Hellenic American University’s 13th commencement was held on June 29, 2023, at the Athens Concert Hall (Dimitris Mitropoulos Hall). Friends, family, and distinguished guests joined faculty, staff, executive officers, and trustees of Hellenic American University to celebrate the 74 members of the graduating Class of 2023.
Valedictory addresses were given by Angeliki Georgaki, (M.A. in Applied Linguistics-TESOL) and Sofia Votsiou (B.S. in Psychology). The salutatorians for the Class of 2023 were Jeffrey Scott Basile (MBA), and Despoina Simitsoglou (B.S. in Psychology).
As in past commencements, the University conferred honorary degrees to individuals who have distinguished themselves through achievements in the arts or sciences, education, public service, or philanthropy. This year the University awarded two honorary doctorates: one to Eleftherios Skiadas, a journalist and historian with a long record of public service, including his current tenure as vice mayor and President of the Cultural Foundation of the City of Athens; the other to Dr. Eric Smaw, a philosopher, educator, and civil rights advocate who serves on the national board of the American Civil Liberties Union. Dr. Smaw is Professor and Department Chair of Philosophy at Rollins College, where he also serves as Special Assistant to the Provost for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
In his commencement address, President Leonidas Phoebus Koskos pointed out that the new graduates were entering their professional life in a world that is rapidly being changed by the astonishing advances in artificial intelligence and new work environments. He encouraged them to draw upon the critical thinking and innovative mindset their education has equipped them with to meet the challenges in a creative and productive way and called upon them to embrace their role as global citizens and contribute to the development of their communities.
After the close of the ceremony, a reception followed where graduates celebrated this milestone with their professors, loved ones, and friends.
Congratulations to all our graduates!
Image: Hellenic American University – Graduating Class of 2023