek. The of this new edition by Kapon Editions, the Designed and printed in Greece English language edition, first published in historical book is now accessible to a wide by ThessPrint S.A. 2015 by Rowman & Littlefield, recounted the audience of Greek-speaking readers as well.

Page 2 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020 Anatolia College Institutional News

President Vlachos at the “Thessaloniki Summit 2019”

n a world with rapidly changing parameters, Anatolia College Iis uniquely positioned to educate Greek and international students to become future leaders. At the Thessaloniki Summit in November, 2019, Anatolia College President, Dr. Panos Vla- chos, stressed how Anatolia College’s mission and vision drive the organization’s ability to adapt to new educational needs and invest in innovative approaches to teaching and learning, building upon historical ties with the United States. From instructional technology and teacher training to community the induction of entrepreneurship curricula from the University outreach and volunteerism, Anatolia College provides access of Iowa, and the newly-opened Center for Lifelong Learning. What are you made of? to resources and best practices, and continues to serve as a More importantly, Dr. Vlachos also noted that Anatolia College’s connector between the United States and Greece and south- substantial investment in program development and on cam- hat does it mean to be an Anatolian? What images and western Europe. pus infrastructure, during the decade 2015-2025, will exceed Wfeelings does the College bring to your hearts and minds? Particular examples are the more than 5,000 American college 40 million Euros. Many of these development projects have This past year we challenged students and alumni to answer the students who, since 2009, have spent a semester abroad at already begun, including upgrades to our IT infrastructure, fac- question “What are you made of?” for a video produced by the ACT, bringing more than 45 million euros into the local econo- ulty development programs, and the new STEM Center and Institutional Advancement Office. In front of the camera, Gym- my, the 900 non-Greek students who are currently enrolled at Elementary School expansion. These impressive projects have nasium and Lykeion students along with alumni from years and Pinewood and ACT, our cooperation with Johns Hopkins for and will continue to update our campus with more environ- decades past, conjured a wide range of responses, ranging from the Center for Talented Youth Greece, the creation of, and sup- mentally sound technologies and materials, ensuring a bright poetic to pragmatic: port from, the Hellenic Initiative for Anatolia’s Venture Garden, future for the College.

“We’re made of memories, open horizons, and hope.” “Dreams.” “Worthiness.” “Creativity.” “Opportunities for the future.” “Self-respect.” “Decisiveness.” “Journeys.” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis “Experiences and mistakes.” “Continuous trying.” Visited ACT’s Entrepreneurship Hub Booth at the 84th Thessaloniki “Durability and persistence.” International Fair

Thoughts become words, and images unfold into a series of or the second straight year, the ACT Entrepreneurship memories - a visual tapestry that illustrates the diversity and FHub manned a booth in TIF’s Pavilion 12 - a concentra- depth of the greater Anatolia family. Planned in the summer of tion of startups from all over Greece. ACT’s Hub provided 2019, by the winter our students were ready to start recording. information on its programs to assist young entrepreneurs Following in their footsteps, alumni from several generations - with innovative ideas. The Prime Minister was intrigued with the help of the Alumni Associations in Thessaloniki, Athens, with the concepts and spoke about the state of the Greek and London - gathered to lend their support and the gift of their start-up community with startup founders. The Minister of experiences resulting in a series of videos made of all the Ana- Digital Governance, Mr. Kyriakos Pierrakakis, and the U.S. tolian core values. Ambassador in Greece, Mr. Geoffrey Pyatt, also paid a visit Made in support of the school’s “Campaign for the Next Century,” to ACT’s Entrepreneurship Hub booth, expressing their sup- the videos illustrate how the College is truly “building a brighter port for the Hub’s initiatives to mentor, guide and open the Greece - one student at a time.” road for innovative entrepreneurs.

uring their occupation of Greece in WWII (1941-1944), visioning for a better future. Today’s society must look for Filling the Void: Dthe German Vermacht took over Anatolia College for ways to preserve the legacy of the past for future societies. its headquarters. The campus, which at that time included During the Conference, a team of architects consisting of Passing on the Lessons of History the adjacent area of today’s KEPEP «Agios Dimitrios» was Anatolia College alumni, presented a proposal for an alter- the site where Greek General Tsolakoglou signed the agree- native function for the shelters which will combine memory, to our New Generations ment for the capitulation and surrender of the Greek army. education and technology allowing visitors, and especially And within the foundations of the historic Macedonia Hall students, to participate in hands-on learning activities that building, the Germans built an underground shelter system, take them on a historical journey. infamously known to all Anatolians as “the Bunkers”. Over time, the heavy metal doors of these bankers rusted and eroded, leaving only their traces as evidence. Yet these traces - and what they represent - have remained for 75 years, in the buildings and in our history reminding us of the 80 Anatolia students and graduates were killed in concentra- tion camps during the war. The management of collective memory and the use (or mis- use) of history by younger generations who have distanced themselves - both temporally and emotionally - from major historical events, has in recent years concerned many academics in the scientific, arts, and cultural communities. For Anatolia College, as a place of memory and education, This international Academic Conference was co-organized the initiative was the starting point for further research on by Anatolia College and the German Consulate of Thessa- collective memory management, arguing that the past is Filios Stangos, Stratos Dordanas, Dr. Thomas Lutz, Dr. Evangelos Heki- loniki and held at the Bissell Library in October 2019. always linked to the anxiety of managing the present and moglou, George Antoniou.

Page 3 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020 Anatolia College Institutional News CTY Greece: Education Inspired

CTY Greece Ηosts CTY Greece - the Center for Talented Youth Greece - was created in 2013 with a a Conference in Cyprus founding donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. It operates under the CTY Greece auspices of the Greek Ministry of Education and the Cyprus Ministry of Education, at the Vamvakou Lab To continue establishing and developing its lead- Culture, Youth and Sports. CTY Greece is a member of the European Council of ing role as a reference point for gifted education in Greece and Cyprus, CTY Greece hosted its third High Ability (ECHA). The Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University is conference on gifted education, at the University of the adviser to CTY Greece. Grand donors include Eurobank and Lidl Hellas, while its Cyprus in Nicosia, in November 2019. major donors are Intrasoft International, Star Bulk Carriers Corp., the John S. Latsis The topic of the conference, co-organized with the National Teacher Associations of Cyprus under the Beneficiary Foundation, Aegean Airlines, and Lidl Cyprus. auspices of the Cypriot Ministry of Education, was “A practical guide to identifying and working with gifted students”. Over 100 educators attended the open event, which was made possible with the generous support of Lidl Cyprus, a key benefactor CTY Greece Outreach: of the CTY Greece program, and Aegean Airlines, Open Days, Exams, and the sponsor associated with funding all air travel for the event. Guests were welcomed by Dr. Georgia Teacher Training Tsoulfa, CTY Greece Director, and Ioannis Tsor- © Vamvakou Revival batzoglou, Chief Operating Officer for Planning Hundreds of students and their families par- & Innovation & Vice President for Cross Divisional ticipated in the CTY Greece Open Days in In November 2019, CTY Greece supported Programs at Anatolia College, who explained the Kastoria and Cyprus, and had the opportu- the V.Lab, Vamvakou Technology Lab fully innovative nature of the CTY Greece program, and nity to acquaint themselves with the innova- powered by Stavros Niarchos Foundation. the significance of scholarships. Keynote speak- tive teaching and learning methods that the This is a state-of-the-art STEAM Center lo- ers were Dr. Colm O’Reilly, Director of the Cen- center offers through its programs. The CTY cated in the mountain village of Vamvak- ter for Talented Youth at the Dublin City University (UAE). Dr. Despina Hadjigeorgiou-Samata, Ed- Greece exams have been administered in 12 ou in Laconia, the birthplace of Stavros and Dr. Marold Reutlinger, Researcher for Educa- ucational Psychologist for the Cyprus Ministry of cities across Greece and Cyprus, and approx- Niarchos. As part of the Vamvakou Reviv- tional Psychology, Friedrich Alexander University of Education, participated in the Q&A session moder- imately 2,000 elementary and high school al Project, the center offers students the Erlangen-Nürnberg (Germany) and Chief Operat- ated by Dr. Haido Samara, Academic Dean of CTY students participated. The Center’s mission opportunity to get acquainted with new ing Officer of the World Giftedness Center in Dubai Greece. to disseminate good teaching practices and technologies. High school students had raise awareness of the program to the wider the chance to experience the CTY Greece educational community continued, with 12 “Probabilities and Game Theory” course, EGift: underachievers, gifted and disadvantaged, and while elementary school students partici- An Online Education Platform twice exceptionality. It provides teachers with pated in the “Welcome to the Jungle” and specialized tools and methodologies to identi- “Science and Engineering” courses. fy, approach, and support talented students in Dr. O’Reilly’s presentation focused on the online their regular classrooms. The EGift platform is an platform for educators called “EGift” (www.high- Erasmus+ funded project developed by Europe- ability.eu). The platform explains the concept of an academic institutions, including CTY Greece, gifted education using the three pillars of gifted with expertise in educating gifted students. Summer programs

Keeping up the Pace! More than 1,000 people - students and family members TY Greece’s annual summer programs - attended the Award Ceremony for CTY Greece on Sun- Cwere held in Thessaloniki at Anatolia Col- day, September 22, 2019, at the “Hellenic World” Cultur- lege and in Athens at OTE Academy in July al Center in Athens. 2020, with the participation of 228 students teacher training workshops for primary and from all over Greece and Cyprus. The stu- secondary school teachers. The workshops dents were able to select among 16 differ- were structured in three thematic sessions: © Etsi Architects / Ioannis Promponas ent courses from the Sciences and Human- “Instructional Strategies for Active Student En- ities fields, each one tailored for the students’ gagement”, “Informal Assessment of Learning” advanced academic abilities. Furthermore, a and “Characteristics of Students with High Ac- new Digital synchronous teaching program ademic Abilities”. These took place in Thessa- was introduced, which attracted 118 stu- Ambassador Pyatt at CTY Greece loniki, Alexandroupoli, Komotini, Tripoli, Chios, The Director of CTY dents and served the diverse learning needs Limassol, Nicosia, Kastoria and Athens. Over Greece at the General of these gifted students. uring his visit to Anatolia College 300 educators participated in the workshops, in July 2020, the US Ambassador to Committee of the ECHA D which were offered with the generous sup- Greece Mr. Geoffrey R. Pyatt met the CTY port of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. In June 2020, the Director of CTY Greece, Dr. Greece Director Dr. Georgia Tsoulfa and Georgia Tsoulfa, was elected as a member two of the scholarship students of the CTY of the General Committee of the European Greece summer program. The Ambassa- Council for High Ability (ECHA). This is of par- dor expressed a genuine interest in the ticular importance, as CTY Greece and Ana- students’ experience attending such an tolia College will be at the forefront of new innovative program and the benefits of it teaching practices and approaches to ed- for the youth of Greece. Mr. Pyatt was ac- ucation that could benefit the wider Greek companied by the US General Consul Mr. education community. Gregory W. Pfleger, Jr.

Page 4 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020 Anatolia College Institutional News Anatolia College Institutional News Donor Interview: Vassos Efthymiadis ‘90 Managing Director of K&N Efthymiadis S.A.

Mr. Vassos Efthymiadis ‘90 is Managing Director Are there any particular memories that stand out from your time here at the College? of K&N Efthymiadis S.A. He has a BSc in Business I have to confess that, while specific memories are Economics from the London School of Econom- slowly fading away with time, the barrage of emo- ics and an MSc in Shipping, Trade & Finance tions that strike me every time I have the chance to visit the school campus – something I do less often from the City University of London. Mr. Efthy- that I would like to – never ceases to amaze me. miadis started his professional career in 1997 The emotional bond with the school manifests itself within the Efthymiadis Group of Companies, more as an amalgam of feelings, flashes, pictures, first as Logistics Manager, following as Head of sounds and smells that are instantaneously un- locked from one’s subconscious, rushing back into the Administrative Operations Department and the heart with an almost violent frenzy. In the end, then as Managing Director of K&N Efthymiadis maybe these spontaneous sentiments are triggered S.A., as well as Vice President on the Board of the by a primitive human urge to feel a child again, rem- iniscing about more innocent, careless times. Group. Mr. Efthymiadis has served as President of the Association of Greek Chemical Industries How can Anatolia’s alumni play a greater role in (SEXB) and is currently the President of the Hel- strengthening our school’s mission and values? We must stay focused on our everlasting quest for lenic Crop Protection Association (HCPA). creating good citizens and not just good students. In this modern era of professional specialization, it is easy to forget that the school’s main mission is to What led you to offer this new scholarship? empower students to find value in broader issues I firmly believe that quality education should not of social interest or wider academic knowledge be confined to the financially able but has to also not directly linked to their future business pursuits. be made available to those members of society What are your hopes for the scholarship stu- leged to meet several remarkable people which, Furthermore, we must stay engaged and actively who, though not possessing the financial means dent? even today, I have the honor of calling close support our school’s leadership by providing novel to access it directly, demonstrate all the education- My main ambition is that she will take full advan- friends. At the same time, I was indelibly inspired ideas and pragmatic suggestions, even constructive al and ethical characteristics appropriate for aca- tage of the opportunity presented by achieving by certain teachers, not so much for their class- criticism where necessary. In its struggle to achieve demic excellence. educational excellence and, more importantly, room skills but more for their moral stature and financial sustainability, it is all too easy for a non - profit Any educational institution, and especially one broadening her understanding of our world. I the way they were able to transform the learn- educational institution to unconsciously drift away with the historical roots of Anatolia, should make strongly feel academic progress alone is of little ing process into a truly integrated educational from its core values and social mission by gradually sure that it amply provides such opportunities to value if not accompanied by a development of experience, rising above the bare facts of their adapting to the desires of its perceived clientele. the maximum number of students possible, in character, better comprehension of social re- lesson and provoking broader esoteric quests. Finally, we must actively seek or offer the resourc- its lasting pursuit of a more socially balanced and sponsibility and a conviction that anything is However, I feel the most enduring legacy of the es necessary to ensure that the school moves to- multicultural school environment. possible for someone who is willing to make school was that it solidified in my psyche certain wards the direction we all envisage. Financial aid ethical values which I have tried to adhere to – is definitely an indispensable form of support, as not always successfully, I have to admit: always is our active participation in the school affairs in “...we (the alumni) must actively seek or offer the resources compare yourself to someone better than you, whichever aspect one can prove useful, securing necessary to ensure that the school moves towards never sacrifice your dignity for whatever reason that Anatolia’s great legacy will live on, for the the direction we all envisage.” and always choose the hard road ahead. benefit of future generations.

Why did you choose to benefit a student all efforts and sacrifices necessary to achieve it. from the Pomakochoria region? Is there a Furthermore, I would feel truly exhilarated if, in Return of the Staff Scholarship special significance to the area for you or the end of this 6-year period, she could inspire or three decades, Anatolia teachers and ina Daki and Thanassis Papadimitriou spear- your family? other members of the Pomak community to fol- staff contributed funds towards a full schol- headed the effort, which was met with a great Pomaks form a very special ethnic group within Greek low her example, thus ensuring that they will be F arship - known as the “Staff Scholarship.” Inau- response from the teaching, administrative society. Islamized in the 16th and 17th century by the better equipped to integrate into the inevitably gurated in 1982, the scholarship commem- and technical staff. Ottomans, they constitute a solid community living in more liberal society of tomorrow. orated a tragic event, the unexpected death The Staff Scholarship has been awarded to a Western Thrace for centuries. In my opinion, the Mod- of 20-year-old graduate Anastasia Alexan- student who, in addition to high academic po- ern Greek state made a grave mistake in systematical- How can an Anatolian education help our stu- dridou. Wanting to honor her memory, Anato- tential, has also shown evidence of excellent ly marginalizing them over the past many decades dents become more engaged citizens? lia teachers and other employees contributed ethics. Candidates have been evaluated by the and creating a widespread sentiment of alienation Anatolia is all about advanced citizenship. Trying funds to cover the cost of six years of high Scholarship Committee of Anatolia College. among the Pomak population. I still distinctly re- to provide equal opportunities, incorporating dif- school at Anatolia College for an excellent stu- The contributing staff members recognize the member my first visit to a Pomak village in the early ferent ethnic groups and religions, provoking in- dent with limited financial means. impact an Anatolian education can have on 90’s, where I was obliged to pass through a military terest for the environment, underlining the signif- In September 2019, an effort was launched to students, according to Tassos Gentzos, who checkpoint before I could access it. icance of athletic excellence and sportsmanship, resume the fundraising, and restore the Staff has been participating in the Scholarship Though my family heritage originates from Eastern inspiring curiosity about science, encouraging Scholarship. Professors Tassos Gentzou, Kater- Committee for the past six years. Thrace, I cannot help but find a strong analogy avocation with art and instigating political and with stories my grandparents used to tell me as a social debate are all part of the school’s heritage. child about the way Greek refugees, having been Good teachers or impressive school surroundings violently uprooted from their homelands in Ionia, can also be found elsewhere, but the above core Pontus and greater Anatolia, were treated after social values of the school, deeply embedded their arrival in Greece by the local population. It is into its very existence, are what make it stand a mistake we must never repeat, especially having apart. in mind that Greece is not a country in the strict geographical sense but a Nation, historically bas- How did Anatolia influence your life in your ing its existence on its diaspora and on the cultural high school years and beyond? incorporation of people having a different ethnic- The influence derived from our school years is ity and religion. usually related to human interaction. I was privi-

Page 5 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020 Pinewood International School A New Home for Pinewood’s Middle & High School fter last fall’s architectural design competi- Ation that include of eight prominent firms from Thessaloniki, Athens, and London, the Pinewood Board of Trustees approved the ex- pertly modern design of Tombazis & Associates in collaboration with Micro Mega for the new Pinewood Secondary School facility. This purpose-built facility, whose layout creates an environment akin to a campus within the campus, is carefully designed to collaborate with the beau- ty of the existing campus and environment.

Things will not Return to Normal Alumni Stories ike so many schools around the Juan Nieves ‘13 Lworld, Pinewood transitioned immediately to remote learning obody can relate more poignantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Νto the COVID-19 pandemic than the Our goals were simple - for students doctors on the frontline of care. Juan to feel cared for and for all grade Nieves, Pinewood class of ’13, is no ex- levels to be meaningfully engaged ception. A highly motivated student at in learning throughout the days of Pinewood, he graduated from medical lockdown. As we got deeper and school in June 2019 and passed the Span- deeper into remote learning, the rich extra-curricular activities, was all ish national residency exams in February recurring theme that emerged was made so evident by our deep dive 2020. Today, however, although he finds clear. Things will not return to nor- into remote learning. At the same himself in bureaucratic limbo due to the mal. time, the fact that we can do remote pandemic, he is fighting the severe coro- The crisis around the world has been learning also makes us think that we Salute to the Class of 2020 navirus outbreak in Spain. In addition to a catalyst for a genuine tectonic shift need to talk openly about what ed- raising awareness about the virus and in how we do things - in particular ucation is going through, but more ach year, Pinewood’s graduating class is emblematic of the diversity teaching vulnerable groups how to wear schooling. So, what does that mean importantly, we need to start imag- Ethat defines our school. The Class of 2020 is no exception. With 27 protective gear correctly, Juan is involved for us as international educators? The ining what comes next. This is our graduates, this year’s senior class is made up of students from Albania, in a consequential project in Spain. As he evidence of the importance of the silver lining amidst the pandemic, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Montenegro, Roma- explains in a recent interview with Pine- school experience, including the dai- and we look forward to exploring nia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. We salute our wood Director Dr. Giampapa, “What I’m ly social interactions, critical nature the architecture of what comes next seniors as they prepare for their next steps and congratulate them on most thrilled about, due to its global im- of student-teacher connections, and at Pinewood. earning places at fine universities around the world. pact, is a project called ‘Generations’. In it, Heading to the U.S. are students who received scholarships in a com- we aim to create a debate among people bined amount totaling $870,000, including one “full-ride” tennis schol- from ages 14-25 with WHO and UNICEF arship, five full tuition scholarships, and a notable number of near-full officials. The idea is that the voices of to- tuition scholarships. Universities to which our students are headed in day’s youth should be heard about how Holocaust Remembrance Day the U.S. include DePauw University, Drake University, Fordham Universi- we deal with COVID-19, particularly its ty, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Ithaca College, Knox College, Law- n January 27, Pinewood’s IB His- tic music precisely for that event, aftermath.” Congratulations, Juan, for rence University, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John’s University, tory and Grade 10 World History wrote and recited original poems, making a positive impact on the world. Ο St. Lawrence University, the University of Hawaii, and the University of students, under the direction of Dr. and conducted precise historical re- #pinewoodproud Michigan (tennis scholarship). In other parts of the world, our students Apostolos Rofaelas, Social Studies search of such depth that it moved will attend Cardiff University, Queen Mary’s University, the University of Department faculty member, orga- the audience to tears. Southampton, Hult International Business School, Richmond American nized the annual International Holo- The aim of our ceremony each year is International University, the University of Roehampton, Erasmus Uni- caust Remembrance Day assembly. to prompt participants and audience versity, Leiden University, St. Louis University Madrid, B.H.M.S. Lucerne, Galini Poimenidou ‘16 In it, they dared to compose authen- members to reflect on the night- and Les Roches. We wish our graduates the best as they embark on alini Poimenidou (Pinewood class of mares of the past, the challenges of building our world. G’16) is headed to Dartmouth Medical the present, and the commitment School to pursue a Ph.D. in their exclu- for a future free of prejudice and sive PEMM (Program in Experimental & discrimination. It fosters empathy Molecular Medicine) this fall. Galini was with the victims and helps to pre- New Scholarship shortlisted from amongst 300 candidates serve their memory, so that such an to the 30 finalists for the program, and atrocity against humanity may not for Exceptional Writers after a two-day interview in February, be repeated. It increases awareness she was one of the 10 students accepted about the dangers inherent in the he Alexander Ammerman Memorial Scholarship, in its inaugural into the program, complete with a full xenophobic rhetoric that is gaining Τyear, is dedicated to one young writer each year at Pinewood. The tuition scholarship and stipend. The pro- traction worldwide. annual scholarship, in the memory of our dear colleague, Mr. Alexander gram seeks to train the next generation Most importantly, the events of the Ammerman, whose life was cut tragically short in 2020, aims to recog- of scientists and physician-scientists to day encourage a sense of personal nize the value of the written word in poetry and literature. Mr. Ammer- engage in research in genomic, proteom- responsibility among us all, to de- man was scholarly, compassionate, discerning, thoughtful, poetic, and ic, cellular, and organ-based systems for fend and protect human rights all kind-hearted, and it is these character qualities that we aspire to me- the purpose of translating this knowl- over the world, so that this crime morialize and promote through the recipients of this scholarship. The edge into disease treatment and preven- may never happen again. We em- Alexander Ammerman Scholarship is available for new students enter- tion. Congratulations, Galini, for pursuing power students to become active ing Grade 10 each year. A very heartfelt thank you to the Ammerman your dreams and never giving up. #pine- promoters of peaceful, tolerant, family for sponsoring this valued scholarship amidst their profound loss. woodproud inclusive, secure, and sustainable societies.

Page 6 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020 Pinewood International School Elementary School THANK YOU! Social Responsibility - Βeginning with the Υoungest Anatolians

THE ANATOLIA COLLEGE COMMUNIITY UNITED AGAINST COVID-19

Holiday Cheer: t took only six days for the Anato- who are at the forefront. At the same Anatolia’s Kindergarten and Elementary Ilia community to raise a remarkable time, it inspires optimism that together students took the spirit and meaning of 56,000 euros - enough to dramatically we can achieve a more balanced and just Christmas out of the classroom and into the fortify the Intensive Care Units of the society, “said Dr. Panos Vlachos, Presi- community with a series of visits and activ- Anatolia Charity Drive: AHEPA Hospital with much-needed dent of Anatolia College, warmly thank- ities that spread love, charity, and good will The elementary school’s response to the equipment and materials. ing those who contributed. to locations throughout the city. The sec- Charity Drive’s “Food Drive” was also a Responding to the possibility of an im- The initiative is in line with the College’s ond graders visited Papageorgiou Hospital, great success, collecting large amounts of pending healthcare crisis, students, historic mission of supporting the com- singing carols, and visiting the patients and non-perishable food and drinks that were parents, employees, alumni and friends munity and society in times of need, and medical and administrative staff with sea- distributed to organizations helping fami- of Anatolia College contributed to a reflects the Anatolia community’s dedi- son’s greetings. They were joined by some lies in need. weeklong fundraising campaign. From cation to strengthening our society’s vi- distinguished guests, including Papageor- Winter harvest: Sunday, March 29th until Friday, April tal institutions, beyond education. giou Foundation ‘s representative Mrs. Zoe AES students reaped the bounty of our 3rd, 2020, Anatolians heeded the call for Papageorgiou, Hospital President Mr. Vassilis beautiful winter garden, planted, and tend- donations, surpassing - on the very first Papas, and Mrs. Mareva Grabowski-Mitso- ed to by students. With the loving care of day - the initial target of 15,000 euros. across all takis, wife of the Greek Prime Minister. Pinewood students our young gardeners, the vegetable garden Students contributed 5,000 euros from age groups donated a total of 1,000 eu- A few days later, our elementary school flourished and produced its first exception- the proceeds raised at the school’s Christ- ros to the community campaign initiated students went caroling in different groups, ally good harvest. The produce was care- mas Bazaar, and in the following days by Anatolia for the AHEPA hospital’s In- bringing a morning of festivity to the res- fully collected and presented to the soup Anatolia College received more than 320 tensive Care Unit in Thessaloniki. In an- idents and staff at rehabilitation centers, kitchen of the Church of Prophet Elias. The donations from around the world. Along other show of care, an important tenet elderly care units, and children’s charity or- Anatolia Elementary School garden project with the money, the fundraising drive of Pinewood’s core values, Mr. Christos ganization, bringing gifts, cards, clothes and combines experiential learning activities - sent an important symbolic message of Kosmidis, member of Pinewood’s Sci- sweets with them. During the annual Ana- including science, nutrition, and other stud- support to frontline healthcare workers, ence Department, 3D-printed particles tolia Charity Drive, additional monies were ies, with the social engagement of Anato- and people who fell ill with the danger- for face shields in collaboration with collected and donated to support the orga- lia’s various philanthropic activities. ous disease. Anatolia colleagues. Pinewood proudly nization’s operations. “In these unprecedented times, the ex- contributed to the face shields project pression of solidarity inspires people for our frontline healthcare workers. Book Donation: Anatolia Elementary School first graders decided to ‘pass-on’ some of their most beloved books - collecting and donating their favorite titles to other young readers Solidarity and Imagination in schools and associations with which the school collaborates, including the School as an “antidote” to Covid-19 for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Thes- saloniki, “Storgi” the Association of Friends Even during the pandemic, Anatolia Col- of Children with Cancer, and the library of lege’s Social Responsibility Program con- the 1st Elementary School of Asvestochori. tinued, adapting to the new reality by finding alternative ways to ‘pay it forward.’ More than 140 Gymnasio and Lykeio students volunteered on a weekly basis to Art at the Rotunda monument serve healthcare-related organizations, emphasizing on assisting children and s part of the AES cultural activities, the families, including those with debilitating Astudents of the 4th, 5th and 6th grades and life-threatening diseases, pediatric attended the exhibition “The Αrt of Μosaic: cancer patients, the Hellenic Blood Trans- Ravenna - Thessaloniki, parallel readings.” The fusion Society, Friends of Papageorgiou Service as Action -MYP exhibit, hosted in Thessaloniki’s Rotunda build- Hospital (“Antirida”), and the Stray-animal Taking a page from the global WFH (Work ing, included copies of wall mosaics from the Refuge (“Love”). Three IB students creat- From Home) philosophy, our Middle monuments of Ravenna (5th-6th century) ed a series of presentations on Astrono- Years Program students (7th-9th grade) paired in “conversation” with photographs of my and Space entitled “Star Talks”. The focused their volunteer actions during wall mosaics from monuments of Thessaloniki presentations were addressed to high the lockdown period on issues like recy- of the early Christian period, as well as with the school students to maintain their interest cling, the UN Sustainable Development original mosaics of the Rotunda. Combining in STEM activities. More than 20 students goals, creation and dissemination of “pos- examples of world-famous mosaics from the attended these online “courses” with ma- itivity messages”, along with thank-you two cities gave the students a unique oppor- terial drawn from the repository of the Eu- messages to healthcare and law enforce- tunity to experience and compare the cultural ropean “Scientix” educational program. ment workers. richness of Ravenna and Thessaloniki.

Page 7 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020 High School News Anatolia’s Students Awarded Anatolia College Student Success by the Minister of Education on 2020 Panhellenic Exams and with Leading Universities Abroad

significance of the educational and social Western Reserve University, University of To- mission of our school. For the academic year ronto, University of British Columbia in Canada. 2020: United Kingdom: Cambridge, Imperial Col- • 119 Anatolian College students entered lege, King’s College, LSE, Edinburgh. Greek universities Europe: TUM in Germany (Munich Polytechnic • 20 placed among the top scorers in the School of Engineering), Erasmus, Eindhoven, he Greek Ministry of Education and Religions college of their first choice. Groningen in Holland. Τawarded Thessaloniki students who have espite the difficulties and upheavals of • 82 students were admitted in top schools distinguished themselves in the international Dthe past school year due to the COVID – (Medicine, Law, Polytechnic, Politics & Fi- Furthermore, nine Anatolia High School stu- student competitions. Minister Niki Kerameus, 19 pandemic, the results of the Panhellenic nance, Philosophy, Physics & Mathematics) dents were accepted to prominent US univer- Deputy Minister Sofia Zacharaki and General Exams reaffirmed the historic tradition of -ex Additionally, out of the 66 seniors and grad- sities and colleges such as Rutgers University, Secretary Anastasia Gika warmly congratulated cellence and high academic performance that uate students of the IB Diploma Program Pomona College, Davidson College, Johns the students, who achieved important distinc- characterize Anatolia College students. who applied to foreign universities, 59 were Hopkins, Grinnell College. tions, while also acknowledging the efforts of Anatolia High School students have been ad- admitted to their first choice universities and their families and teachers. Among the winners mitted to the tertiary educational institutions colleges, and seven to their second choice, in- The students who applied to US universities from Anatolia College: Dimitris Paparas (silver of Greece, and many of them in high demand cluding: and colleges earned scholarships totaling medal) and Eleni Daskopoulou (bronze medal) schools. Among the top performing students US and Canada: New York University, North- more than $3.6 million, and in individual cases at the 1st Balkan Physics Olympiad; Asimina Ax- were scholarship recipients, underlying the western University, Bentley University, Case $300,000 per student, for four years of study. arli and Giorgos Peios, (bronze medal) in the 7th International Young Naturalists’ Tournament. Anatolia College STEM Walid Franco: Center and the Future Life under Quarantine at the Anatolia Boarding House of Green Education he Spring of 2020, the Anatolia campus their apartments, while I could move freely on Twas quiet, but not inactive. Although the campus, in an environment of greenery, most students were gone, life within the fresh air, and the stadiums at my disposal” said school gates continued, but at a different Walid. pace. A few residents had remained, includ- Walid joined the Anatolia boarding school in ing a small number of teachers (permanently September 2019 when he began the Ana- residents of the College), and four interna- tolia IB program; “Searching the internet, I tional students whose chance to return home found Anatolia College. As I love Greece very The 15th Anatolia College was postponed by the general lockdown and much and wanted to experience life here, the Model United Nations the suspension of air flights in March. choice was not difficult. I may be far from my One of these students was Walid Franco, an biological family, but in the boarding school - n February 14th, over 450 students IB1 student at Anatolia College, from Italy. I found another family.” Oand 47 advisors convened on campus he Anatolia College STEM Center participates Along with three other Pinewood students, for the 15th Anatolia College Model United Tin the “Green Education for a sustainable fu- he kept his room at the College boarding Nations. Participating schools traveled from ture-Green EDU” program. The program is co-fi- department, supervised by Boarding Director Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Poland, and Tur- nanced by the European Union in the framework Alexia Dara and members of the school staff key and represented 83 countries and three of the Erasmus + KA201 action and involves six aca- who helped them with everything from food NGOs across 11 committees. demic and research institutions from five countries to psychological support, in addition to keep- After Dr. Vlachos’ welcoming message, at (Poland, Greece, Italy, Romania and Turkey). ing them company. the opening ceremony, delegates had the “Green EDU” aims to support European teachers “My parents were relieved that I stayed in privilege of being addressed by Mr. Gregory in integrating Green Education principles into Thessaloniki during the quarantine and on W. Pfleger, Jr, US Consul General in Thessa- the STEM pedagogical approach. An electronic the Anatolia College campus. My Italian loniki, and Ms. Evi Avlogiari, Honorary Con- platform will be developed that will act as a STEM friends said I was lucky. They were trapped in sul of Estonia, who gave inspiring speeches. resource for Green Education, focusing on the For three days, students discussed current fields of Green Chemistry, Green Biotechnology, topics such as the 2019 Amazon Rainforest Engineering for Sustainable Development and Wildfires, genetic engineering, global oil Robotics. Anatolia’s Anemos Racing Team prices, rights for Stateless people, exploita- The Anatolia College STEM team will organize edu- F-1 in Schools: tion in the Arctic, international access to Na- cational activities for teachers from all over Europe in 13th place worldwide! tional DNA Databases, universal jurisdiction and will present and implement innovative lesson related to sexual offenses, and appropriate plans for classroom teaching. The program will natolia’s Anemos Racing team competed in the state behavior in cyberspace. The French strengthen the educational work of Anatolia Col- AF1 in Schools World Finals held from November Revolution made an appearance at the con- lege and its academic collaborations abroad. 24 to 27 2019 in Abu Dhabi, placing 13 overall and ference as the Historical Committee relived earning distinction with the 2nd fastest wheelchair the social and political disruption in France, among the 55 of the competition. The team consist- ultimately led to the removal of Louis XVI. ed of Anatolia College students Aris Koutsopoulos, Asimina Lazaridou and Panagiotis Papanastasiou, as well as university students Panos Gotsis, Andreas Kalyvas and Konstantinos Karabinos. The members of Anemos Racing Team spent months preparing for the competition before leaving for Abu Dhabi. Anatolia College has been instrumental in the team’s efforts from the outset, helping materially and with moral support; Anatolia’s F1 in Schools teams have had a string of successes in recent years, qualifying for the World Finals three times in the past five years, and winning the Panhellenic championship in 2015.

Page 8 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020 High School News

Anatolia College Student Success The 2020 “Covid-19” Commencement: A Different Perspective Theater news on 2020 Panhellenic Exams he highlight of each academic year immense size of the field and the feel- Greek Theater Club: Tcomes when our graduating stu- ing of openness it provided augment- Blood Enemies and Biological Migrant and with Leading Universities Abroad dent walks down the steps of illustri- ed with professional lighting and two ous Macedonia Hall to receive their di- large-screen monitors that followed ith a cast of 15 tal- ploma. This annual Commencement the students throughout the ceremo- Wented students who ceremony is a long-held tradition at ny, transformed the area into a majestic exchanged roles during the Anatolia for which graduating stu- sanctuary fitting for the purpose of this performances, the Greek dents, parents and their families wait important evening Theater Club performed with great anticipation each June. This The annual Commencement ceremo- Arkas’ Emergencies: Blood year’s Commencement was almost ny marks the apex of our seniors’ years Enemies and Biological canceled due to the Government’s di- at Anatolia. Despite the fewer guests Migrant. This political and rectives to battle the pandemic. Many and the social distancing, the Com- social allegory had the audi- schools replaced their ceremonies This year’s Commencement turned mencement remained a moving event ence roaring with laughter with online adaptions. But true to our out to be a wonderful, impressive and thanks to the inspiring words of our at its dark humor, but also spirit of innovation, Anatolia found a spectacular event that saw the students speaker, Dr. Yannis Assael ’08, allow- sent a strong message of way to not only host this year’s Com- walk down Macedonia Hall to their ing the School to bid farewell to the the importance of unity in a mencement in person but to allow the waiting parents – who were sitting ac- seniors that managed to overcome world of conflicts for surviv- traditional walk down Macedonia Hall cording to social distancing policies - on successfully the turbulent foregoing al, conspiracy theories, and to remain the heart of the ceremony. the Anatolia Alumni Soccer Field. The academic period. racism towards immigrants.

Bullets over Broadway from the Anatolia Drama Club Anatolia Continues its Club Program IB ART wing music and flying bullets filled Raphael Hall in Febru- Sary, when the Anatolia Drama Club filled the auditorium to despite Covid-19 Exhibition capacity for six days in a row with their spirited adaptation of Woody Allen’s classic work Bullets over Broadway. natolia’s extra-curricular program did not let the pandemic get in the way of Club meetings. ΑDuring the lockdown period, faculty advisors took the opportunity to meet with their club members online, and some even prepared them for online competitions. Many of our students jumped at the opportunity offered to them to engage in their favorite clubs, a welcome chance to engage in non-academic enrichment. Some of the club initiatives were the following:

erhaps no other ac- Pademic discipline is as challenged by quarantine measures as the visual arts. Yet our IB students managed to complete their work and arrange individual Eleven Anatolia students attended the 3rd An- IB Company Program Presented Its Enter- art exhibitions at home, nual Session of Zygmun MUN, hosted online prise “GRID” at the 15th Panhellenic Compe- effectively experiencing The Manhattan Theater Club: A Rousing Success! by the American School of Warsaw. The confer- tition, May 2020. Throughout the quarantine, the multiple responsibil- he Manhattan Theater Club (MTC) at Anatolia College is a ence theme “Good Health and Well-Being” has club members continued to work hard on their ities of gallery manager, distance-learning, Internet-based playwriting and produc- never been more relevant. Representing vari- GRID virtual enterprise, which was selected to T curator, and critic along tion program that unites students from geographically isolated ous countries in different committees, our stu- participate in the finals of the 15th Panhellen- with being the Creator. areas to learn about theatre. The program teaches students the dents spent two full days debating issues, such ic Competition “Best Virtual Student Enterprise While the personal feed- principles of playwriting and enhances their understanding of as ensuring food security to promote sustained 2020” on May 8th. back and contact with the rehearsal and production process. Anatolia High School is economic development, the situation in Mali viewers that the exhi- the only Greek School that has participated in the international and in Libya, and many more. bition provides under program since its beginning in 2006. ‘normal’ circumstances is The English Department has included the project as a basic often the most reward- component of the English lessons for Lykeio students. The ing part of the two-year Manhattan Theatre Club in New York provides training and sup- course, our young artists port through the writing and production phases as Anatolia managed to completely students coordinate with two other schools in a three-way ex- demonstrate the themes change of plays based on a single prompt. and concepts they have This year Anatolia College exchanged with Poinciana High been developing during School in Florida and our 20 students performed “Count to three,” their studies, and provide a play written by Poinciana High School in a Zoom conference an intimate window into CanSat Prepares Its Space Missions and Sat- with MTC education After a series of STAR talks, offered by three their personal outlook on ellites. Our school’s two CanSat teams, Project offices in NYC. IB students under the guidance of Scientix the world around them. Outreach and the all-girls team Aurora, contin- Ambassador Dr. Iro Koliakou, and Virginia Ar- The coronavirus lock- ued to work on their space missions and sat- vaniti, 34 Anatolia students met for a workshop down posed a risk to ellites. The two Anatolian teams were selected on Roller Coaster Physics, as part of the STEM the project’s comple- with eight other Greek teams to participate in Discovery Week under the auspices of the Eu- tion; however, thanks the national competition CanSat in Greece. ropean Network and Scientix. The group met to several Zoom The members of the all-girls Aurora team are: every week until the end of the quarantine to conferences, the stu- Sofia Amanatidou, Christina Gkini, Maria Daou- engage in various STEM activities and themes, dents managed not kopoulou, Anna Daskopoulou, Eleni Daskopou- such as Citizen Science, using online virtual labs to lose touch. lou, Maria Eleni Kapetanaki, and Ariadni Kalliopi and simulations. Papamichou.)

Page 9 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020 ACT News ACT Signs Agreements With Serbian Institutions

CT - The American College of Thessaloniki has signed cooperative agreements in September A2019 with the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Belgrade and the Institute of Inter- national Politics and Economics (IIPE) in Belgrade. The agreements establish a connection between ACT and the two Serbian institutions by enabling faculty and student exchanges, joint research activities, special short-term academic programs, professional development programs, and collaborations in other areas of mutual interest. “We are delighted with those two new collaborations since they underline our institution’s long historical ties with the people and the institutions of Serbia,” stated Dr. Stamos Karamouzis, ACT Provost. The Faculty of Political Sciences in the University of Belgrade was established in 1968, and since then it has been a leading institution of higher education. The Institute of International Politics and Economics in Belgrade is one of the oldest research institutes in Southeastern Europe in the field of research on international relations. Founded in 1947, the Institute has gradually turned into a leading research organization of its kind. Sustainable Tourism in Greece: ACT Goes Online Two new Erasmus+ programs at ACT Issues and Challenges During the Quarantine he 3rd annual conference “Tourism of Tomor- Trow” took place on Friday, January 17th, 2020, uring the interim, ACT faculty worked organized by the American College of Thessalon- Dhard to complete their faculty develop- iki. This year’s successful event was part of a wide ment program and accelerated the transition range of activities organized by the Tourism and of course materials to an online environment Hospitality Program and was dedicated to Sus- for both the undergraduate and graduate tainability and Development in Tourism. The key- programs at the school. note speaker, Hisham Zaazou, former Minister of In addition, ACT offered a variety of free webi- Tourism of Egypt, presented a case study on the nars to various sectors of the community: 12 communication strategy applied after a major cri- online “Think” events, seminars in Greek for high sis. In particular, the case involved the crash of the school and college students in Xanthi in coop- Russian aircraft in 2015, at Sharm el Sheikh. eration with the Xanthi Tech Lab; managing the economic crisis and negotiation; psychological counseling and support for college students. Locked-down-but-not-out - the Dukakis Center remained active, and even productive, during the weeks in which staff worked from home, participating in a host of webinars regarding the role of Think Tanks. Since April 2018, the Dukakis Center has been instrumental in helping forge a nation- CT is a partner in two new European results of pedagogical practices that worked al network of think tanks, research institutes, and ΑUnion-funded projects, “Basketball for for young adult learners. The network consists civil society organizations around the world. Life Skills” (BASK!), and “InGame - Gaming of nine partners from eight different countries for Social Inclusion.” (Spain, Greece, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Po- The BASK project envisions developing a train- land, Italy, Lithuania, and Romania). The overall From College to… ing program for basketball coaches, sports ed- value of the game will be to enhance critical ucators, sports and education decision-makers reflection on social and political circumstanc- A Cutting Edge MSc Kindergarten! on how to promote basketball among primary es, build skills and stimulate interest in com- school students as a medium of life skills devel- mon values - all things that can eventually lead in Industrial Organizational opment, with emphasis on civic participation. to social inclusion. The program will run from The partners include six different European January 2020 to January 2023 and will certain- Psychology countries, with the Cyprus Basketball Federa- ly enhance the College’s research record and tarting in fall 2020, the ACT’s MSc in Indus- tion as the leader of the consortium. partnership opportunities with EU universities Strial Organizational Psychology explores The InGame project involves the development and agencies, as well as with faculty and stu- one of the fastest growing careers in industries of an educational online game, associated ser- dents who will participate in various stages of worldwide in all areas of business, industry, vices, maintenance, in addition to reporting the project. consulting, government, health and educa- or the third consecutive year, the Anato- tion. The new graduate program focuses on lia Kindergarten collaborated with ACT’s F organizational leadership and change, conflict “NUin Thessaloniki” program to place Amer- resolution and management, as well as positive ican college freshmen in youngest students’ The Lifelong Learning Center psychology and well-being in the workplaces. classrooms. Under the program, first-year stu- The interdisciplinary program is one of its kind dents from Boston’s Northeastern University Enters its Second Year in Greece, and invites eager learners and pro- spent their first semester of college abroad, n its second year of operation, the Lifelong the COVID-19 related lockdown measures fessionals from various walks of life. The cut- studying at Anatolia’s ACT where, in addition ILearning Center (LLC) at the American Col- came into effect, acknowledging the quality ting-edge courses focus on the cultivation of to their academic duties, they take part in lege of Thessaloniki (ACT) totals nine pro- training programs and services offered by a new mindset and offer important manage- volunteer and social programs. The American grams, 185 participants and 345 hours of in- the Lifelong Learning Center, 35 companies ment and life skills in regard to self-reliance and students visited our Kindergarten on a week- struction. In addition to its repeat programs funded their employees for their profession- effective communication. ly basis, helping with organized and sponta- including Management Mindset, Business al skill upgrading. As LLC positions itself as neous activities in English. Together, they read Strategy: Competition Demystified and Di- the learning hub for all professionals who books, played games and music from other ploma in Digital and Social Media Marketing, wish to advance or seek an opportunity for countries, and did arts and crafts to encourage LLC launched three new programs, Hospital- self-improvement, the Center will enhance creativity. The children got valuable exposure ity and Human Resource Management, Sea the breadth of its offerings, build on its syner- to the functional use of the English language Tourism: The Yachting Business and Conflict gies with the market and adapt the delivery and were really inspired by their interaction Resolution & Negotiation. In the period Oc- of its programs, including live online pro- with the older students, whose enthusiasm tober 2019 through early March 2020 when grams. and spirit was contagious.

Page 10 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020 ACT News Dukakis Center Focus on Accountability - Transparency - Advocacy

The Importance of Accountability: talent in Thessaloniki and link our city with Whistleblowers reveal corruption a global network of think tanks and research With a focus on the importance of whis- institutes. tle-blowers, ACT’s Dukakis Center and Trans- parency International Greece invited anti-cor- Webinars on the Future of Festivals ruption expert and UN whistleblower James and Conferences Wasserstrom to share his experience in 2007, The Dukakis Center organized a series of when he revealed corruption at the United Zoom web events with leading cultural and Nations Interim Administration Mission in scientific organizations in May 2020. Kosovo (UNMIK). Wasserstrom was retaliated The first, convened under the gavel of Pro- against for his actions, but ultimately prevailed dromos Monastiridis of the Thessaloniki when the UN’s own tribunal ruled in his favor. Concert Hall, featured Maria Tsantsanoglou His case was a prominent instance of a public of MOMUS, Dimitris Savvaidis of AddArt, servant who uncovered and reported corrup- host of the annual Thessaloniki Animation tion at the highest levels of international di- Film Festival, and Tasos Tzikas, President of plomacy. Wasserstrom, who continues his an- the Thessaloniki International Fair. The three ti-corruption work today, joined a debate with panelists discussed the future of festivals in Nelson Graves, founder of News-Decoder, on the era of COVID – 19. the prevalence of whistleblowing in contem- The second webinar took place on May 27, 2020, porary democratic societies. Department of State in Washington, DC, relat- Civil Society Matter Forum.” The Dukakis with Epaminondas Christofilopoulos from ed why American diplomats continue to dub Center and Transparency International the Millennium Project, Dr. Anna Damask- Session on US - Greek Relations Greece a “pillar of stability” in regional affairs. Greece, in collaboration with the Think Tanks ou from Transparency International Greece, Two visiting American diplomats spoke with Siders and Johnston were accompanied by and Civil Societies Program at the University Anestis Anastasiou from ACT, and Angelos ACT and study abroad students in an interac- U.S. Consul General Gregory Pfleger, Jr. of Pennsylvania (TTCSP), hosted local think Kaskanis from Navarino Network. The discus- tive session dedicated to the current state of tanks, research institutes, and NGOs with re- sion revolved around event cancellations, on- US-Greek relations. Michele Siders, Political Why Think Tanks Matter Forum search and advocacy capacity. The objective line variations of previously scheduled events, Counselor at the US Embassy in Athens, and Thessaloniki joined more than 140 cities was to draw public attention to the breadth and expectations for the second half of 2020 Ross Johnston, Greece Desk Officer at the US worldwide to hold a “Why Think Tanks and and depth of scientific and social-scientific and beyond.

Phenomenal increase Entrepreneurship Hub in Anatolia Library Users During the program in February 2014, more than 3,100 applications have been submitted - of which Covid - 19 Lockdown 1,191 applicants have been selected to attend previous rounds of the program in Athens and Thessaloniki. During the cycles, participants attended a total of 1,145 hours of lessons. Over 331 professors and mentors GreenHouse workshops provided participants with counseling and Expand Eastward! substantial support, enabling them to turn garding the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, Alexandroupolis was a new addition in the their business creativity into tangible results. transmission, management, logistics of pan- line of cities to host a GreenHouse startup To date, more than 1,400 hours of support- demics and epidemics. This year’s winners will hroughout the COVID-19 crisis, the Ana- workshop. Organized by the Entrepreneur- ive guidance have been offered to Venture- receive 4,000 euros each – a generous dona- Ttolia College Libraries have remained ship Hub and the Hellenic Initiative (THI) the Garden participants. tion by the philanthropist Greek American active and open online for the institution’s Green House was held in the premises of the entrepreneur John Pappajohn. The winners faculty and students who could access the Evros Chamber of Commerce (November were: Igmorino, Knifeprint, Realchain, Terra libraries’ collections remotely. To support our 22 - 25), and in the Municipality of the city Robotics, BioPix-T. BioPix-T has developed a faculty and teachers across the institution of Didymoteiho (November, 26). The well-at- portable molecular diagnostic device IRIS - the Anatolia College Libraries built and made tended event was organized with the collab- COV and has received significant funding from available curated content on online teaching oration of the Chamber of Evros, the Depart- angels investors. and learning, a comprehensive guide that ment of Molecular Biology & Genetics of the was popular and well used according to the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), and website statistics during this period. Also, in the Municipality of Didymoteiho. order to help families entertain themselves Additional GreenHouse workshops were a “stay@home” guide was put together with held in Ioannina and Arta, Epirus. The pro- plenty of ideas for reading, online activities, gram was co-organized with the collabo- and cultural happenings. ration of the Municipality of Ioannina, the Pappajohn Business Plan This activity recorded a 270% increase in vis- University of Ioannina, and the Science and Competition Awards its to the Libraries website during the period Technology Park of Epirus (STEP of Epirus). One hundred thirty eight teams from all over of March and April 2020. Greece applied to the 7th John and Mary Within a two month span: VentureGarden Pappajohn Business Plan Award which is or- • The Elementary School Library website The Venture Garden, a joint initiative of ACT ganized by the Entrepreneurship Hub at ACT. visits increased by an astounding 551%; and the Hellenic Initiative along with the This year the competition was focused on • Eleftheriades Library website visits in- ALBA Business School, continues to sup- innovation ideas from the fields of Medicine creased by 258%; The BioPix-T team. port the community. Since the start of the and Biotechnology which address issues re- • Bissell Library had a 33% increase in website views.

Page 11 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020 PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO.7 ASHLAND MA Alumni Spotlight

Kiki Adamidou Wiersteiner ’60

Kyriaki Adamidou Wiersteiner ’60 shares You were a boarding student. How was fond memories of her years as a scholarship the transition from your hometown to the “...The scholarship student at the Boarding School of Anatolia campus? College and explains why she and her hus- My parents died when I was very young, during completely changed band Samuel decided to make a legacy gift World War II. I spent seven years in an orphanage, to provide academically gifted students with so the transition to being a boarding student was my life and my future. limited financial means the opportunity to easier for me in terms of group living. What was experience a first-rate education at Anatolia more difficult was the immersion into a life char- Without the scholarship College. The donors became members of acterized by luxury and privilege. I moved into the the Morning Cometh Society, established Boarding department in 1953, just after the build- I would not have gone by Anatolia College in recognition of those ing opened. I remember how clean things were - individuals who have graciously established and how well they took care of things; our clothes to College or succeeded a planned giving program for the benefit of were even washed and ironed for us! the institution. professionally later on...” What do you recall from your first years in The Donors: the US? I had earned a scholarship to Eastern Mennonite Kyriaki Adamidou Wiersteiner was born College in Virginia. Anatolia College prepared in Vironia – Serres, Greece. Her parents were me very well academically, but I was shocked Pontians who came to Greece in 1922. She with the cultural differences. I am very thankful graduated from Anatolia College in 1960. because my classmates were always ready to She received a scholarship to study at East- help me adjust to the American way of living. ern Mennonite College where she received her B.S. degree in Home Economics Educa- In which ways did the scholarship trans- tion in 1963. She earned a Master’s Degree form your life and future? from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1965 in It completely changed my life and my future. Home Management and Family Development. Without the scholarship I would not have gone She married Dr. Samuel R. Wiersteiner in 1965. How would you describe your school years to College or succeeded professionally later on. She worked with the Head Start Program, also at Anatolia College? What did the school Legacy Gifts - Planned taught Kindergarten and Home Economics. years offer young girls in the 50’s and 60’s? What motivated you and your husband to She spent most of her career teaching English. I cherish many fond memories of Anatolia Col- make a legacy gift to Anatolia College at Giving is the Answer! At present time, she serves as Hellenic Culture lege - including lasting friends, fine faculty, ex- this particular time? – Ministry chair at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox cellent education, and a lot of hard work. The We decided that we wanted to help those girls Generosity comes in many forms and church in Wilmington, North Carolina. school challenged us to think seriously about who have academic potential, but lack the fi- making a planned gift is a wonderful way our future, and how we wanted to evolve in a nancial means to access an education at Anato- to show your support to Anatolia College Samuel R. Wiersteiner earned a B.S. degree career, as professionals. For me, Anatolia Col- lia College. After many years of careful savings, and its mission, while accommodating from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1965 lege offered the best education in Greece. we have been able to generate significant funds your own personal, financial needs and and his M.S. in 1966. He earned his Ph.D. from that will allow us to aid those less fortunate, but philanthropic goals. Planned gifts provide Penn State University in 1970. He was Dean What do you remember fondly from that capable, girls by providing them with an oppor- tremendous opportunities for Anatolia of Applied Arts and Sciences at Williamsport period? tunity for a better education. College, significantly strengthening our Community College, PA in 1970. Dr. Wierstein- I remember how dedicated our teachers were, service and teaching, and greatly improv- er served as Director of General and Technical who put extra time helping us with classes. My Do you believe that young women still ing the learning experience for our stu- Studies at Indiana University at South Bend, favorite teacher - Mrs. Dorothy Attaliades - was need more empowerment and education- dents. At the same time, depending on Indiana, from 1978-1980. Dr. Wiersteiner came always helping me with my English courses. I al opportunities? And If yes, why? how you structure your planned gift, you to Indiana State University in 1979 as the Exec- loved the yearly Christmas Bazaar, the various Empowerment is facilitated by education. Edu- may benefit from tax deductions and in- utive Director of the Center of the Vocational clubs to which I belonged and our class trips cation is achieved through hard work and the come for you and your family. Individuals Technical Services. In 1994 he held the title of during Easter. I also enjoyed the chapel pro- opportunity to access that education. High who plan their gift are welcomed into the Director of Independent Study and Workforce grams with so many interesting speakers, as quality education is, unfortunately, most often “Morning Cometh Society. “ Development until his retirement in 1997. well as the celebrations of the national holidays. available to those who can afford it.

Alumni Office Highlights & Events

he overall alumni community consists of ap- spectively) and ACT Alumni Association, which Delivery Services During the Lockdown: Tproximately 15,000 alumni of both the High are privately run. The Anatolia College Alumni Anatolia’s alumni and their businesses offered school and ACT all over the world. The Alumni Office has initiated the foundation of a separate delivery services during the COVID-19 lock- Relations Office undertakes various actions to alumni chapter in the UK, while the Boston Of- down via the Alumni Business Directory and build a strong bond of affiliation through sys- fice engages the vast community of alumni who Anatolia High school Alumni Facebook Group. tematic and relevant engagement initiatives by live in the US. re-connecting old classmates, offering lifelong London Event: Over 120 Anatolia alumni en- learning seminars, creating networking oppor- Alumni Business Directory: The Alumni Office thusiastically attended an event at the Hellenic tunities, and organizing volunteer initiatives. designed a platform for Alumni to register their Center in London in January 2020. It is this life- The Office also serves as a bridge between the professional contact details. Since April 2020 long enthusiasm demonstrated by our alumni School and the High School Alumni Associa- more than 440 Anatolians have signed up to the that makes the broader Anatolia community so tions in Thessaloniki and Athens (SAAK, SAKA re- platform and the number keeps increasing. special and intrinsic to our school’s identity. - London event

Page 12 • The Anatolian • Autumn 2020