One-hundred years after arriving in Greece, Anatolia College continues be an innovative, inclusive, and socially responsible educational leader. This 2023–2024 report reflects our ongoing commitment to preparing students for an ever-evolving world.
From our reopening in 1924 with just 13 refugee students, Anatolia has grown into a vibrant community of over 4,000 students across the regular programs and thousands of students in the ancillary programs throughout Greece. Our regular programs include more than 1,000 international students who help promote a globally-minded education by providing windows into other cultures. In celebration of this historic year, Anatolia College is hosting many events to reconnect with our past and with Thessalonians, being that Anatolia and Thessaloniki are inextricably intertwined. As we continue to celebrate the centennial, this year we reflect on the spirit of perseverance and adaptability that brought us here.
The Kassandra Center for Educational Excellence helps channel our innovative spirit to shape a brighter future for our students, community, and the world through educational progress driven by workshops, conferences like “AI in Education,” and academic research projects. This state-of-the-art facility, officially inaugurated in June 2024 and made possible by the generosity of Kassandra and Telis Mistakidis, provides cutting-edge learning and teaching practices, houses the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and fosters a thriving global-minded educational environment.
A cornerstone of our mission is to provide talented children from all backgrounds access to Anatolia’s world-class education. Therefore, we prioritize our scholarship program, bestowing financial aid to over 1,000 students—about 27% of our student body. This is made possible through our institutional advancement initiatives that help raise money and increase our endowment. This is then allocated toward scholarships, thematic programs, and new capital projects.
Meanwhile, we have expanded our initiatives in social engagement and mental health. We aim to instill in students a sense of community, responsibility, and environmental stewardship, fostering a sustainable relationship with the planet. Additionally, we will continue to prioritize well-being for all members of the Anatolia community, promoting emotional, intellectual, and physical health. By encouraging balance and resilience, we aim to educate well-rounded students and support our faculty and staff in achieving a harmonious work-life dynamic.
These accomplishments are a testament to the enduring support of our trustees, alumni, donors, and community partners. Their dedication enables us to invest in the people, programs, and facilities that define Anatolia’s legacy and propel it forward. Our community’s shared governance model, combining the efforts of American and Greek trustees, has been vital to Anatolia’s success, past and future.
The 21st century is transforming at an unprecedented pace and we aim to provide students with the tools to navigate contemporary complexities and seize emerging opportunities by emphasizing AI integration, global citizenship, and modern skills. Anatolia College is committed to reimagining education, empowering students, and strengthening our community. Together, we will rise to meet these challenges, shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come.
I invite you to peruse this report to see the impact of our multicultural efforts. Together, we can ensure that Anatolia College remains an innovative model of excellence and change.
Dr. Panos
Vlachos
President of Anatolia College
This past year at Anatolia College was marked by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to our mission of educational excellence. Highlights include the establishment of the Kassandra Center for Educational Excellence and our expanded scholarship program. The former has positioned Anatolia as a regional hub for innovation, and the latter has provided greater access to transformative education for students from diverse backgrounds.
Anatolia’s centennial year has been an opportunity to celebrate our historic milestone and to reflect on our success as an excellent, innovative, inclusive, and socially responsible educational institution. Since its relocation to Thessaloniki in 1924, Anatolia has overcome significant challenges to emerge stronger. Beginning with just 13 students, Anatolia now boasts over 16,000 alumni. Encouraged by the vision of Eleftherios Venizelos, Anatolia’s founders embraced the mission of blending the best of American and Greek educational practices. I greatly admire the commitment, faith, and perseverance of our predecessors who had the vision to initiate and build the premier school that we observe today. The challenges we have faced—from economic crises and global pandemics to regional instability—have tested us, but they have also strengthened our resolve and adaptability. We have been fortunate to experience a great renewal over the past decade. Like the early pioneers who founded and rebuilt this institution, we remain steadfast in our belief that education transforms lives and communities. Our achievements this year are rooted in the forward-thinking, collaborative efforts of our trustees, administration, faculty, and staff who have made significant strides in advancing Anatolia’s mission. We thank you for your support of our mission of offering the best possible education to our students available in Greece. Anatolia’s shared governance system—anchored by a dedicated Board of Trustees composed equally of Greek and American volunteers—has been pivotal. These trustees provide oversight, financial support, and strategic guidance, ensuring operational and educational excellence. This unique governance structure remains a competitive advantage, aligning with the institution’s goal of delivering a premier educational experience. We thank you for your support of our mission of offering the best possible education to our students available in Greece.
Over the years, Anatolia has significantly expanded its footprint, encompassing an elementary school, Pinewood International School, and the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT). Initiatives like the Center for Talented Youth in Greece, Venture Garden, and English on the Mountains exemplify Anatolia’s commitment to innovation and outreach. Anatolia has played a vital role in Thessaloniki’s growth as an international hub. The boarding program and studyabroad initiatives attract students from diverse backgrounds and regions, further cementing its position as a center for international education in Northern Greece. These programs promote democratic values, social progress, and a commitment to sustainability and peace in the region.
Despite the global challenges of the last decade—including financial crises, a pandemic, and geopolitical tensions— Anatolia has remained steadfast and has used these challenges to grow. We modernized curricula and expanded programs, reaffirming the belief that education drives recovery and societal well-being. As Anatolia embarks on its next century, it remains committed to preparing students to be productive, socially responsible citizens who contribute to a better world.
I hope I succeeded in expressing our gratitude for those who contributed so much over a historic century to what we experience today. Here’s to another 100 years of progress and excellence. Anatolia forever.
For the Board of Trustees,
Albert H. (Chip) Elfner, III Chair, Board of Trustees
message from the vice president of institutional advancement
Celebrating a Century in Thessaloniki: Anatolia College’s Centennial Year
The fiscal year ending in 2024 was a landmark for Anatolia College as we celebrated our centennial anniversary in Thessaloniki. Guided by the Development team, the college launched a year-long series of events commemorating a century of educational excellence and community impact. This celebratory journey culminated in the Centennial Exhibition, “Future Cometh,” at the Museum of Byzantine Culture, offering the Anatolia community an opportunity to honor our rich legacy and envision the future.
This remarkable year also saw another milestone in philanthropic support, with total donations exceeding $2.3 million. These contributions not only bolstered traditional programs, such as scholarships and community outreach initiatives for underprivileged groups, but also established Anatolia’s first-ever endowed scholarship fund at ACT, expanding our support for future generations.
The Development team, in close collaboration with our dedicated faculty, administered a variety of impactful programs that promote diversity, access, and community engagement. These initiatives, together with our hallmark Scholarship Program, continue to affirm Anatolia’s role as a leading nonprofit educational institution.
On behalf of the entire Anatolia community, we extend heartfelt gratitude to our alumni, foundations, corporations, and friends whose unwavering support reflects their belief in our mission and values. Your generosity is instrumental in sustaining Anatolia’s legacy and vision for the future. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Peter Chresanthakes Vice President of Institutional Advancement
about Anatolia College
Anatolia College is a nonprofit educational institution with a history extending over 130 years, dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and inclusiveness. Situated on a spacious campus in Thessaloniki, Greece, it offers an exceptional physical setting alongside state-of-the-art facilities that foster a vibrant learning environment.
Anatolia provides students with a strong academic foundation and prepares them for the challenges of professional life and beyond as one of the few institutions in the world that offers education spanning from pre-K to graduate studies through its various academic divisions. More specifically, today, Anatolia College comprises:
• Anatolia Elementary School, serving primary education from pre-K to grade 6
• Anatolia High School, which consists of two Middle and two High Schools, alongside the IBDP program that prepares students for university study worldwide
• Pinewood American International School, which serves as a bridge with the international community and offers primary and secondary education (from pre-K to grade 12) in an exclusively English-speaking environment
• ACT (American College of Thessaloniki), its US-NECHE accredited and EU validated tertiary division, an institution of higher learning offering Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in a variety of fields, alongside an Entrepreneurship Hub and a Lifelong Learning Center
• CTΥ Greece (Center for Talented Youth Greece), which provides enhanced educational opportunities to bright students from Greece and the Southeastern European region, and is the result of the strategic partnership of Anatolia College, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, and Johns Hopkins University
• Kassandra Center for Educational Excellence (KCEE) aims to transform the educational landscape in Greece and the greater region by inspiring educators to innovate, research, teach, and learn, advancing educational equity and excellence for the benefit of the broader academic community.
a historical perspective
As an integrated academic community, we are committed to developing students’ talents through innovative educational approaches and open inquiry within a culture of academic excellence. We instill a heightened sense of social responsibility in an environment that nurtures ethical, creative, and physical development. Anatolia College was incorporated in 1886 by American missionaries on its first campus in Merzifon, Asia Minor. At that time, it principally enrolled Greek and Armenian students. The school took its name from Anatolia, where it was established.
The name Anatolia, which also refers to the east and the rising sun, captures the spirit of its founders, who believed that even in the most difficult of times, the dawn of a new day brings forth a new beginning. The school was forced to close after the war brought change to the region. It reopened in 1924 in Thessaloniki following the recommendation of former Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos. In 1934, Anatolia established its permanent home in the northeastern suburb of Thessaloniki, Pylea.
Elementary School, High School & IB Diploma Program, ACT, Pinewood, CTY Greece, Study Abroad students 4,051
Anatolia High School students accepted to Greek Universities in 2023 129
138
Anatolia & Pinewood High School students accepted and attending universities and colleges across the US, UK and Europe
Total Study Abroad Students from 1997 - Spring 2023 6,204 High School & ACT alumni
16,444 # Students
Voluntary Service Hours (institution-wide)
4,200 Service as Action 1,000 ACT 54,000 Organizations
4,000 Anatolia Elementary School
44,800 HS Social Responsibility Programs
$5,142,000
Total Anatolia College Institutional Scholarships & Financial Aid awarded this year
$23,040,000
Total Anatolia Institutional Scholarships & Financial Aid awarded for the last 5 years
percentage of Anatolia College regular students currently receiving Scholarship & Financial Aid Scholarships In the News (institution-wide)
Scholarships from US Universities 2023-24:
$6,500,144
Total amount of scholarships for four years of studies (Including Pinewood students)
5,038 Anatolia College Students Scholarships & Financial Aid recipients for the last 5 years
32%
227
11
15
$47,795 Average scholarship per student ACT Faculty Scholarly
(FALL 2023, SPRING 2024):
Teach the Teachers
Since 2017 over 5,815 educators from public and private schools all over Greece and Cyprus attended free professional development programs offered by Anatolia College - Kassandra Center for Educational Excellence, CTY Greece, MYP.
GREECE
THESSALONIKI
1924-2024
GREECE
THESSALONIKI
1924-2024
celebrating 100 years in Thessaloniki
One hundred years ago, following its forced expulsion from Merzifon in Asia Minor (today, eastern Turkey), Anatolia College relocated to Thessaloniki. This year, we paid tribute to our history with a multitude of events and initiatives commemorating the progress our institution has made and the role we continue to play as a leading light for primary, secondary, and tertiary education in Greece and the surrounding region. The Centennial anniversary allowed us to reflect upon our extraordinary record of stewardship and our commitment to core values that have defined Anatolia since its inception.
Upon relocating to Thessaloniki in 1924, the college became a beacon of transformative education in Greece. From its humble beginnings with just 13 students, Anatolia has grown significantly, adapting to historical challenges while emphasizing innovative education, academic excellence, ethical resource management, and community engagement. The school has continuously evolved its facilities and programs, integrating modern educational practices and fostering a commitment to excellence.
Our continuous investment in educational technologies epitomizes the commitment to a forwardlooking pedagogy capable of forging individuals who embrace the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The expansion of our campus infrastructure demonstrates how our support for students, faculty, alumni, and friends is growing and evolving.
Centennial exhibition
Centennial Exhibition
“FUTURE COMETH:
Anatolia College 100 years in Thessaloniki”
The crowning event in our celebration was a unique historical exhibition honoring our rich history, hosted at Thessaloniki’s famous Museum of Byzantine Culture in the fourth quarter of the year. Anatolia’s presence in the city was illustrated with rare and emblematic artifacts and biographical material from our archive, presented in an experiential narrative highlighting the timeless values of Anatolia College and its broader educational, social, and cultural contributions. The temporary exhibition “FUTURE COMETH: Anatolia College 100 years in Thessaloniki” under the patronage of H.E., the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou at the Museum of Byzantine Culture of Thessaloniki was inaugurated on October 4th, 2024. The opening event was honored by the presence of representatives from local authorities, consular offices, and organizations that provided archival material for the exhibition, as well as members of the teaching and administrative staff, journalists, and hundreds of parents and alumni of Anatolia College.
The exhibition follows the adventurous journey of Anatolia College, spanning three continents – America, Asia Minor, and Europe – and across three different centuries, from the 19th to the 21st. The narrative begins in Merzifon, Asia Minor, in 1886 but mainly focuses on the period in Thessaloniki, where in 1924, the College hosted its first class on Greek soil in temporary facilities in Charilaou, with thirteen refugee students. In 1934, Anatolia College moved to Pylea, where an integrated campus was designed, following the American Liberal Arts College model, along with a curriculum that inspires its students to think and act as citizens of the world.
The title of the exhibition, “Future Cometh” is inspired by the spirit of optimism that permeates its founders, as it is reflected in Anatolia’s hymn “Morning Cometh” (“Dawn”) written in 1916, underlying that even in the most difficult times one can hope for a new dawn, a new beginning. The title “Future Cometh” is a reminder of the past and, simultaneously, a stepping stone for the future, based on Anatolia’s four founding fundamental values: Innovation, Excellence, Social Responsibility, and Inclusion.
The centennial publication “FUTURE COMETH – Anatolia College 100 Years in Thessaloniki” is a landmark publication developed by Anatolia College and released in conjunction with the exhibitions marking the centennial celebration of the educational institution in Thessaloniki. This meticulously curated edition spans 400 pages and includes material from the namesake exhibition hosted at the Museum of Byzantine Culture and rare and unpublished material. A Century in Print: The Centennial Publication
This year, Anatolia College commemorated its Centennial with remarkable events celebrating its rich history and vibrant community. Highlights included the Founding Day celebrations, Homecoming weekends for Anatolia High School and ACT alumni, basketball tournaments, the construction of a Time Capsule, and the revival of the renowned Alumni Drama Club by the Anatolia College Alumni Association. Alumni artists took the stage at Thessaloniki Concert Hall for the inspiring concert “Music Cometh: Anatolia College. 100 Years in Thessaloniki.” under the guidance of the Artistic Director of Thessaloniki Concert Hall, Christos Galileas, ‘93. The Association of Friends of Anatolia College also organized events such as the formal luncheon and the Centennial Christmas Gala.
The centennial activities and events were successfully accomplished with the assistance of major donors, including the National Bank of Greece and the Papageorgiou Foundation, as well as the generous contributions of donors, the Association of Friends of Anatolia College (AFAC), and the Alumni Association of Anatolia College (SAAK) and the official air carrier sponsor, Aegean Airlines.
1. “Sealing” of the Time Capsule
On Saturday, June 8, 2024, trustees, alumni, students, and parents gathered in front of Macedonia Hall to seal and bid farewell to the Time Capsule as it began its journey through time. This Time Capsule represents a collective effort by the Anatolia community to leave a legacy that will be discovered 100 years from now. Community members contributed personal messages and objects, including 100 graduates participating in the Alumni 100 Campaign. This initiative offered the first 100 contributors of €1,000 or more to join the Centennial Campaign.
2. Celebrating the Thessaloniki Founding Day
January 21, 2024, was declared the Official Founding Day in honor of the first-day classes began with 13 refugee students. The day was celebrated with special activities at Anatolia College and Pinewood.
3. Reuniting through Time: ACT and Anatolia High School Homecomings
On May 31, 2024, the ACT welcomed more than 250 alumni from Greece and abroad to participate in an extraordinary Homecoming celebration. On September 22, 2024, the Anatolia College campus opened to host a gathering for more than 700 high school alumni of all classes to join the festivities, meet with dear friends, old classmates, and teachers, and reminisce about their high school years.
4. A Walk-through History
Archaeologist Tasos Papadopoulos, with his unique perspective, transformed the adventures of Anatolia College and its people into a captivating narrative in the form of a walking tour around the campus, unveiling the rich tapestry of its 100-year presence in Thessaloniki.
5. “Music Cometh: Anatolia College. 100 Years in Thessaloniki”
6. Alumni Drama Club
governance
From our earliest days, Anatolia College has shown an unwavering commitment to stewardship, ensuring that our educational resources and values are, and will continue to be accessible to our diverse community. Central to these efforts is the role of our trustees and senior management, whose active involvement in day-to-day processes provides the foundation for our overall success and sustainability, promoting our mission from the micro to the macro levels and ensuring that our values are upheld in all operational areas.
Governance and stewardship have secured the College’s growth over these 100 years, representing the pillars that guarantee its continuity. In particular, Anatolia’s Board of Trustees is notable for several factors, all of which demonstrate the remarkable commitment these individuals make to our institution. Their Pro Bono tenure allows them to prioritize the needs of the organization without consideration for personal financial gain while offering an example of volunteerism that reinforces the school’s central mission. Their service drives a culture of commitment and inspires others in the community to support the institution in meaningful ways. Their unique talents and expertise enhance the Board’s effectiveness in decision-making. Additionally, many trustees support the institution financially, demonstrating their belief in its mission and encouraging others to invest in its future. Finally, their commitment to continuity fosters a sense of trust among stakeholders, including parents, students, faculty, and donors. By maintaining institutional memory and guiding strategic initiatives, trustees help ensure that the school can operate smoothly and adapt to changing circumstances while remaining true to its core values. This continuity is vital for the long-term success and growth of the institution, allowing it to thrive for future generations.
Nowhere is this clearer than in the Board’s role in managing our Endowment. Sound fiduciary practices are crucial to maintaining Anatolia’s long-term financial viability, ensuring the institution can prosper over the coming decades. Anatolia relies on donor contributions for its scholarship and social engagement programs, and trust is the single most important factor in sustaining our donor base. Our supporters rely on a well-structured framework with clear policies and procedures that guide our institutional decision-making and ensure accountability.
anatolia college master plan: “shaping the future”
The Trustees of Anatolia College commissioned a Master Plan competition to choose a leading firm to chart the course of the campus evolution over the forthcoming decades. Anatolia plans to strengthen its physical identity through this commission, revitalize its campus, and expand its facilities to align with its evolving academic paradigm. A critical element is to enhance the student experience, reinforce its distinguished academic reputation—nationally and internationally—and support the significant growth of its tertiary division.
Anatolia selected Bennetts Associates to complete the Master Plan with the support of acclaimed landscape architects Grant Associates and other associate firms. The plan was completed in the summer of 2024, and it builds on the theme of an open and integrated campus by unifying the site through a sensory and experiential journey. The Master Plan Framework envisions a campus that reflects Anatolia College’s academic standing while transforming its physical presence. It preserves and enhances the site’s natural beauty while addressing operational challenges and incorporating distinct architectural elements that elevate the College’s identity. Additionally, as educational methods and student expectations evolve, the master plan ensures adaptability and future readiness.
The historic heart of the campus will be revitalized with the enclosure of the central quad—realizing the vision of the original 1930s master plan and drawing inspiration from Oxbridge and Ivy League institutions. Key initiatives include a car-free main campus, upgraded athletic facilities, new learning and activity spaces, sustainability, and the implementation of energy-efficient technologies in all buildings. One critical element of the plan is the removal of cars from the campus and their relocation to parking areas on the Gymnasium side, where new spaces were created in the far southeast corner.
With the expansion of its university division, Anatolia will continue to attract a growing number of Greek and international students, as well as esteemed faculty and research staff from around the world. To accommodate this growth, the Campus Master Plan outlines the construction of four new buildings on the university campus in addition to the three existing facilities.
excellence
Albert “Chip” Elfner, Sandra & Telis Mistakidis and Dr. Panos Vlachos Inauguration of the Kassandra Center for Educational Excellence
As one of the four pillars defining Anatolia’s institutional framework, Academic Excellence serves as both a goal and a measurement of our efforts to provide world-class education to Greece and the surrounding region. From new facilities providing training and resources for educators of all levels and affiliations to new programs that prepare our students for lucrative and satisfying careers, Anatolia offers opportunities and produces results that illustrate our effectiveness as an outstanding educational institution.
Kassandra Center for Educational Excellence - KCEE
This past year witnessed a watershed moment for our campus with the formal inauguration of the Kassandra Center for Educational Excellence. This stunning Center, fully funded by noted philanthropists Teli and Sandra Mistakidis, is the result of the largest single-donor gift in our institution’s history and reflects the Mistakidis’ belief in the power of education to transform individuals and society.
As construction commenced in 2022, the Center’s staff began offering programmed events to the public. Teacher trainings aimed at empowering educators from Anatolia College and the wider public school sector in Greece emphasize access to methodological tools and building familiarity with innovative research-based teaching approaches and strategies. Students’ social-emotional development is a priority, and much of the curriculum focuses on ways to enhance the teaching process with a holistic view of how students learn.
During the Grand Opening, Minister of Education Mrs. Zetta Makri remarked on the contribution that KCEE can make, with “the continuous upgrading of teachers’ knowledge and qualifications, which is the most powerful asset of an education system that consistently pursues excellence at all levels.”
The three-story building - which also houses Anatolia’s International Baccalaureate program - is a 3,800 m2 structure (approx. 41,000 ft2) with dedicated yet flexible spaces designed to maximize the usability of every area. KCEE’s state-of-the-art facilities are used for teaching, training, events, and cultural programs. Since 2021, KCEE has organized three Conferences and over 50 teacher training workshops, serving more than 1,300 Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary-level educators from public and private schools. Thematic content includes SocialEmotional Learning, Educational Technology, Pedagogy and Teaching Methods, Creativity and Writing, Language Acquisition and Communication, and 21st-century Skills Development.
«This gift is our way of expressing appreciation and gratitude. What truly makes a difference in achieving success in life is not wealth but education»
Telis and Sandra Mistakidis, Anatolia College benefactors
Academic Excellence across our Divisions
ACT
ACT - The American College of Thessaloniki is proud of its faculty’s robust scholarly activity, demonstrated by 87 national and international conference presentations, 31 publications, 14 ongoing research projects, and numerous books, chapters, and media appearances. This dedication to scholarship strengthens ACT’s programs and provides students with valuable learning opportunities. Students actively engage in impactful research across disciplines, from science students developing biomedical engineering solutions and presenting at international conferences to political science and international relations students participating in prestigious events.
ACT students are also achieving significant recognition. A Psychology student earned multiple awards for academic excellence and leadership. Business students demonstrated their skills in a global market simulation, with several teams achieving top rankings worldwide. These accomplishments highlight the quality of education and students’ dedication to ACT.
Anatolia Lyceum classroom
Anatolia High School
Panhellenic Examinations 2024:
110 Successful Candidates in High-demand Universities
For another year, Anatolia College seniors distinguished themselves in the Pan-Hellenic Examinations, scoring very high indeed. Several applicants were ranked in the 90th percentile based on subject matter – including scholarship students from Anatolia College.
2024 IB results for Anatolia College’s International Baccalaureate Program (IBDP)
Seventy-five seniors in Anatolia High School’s International Baccalaureate Program were accepted for study at higher education institutions outside of Greece. The list of high-profile universities and colleges featured fifteen in the USA, 15 in the United Kingdom, and 15 in the European Union. Their targeted majors and areas of study include Biochemistry, Business and Management, Computer Science, Economics, Drama, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine, Finance, Law, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, Politics, and Psychology. Twenty-three of the 26 students secured full scholarships for US universities - a total of $5,141,600 - for four years of study
Of 35 seniors from the IBDP and General Lyceum, 31 received scholarships to attend universities in the United States.
Panhellenic Forensics Tournament
Anatolia High School Tops in Extracurricular Activities
Several student teams brought home honors for entrepreneurial concepts, including “Seewache,” a collaboration team of the 1st EKFE Heraklion and Anatolia High School (1st Place in the pan-European “Future League” competition), “Arbori,” an IBDP team (3rd in the pan-Hellenic Social Innovation Relay), and “Agrolease” (top 10 teams of the 4th Panhellenic Youth Entrepreneurship Competition).
An Anatolia student joined other members of the Greek team to win a Gold Medal for first Place at the European Debating Schools Championship 2024, held on February 15-17 in Prague. Anatolia’s Alexia Sextou was ranked 7th among the ten best speakers of the tournament Our academically based teams continue to distinguish themselves in national and international spheres, winning a bronze medal at the Balkan Youth Mathematical Olympiad 2024, Distinction in the 6th Balkan Physics Olympiad, European Champion at the Pan-European School Rhetoric Championship, and 3rd Place in the Panhellenic Forensics Tournament.
Anatolia has emerged as a powerful player in the field of Robotics, and the College hosted the Panhellenic Educational Robotics Championship “Unknown Mission League” UML 2024, with the participation of 46 teams and 150 students from Central and Western Macedonia. Our teams and individuals have taken top spots nationally, regionally, and worldwide including “ROBOT CHALLENGE” (1st Place with a ticket for the World Competition), “SQuad” (ranked 3rd in all of Greece, and winning a ticket to the World competition FIRA ROBOWORLD CUP); and finally taking Honors at the 3rd MRC GLOBAL OLYMPIAD Robotics Olympiad in Crete among 3,500 competitors from 36 countries.
Our student-athletes consistently achieve high honors in a wide range of sporting events. Tolis Vougioukas participated in the 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games “Gangwon 2024”. Valia (Varvara) Lykomitrou won the junior (U19) gold medal at the World Rowing Championships held in St. Catherine, Canada, in August after winning a European gold medal in Poland’s double skiff final in June 2024. Maya Styla, with the Junior National Cheerleading Team, participated in the 2024 World Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, FL. The National Youth Team took 8th place in the finals.
Pinewood - Harvard Model Congress Europe
Pinewood American International School’s Distinguished Results
Students earned recognition in prestigious competitions, including short-listed essays in the John Locke Institute 2023 Global Essay Competition and 1st place gold medals in the 5th Hellenic Young Naturalists Tournament. The school also hosted its first in-person Young Leadership Program by Harvard Model Congress, leading to invitations for students to attend Harvard’s Leadership Winter Camp. Additionally, Pinewood’s 6th graders won an Award of Distinction in the National Open Technologies in Education Competition for their sustainable tree house project. Grade 10 students competed in the World Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in New York, reaching the semi-finals with their app, Schothlete. Pinewood’s success continued at the Harvard Model Congress Europe, where 20 delegates earned various awards, including Best Delegate and multiple Honorable Mentions.
steam
Anatolia College Robotics contest
Our institution is committed to supporting and cultivating students’ digital and critical thinking skills while familiarizing them with STE(A)M subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. The Anna Papageorgiou STEM Center designs and implements Anatolia College’s STEAM activities and outreach programs Anatolia College provides diverse training programs to empower educators to integrate STEAM education and modern skills into their teaching through various European-funded consortia and projects.
The SEGA Project (2022-2025) focuses on enhancing STEAM for young children through gaming, with international collaborations and toolkits benefiting 15 teachers. The STEAM+E Program Training, hosted in May 2024 in collaboration with the Laboratory of Physics Education and Educational Technology of the Department of Physics at AUTH, combines STEAM and entrepreneurship, offering 40 teachers practical strategies for fostering critical thinking and innovation.
Through the C Think Training, 15 teachers explored Computational Thinking and gamebased learning via workshops and lesson plan pilots. High school educators gained hands-on manufacturing skills in CNC training, aligning with industry needs.
The STEAMing the Future Teacher Training also equipped 77 educators with Industry 4.0 skills, emphasizing digital literacy, inclusivity, and new technologies to inspire students in a rapidly evolving world.
The Anna Papageorgiou STEM Center also participates in the EU-funded Blooming the Future project, which aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the STEAM field from a young age and foster gender equality in STEAM. Our support for enhancing female participation in STEAM-related careers is demonstrated through participation in events such as Deloitte’s “Her Way Forward: Upskilling & Reskilling” event, targeted at women already in the tech industry. The involvement in such projects has also furthered our scientific output; this past year, our STEAM staff have published five academic papers and participated in numerous conferences and training courses.
Anatolia College integrates STEAM activities into its elementary and kindergarten programs through weekly STEAM lessons that align with class learning goals and subjects. The school organizes initiatives like the F1 in Schools national competition, where 78 sixth-grade students participated, and offers after-school STEAM activities for 65 students. Events such as the Women in STEM – Treasure Hunt and the annual STEAM Family Day for prekindergarten and kindergarten students, which attracted 40 families, foster a love for science and hands-on learning among students and their parents.
In collaboration with Pinewood, Anatolia College enhances STEAM education through shared projects and best practices. The partnership also includes hosting 40 Pinewood students to prepare for the F1 in Schools competition, promoting teamwork and innovation, and exploring cutting-edge technology through Virtual Reality sessions.
STEAMING the FUTURE I & II
After a year of successful piloting live in Xanthi (Thrace) and online throughout Greece, Anatolia College’s free innovative educational program STEAMing the Future has entered its second phase, expanding the number and location of inperson courses and serving even more students from all over Greece. The program was inaugurated in December 2022 with the support of the Bodossakis Foundation. In 2023-2024, it was expanded to face-to-face courses in Alexandroupolis with additional free workshops for teachers. The total number of students who attended the in-person and online programs reached 167, while 77 teachers participated in the training workshops.
Within the 2023-24 school year, the program expanded in Thessaloniki, at the Anna Papageorgiou STEM Center on the Anatolia campus, for elementary and high school students with the generous support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation. Anatolia College also provided transportation with school buses, as students came from throughout the Thessaloniki metropolitan area, reaching 87 children
Building Connections
Large, homegrown events, such as the Anatolia College Science and Technology Annual Conference - ACSTAC, heighten our presence in the STEAM community and allow our students to participate in a major regional conference. In the 2024 conference, more than 550 students from 40 public and private high schools in Greece gathered - a record number in the annals of the event - coming from areas as far away as Crete, Kos, Ioannina, Athens, Boeotia, and Mytilini. Anatolia College hosted the Panhellenic Educational Robotics Championship “Unknown Mission League” - UML 2024 in February 2024, with 46 teams and 150 students from Central and Western Macedonia. Other initiatives include the Artificial Intelligence School (March 2024), which hosted a comprehensive Python programming and machine learning workshop.
STEAM Highlights
The team “Seewache”, from the 1st Laboratory Center of Physical Sciences of Heraklion and Anatolia College, secured first place in the European “Future League” competition organized by the Science on Stage organization.
by the numbers: STEAM
Engagement and Impact academic year 2023-2024
Outreach:1,435
Webinar participants: 250
National Distinctions: 41
Funded Projects: 5
ACSTAC participants: 665
Elementary students: 243
Steam Competitions: 286
Teacher training events: 147
International Distinctions: 32 Publications: 5
In 2023 – 2024, 286 students participated in at least one STEAM competition/ activity. This number refers to 22% of the total number of Anatolia High school students.
In the last six years, more than 4,000 Primary Education students have participated in free experiential activities through the STEM Outreach Program.
The team “Green Inc” of Anatolia College qualified for the final phase of the “Earth Prize” Global Environmental Sustainability Competition for the first time, consisting of students from the 2nd High School and IBDP.
Two Anatolia teams, Anatolia Racers and Wings of Victory, participated in the Panhellenic Competition F1 in Schools 2023 for schools from central and northern Greece. Anatolia Racers ranked first in the competition, received the award for the fastest car, and qualified for the World Finals 2024.
wellbeing
Anatolia Staff Retreat - Kerkini Lake
As a human-centric organization, the Anatolia College administration has responded to the needs of our community over the past three academic years with a new, dedicated focus on wellbeing. Our multi-pronged strategy is research-driven, with data collected from students, faculty, staff, and parents, and includes a holistic combination of actions aimed at enhancing the educational experience. By supporting the overall health of our extended family, we contribute to a more resilient environment and ensure a more positive future for our young people.
Institutionally, our Human Resources Department has instituted policies for our employees regarding wage and benefit increases, additional health insurance coverage, and feedback through employment satisfaction surveys. We have formalized a comprehensive Child Protection Policy, which lays out our institution’s role to ensure that all children are treated with respect and dignity.
Anatolia’s approach to wellbeing is based on two widely accepted methodologies. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) emphasizes the development of social and emotional literacy alongside academic subjects. Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) addresses the behavioral needs of at-risk students and the multi-leveled needs of all children to create an environment that promotes effective teaching and learning in schools.
Our Department of Counseling and Psychological Services has designed and implemented a wide-ranging program of actions tailored to the unique needs of each target group (students, faculty, staff, and parents) across all divisions. Responses from student surveys have led to the adoption of practical methods and strategies that have positively impacted students’ emotional and social skills, increasing SEL comprehension across genders. These results highlight Anatolia’s ongoing commitment to improving student wellbeing through data-driven strategies and extensive support systems. So far, our efforts have been delivered in an array of programs in the following key areas:
Raising Awareness & Support
Focus on early childhood learning support and social-emotional learning (SEL). We host specialized webinars and workshops and cooperate with external partners to provide socioemotional skills and peer support.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS): Implemented across divisions to promote a positive school environment, involving peer mediation and regular assessments.
Data Collection & Monitoring:
Surveys and questionnaires are regularly administered to students, faculty, and staff, with a unified system for tracking services and behavioral patterns.
Major Initiatives focused on students, faculty, and parents include:
- For students: SEL activities, bullying prevention, substance abuse, and peer support.
- For faculty: Wellbeing retreats, maternity classes, consultations, reflection sessions, and professional development.
- For parents: Webinars and consultations on exam stress, adolescence, embracing failure, sex education, safeguarding at school, and transition to new grades.
Future Goals
Our efforts will continue to build awareness within the community, increase our support for early childhood learning, integrate SEL and PBIS into our curricula, and improve our data collection and reporting functionalities with continuous monitoring and feedback.
Wellbeing Ambassadors
Thirty students have been trained to offer peer-to-peer emotional and interpersonal support and mediation.
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Workshops and activities for students, parents, faculty, and staff focus on physical wellbeing, including nutrition, yoga, self-awareness, hygiene, sleep, relationship management, social media, and first aid/life support training.
Counseling Services
Over 1,800 counseling sessions for students and more than 100 consultation sessions for faculty were held across Anatolia and Pinewood. According to school policies, urgent cases related to issues like bullying and mental health were addressed immediately.
For over two millennia, Thessaloniki has been a crossroads of people and learning. Anatolia College has remained true to that spirit, having played a vital role in building and sustaining an international mindset throughout our community.
global outlook international mindedness
Our collaborations with partners in Europe and the USA create a nexus for interaction and thought leadership. Through the EU’s Erasmus+ funding programs, we bring our faculty together with their peers from top universities and schools across the continent.
Our world-class facilities, notably the Anna Papageorgiou STEM Center, The Kassandra Center for Educational Excellence, and the Bissell Library, provide suitable space and resources to stage large, high-profile conferences with international audiences. Anatolia hosted 400 participants attending the 19th International Conference of the European Council for High Ability, organized by CTY Greece.
The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT), the Jena Centre for Reconciliation Studies (JCRS) at Friedrich Schiller University and the Foreign Affairs Institute organized a series of lectures at the Kavala International Summer School (August 2024) for the third consecutive year. This year, the subject was the pivotal role of the Republic of Cyprus in international relations, energy issues, and geostrategic interests. For the first time, the 2024 Summer School attracted academics and researchers from Waseda University in Japan and young diplomats from Kuwait.
Our student body is diverse, with youth coming from 45 countries, either as matriculating students or via our exchange programs. The academic year 2023-24 saw 334 freshmen arrive at the American College of Thessaloniki under Northeastern University’s NUIn program; another 342 pupils from 60 US colleges also chose to join us for their study abroad semester. Pinewood International School and our IBDP program provide an educational base for students of 30 different nationalities
In addition to bringing the world into our campus, Anatolia also provides opportunities for our students to experience it. Anatolia High School’s many clubs and extracurricular activities include visits to foreign countries in the context of their activities and competitions. Summer programs allow our sophomore and junior-level students to get a taste of life as a US college student and expose them to the wealth of opportunities available at top American universities.
The Middle Years Program (MYP), a preparatory step for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), prioritizes cultivating an international and service-oriented mentality through collaborative activities and visits. Our fully integrated IBDP program provides an educational framework to support the needs of the growing community of foreigners who reside in Thessaloniki.
Programs at ACT, such as the BA in English and New Media, the joint BS in Aviation Management, and the BS in Biological Studies, help broaden our curriculum and open new, globally relevant career opportunities for our students. ACT is also growing its footprint outside of Greece via combined degree programs, allowing students to pursue the final two years and their graduate studies at leading higher education institutions in the US and Europe. A recent addition is our newest collaboration, the BS in Marine Studies (New England University, Maine).
social responsibility
Tree planting, Seih Sou
Scholarships
Today, at least 32% of the total student body of Anatolia College receives some form of financial aid, from Room and Board + Tuition to full and/or partial scholarships. These scholarships come from bequests and donations from individuals and institutions that recognize the value of Anatolia education for children of limited means. For the Academic year 2023-24, students benefited from $5,142,000 in assistance.
For the 2024-2025 school year, 31 full and/or partial scholarships have been offered to incoming High School students to cover tuition costs. We also offer multiple packages for students who attend Anatolia as boarding students, including Tuition Scholarships (covering 15 - 50% of the fees), and Accommodation Scholarships (covering the full cost of room & board) for students originating from outside the Thessaloniki municipal area.
In Memoria - Three new endowed scholarships have been established in memory of three distinguished community members. The first, an endowed scholarship fund in honor of George S. Bissell and Stavros Constantinidis, two of our greatest benefactors, trustees, and life-long friends, will be established via an Anatolia College Board of Trustees initiative.
Stavros Constantinidis and George S. Bissell
The second remembers our beloved ACT mathematics professor, Costis Vezerides, who passed away in 2023 and is spurred by a former student who came forward with an inaugural gift to establish an endowed half scholarship fund at ACT. Anatolia College will match the donor funds; efforts are underway to fund this initiative fully, in perpetuity.
A full boarding scholarship in the name of “Konstantina Alevizopoulos and Nicole Van Fulpen Alevizopoulos” is dedicated to a student from Messinia.
All these generous efforts will ensure that future generations of students come to know and appreciate the great legacies of these extraordinary friends of Anatolia.
Social Responsibility Programs
Anatolians of all ages devote countless hours each year to meeting the larger community’s needs, underscoring our commitment to social responsibility, volunteerism, and active citizenship.
Our regular volunteering programs are ongoing each year and span a range of activities and target groups. These include making and serving hot meals, companionship for home- and hospital-bound adults, staffing events, visits to orphanages, producing and selling craft items, collecting and distributing aid supplies, and awareness campaigns to address pressing issues such as bullying, cancer prevention, and world hunger. Many of these activities are arranged in cooperation with NGOs. Exchanges with other schools, including the School for the Blind, enable our students to broaden their perspectives and learn from the real-life experiences of others.
Student clubs like our Green Ambassadors engage their peers to promote environmental sustainability, organize a tree-planting event, and participate in a cleanup at Lake Kerkini. The “Service as Action” program (part of the MYP) involves our Junior High School students in various service projects, including supporting needy families, cleaning local beaches, and crafting gifts for children in shelters. The “Creativity, Activity, Service” program - a requirement for all IBDP students, sets a framework for community service projects that can be carried out annually.
Other initiatives have a specific fundraising goal, with the proceeds benefiting local charities or supplementing our scholarship funds. Last year’s Christmas Bazaar, an Anatolia tradition, raised €12,000 ($12,650), and our Christmas Whispers event, which involved both elementary and high school students, also donated all monies made to charitable causes. The RUN4FUNd, a 2-kilometer run held on Alumni Field, raised €1,180 ($1,250) for the scholarship office’s student trip fund.
by the numbers:
Social Responsibility Programs
academic year 2023-24
408 students participated in 41 activities supporting 42 organizations.
Projects included distributing 2,685 hot meals to those in need,
donating 300 tech items and 422 school desks, and saving 214,848 plastic water bottles.
Cleanup at Lake Kerkini
Inclusion
Our institution makes great efforts to engage with underserved communities throughout the country.
In the region of Thrace, we have spent the past decade building a robust and effective program to provide resources and access to high-quality education to primary and secondary school students and their families under the “English on the Mountains” initiative. The English Language program started in 2014 with 25 students and has grown exponentially, reaching 240 students from seven villages in the area. Recognizing the demand for quality, year-round English education, we also offer winter classes. After three years of effort building up enrollment, we offer 99 children the opportunity to continue engaging with the English language throughout the year.
The strong ties we have built with the community were, to a great extent, a result of our decision to offer board scholarships to students in the area. Since 2016, eight Pomak students have attended Anatolia College as boarding students, and thanks to the generosity of our community, we are committed to offering at least one Pomak student a full boarding scholarship each year.
Anatolia also enriches the educational experience with organized visits to the campus featuring exciting STEAMrelated activities. We supplement this with visits to local companies to connect them with leading businesses in the region and begin their familiarization with concepts of entrepreneurship. Throughout the last decade, it has become evident that the intense thirst for knowledge and educational opportunities is not limited to children and youth but also felt by young mothers in the area. We are working with partners to develop an expansion plan to deliver Englishlanguage and related services tailored to the adult Pomak population.
Pomak Women’s Pletteno Social Cooperative Anatolia Bazaar
Support for Women
Anatolia is committed to supporting women’s and girls’ advancement in all areas of education and society, with actions across curricular and programmatic areas. This past year’s efforts had a broad scope of interest and targets. The EU-funded BLOOMing the Future program promotes female participation and leadership in STEAM subjects, with resources and content highlighting career options.
We support women’s entrepreneurship via programs and events such as the Venture Garden’s “Alpha Females for Venture Garden” (held in cooperation with ALBA Business School in Athens and Alpha Bank) and Deloitte’s “Her Way Forward: Upskilling & Reskilling” event, targeted at women already in the tech industry who want to develop their skills (Upskilling) further, as well as women from other sectors looking to pivot their careers into technology (Reskilling).
For the Pomak community in Thrace, 750 women attended Adult Experiential Workshops on issues such as bullying, self-care, handling challenging behavior, and health & nutrition. Our annual Christmas Bazaar has a dedicated space for a Pomak Women’s Pletteno Social Cooperative to sell their handmade artisan products to the public and demonstrate their art of weaving to our primary school students. Additionally, we have organized Cultural and Educational Visits & Events for mothers and their children and visits to local businesses.
Climate and Conservation
“English on the Mountains”
Anatolia is proud to announce a groundbreaking new initiative in our commitment to driving ecological innovation and fostering sustainable practices in Greece. We are introducing a pioneering “virtual net metering agreement” involving the remote installation of advanced photovoltaics. The system— with a capacity of 2.2MW—will enable Anatolia College to significantly reduce its carbon footprint while promoting clean, renewable energy. This initiative is a significant step towards environmental stewardship and a testament to the college’s forwardthinking approach.
By embracing virtual net metering, Anatolia is setting a precedent for other institutions and companies across Greece while effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Implementing this technology demonstrates our vision for a greener future and reinforces the importance of sustainable energy practices in combating climate change. The agreement was developed in collaboration with Engaia, a Greek company that exploits renewable energy frameworks.
In addition to reducing our environmental impact through these initiatives, we are also making a positive impact on the wider community. A portion of the energy produced through this initiative will be donated to underprivileged families, providing them with much-needed support and access to clean energy.
10 years cty greece
Since its inception in 2014, the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Greece at Anatolia College has served a significant number of high-ability students through hands-on, transformative experiences and innovative programming designed to nurture their talents. The Center also provides teacher training, equipping professionals with the tools they need to support gifted students in their mixedability classrooms.
CTY Greece provides scholarship support for more than half of the students participating in its summer programs, a figure determined by the available funds in recent years. The aim for the next five years is to increase this percentage by securing additional funding sources to ensure accessibility for a broader range of gifted students, primarily through outreach initiatives in rural areas nationwide. In the 2024 summer program, 54% of students received financial assistance, and 60% of this year’s participants came from outside major urban areas.
As CTY Greece fosters a strong sense of community, the CTY Greece Alumni Association is vital in maintaining lifelong connections. With nearly 20 former CTY Greece students already contributing as faculty and staff, the goal is to expand this network and recognize the value they bring to the program.
Collaboration with external partners is key to meeting the goals for expanding CTY Greece’s impact. Partnerships with leading organizations, such as the European Council for High Ability (ECHA), provide significant benefits, as demonstrated in August 2024 when CTY Greece hosted ECHA’s 19th International Conference, titled “Expanding Horizons: The Odyssey of Talents and Gifts.” With more than 2,000 members in over 60 countries worldwide, ECHA is the largest scientific society in the field in Europe and one of the largest internationally. Over four days, the conference welcomed 400 academics, researchers, psychologists, and educators from 42 countries to ACT and the Thessaloniki Concert Hall venues, where 128 oral presentations, 43 workshops, eight symposia, 14 poster presentations, and five keynote speeches took place with leading experts analyzing key parameters, international research, and best practices in gifted education.
Looking ahead, CTY Greece aims to enhance its efforts to enrich the research component, raise its academic profile, and increase its presence in relevant conferences, committees, and networks associated with gifted education, such as ECHA, the European Talent Support Network, and the Global Talent Mentoring Program.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation is the founding donor of CTY Greece. Major donors are Eurobank and Lidl Hellas. Donors are the Ioannis S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, Netcompany-Intrasoft, Star Bulk Carriers Corp., and Deloitte. AEGEAN Airlines is the air carrier sponsor. Lidl Cyprus supports CTY Greece in Cyprus.
“Programs like CTY bring these bright minds together, fostering a sense of citizenship and collaboration. This helps create visionary leaders and contributes to local communities by empowering skilled problem solvers.”
Amy Lynne Shelton, PhD, Executive
Director, The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
“CTY Greece offers gifted students the opportunity to enhance self-confidence, improve themselves, become more self-controlled during the learning process, and develop their potential.”
Colm O’ Reilly, CTY Ireland Director, European Council for High Ability/ ECHA President
CTY Greece 2014-2024
by the numbers:
Total # Served: 32,322
Students taking exams (Talent Search): 19,307
Students in Programs: 9,317
Scholarships in Summer Programs: 1,848 (54%)
Teachers Trained in 80 Workshops: 3,578
2024 Awareness Raising
One-day Teasers
14 cities
864 students
35 courses
15 presentations to parents
Teacher Trainings
8 cities
23 trainings workshops
900 participants
20 years anatolia elementary school
Anatolia Elementary School: Twenty Years of Primary Education
In 2004, Anatolia Elementary School was established as a natural extension of Anatolia College’s mission of transformative education, marking us as one of the few organizations worldwide with a presence in all three levels of education.
From its initial presence, Anatolia College has successfully transitioned AES into a state-of-the-art campus designed explicitly for exploratory and experiential learning, educational innovation, and collaboration.
The new campus was completed in 2022, thanks to significant donor initiatives led by Trustee and benefactor George S. Bissell and the response of parents, alumni, and Trustees.
The architectural design approached the school’s educational goals as a composition of continuous flow through alternating spatial experiences, and it was nominated for the EUmies Awards 2024 and Piranesi Awards 2023.
The two-floor Bissell Wing with classrooms that have access to outdoor, garden-like spaces, the Annie Michaelides Art Room, Leonidas & Angelika Evangelidis Music Room, and the Irina Taka-Jerry Kalogiratos Future Learning Lab take the children on a journey to the world of information, ideas and knowledge, within a flexible learning environment specially designed for their age. Our Albert and Aliki Modiano Library hosts over 5,300 books and is aligned with the American Library Association (ALA) standards.
Envisioned as a nurturing ground where young minds could be introduced to Anatolia’s educational mission and standards, the past 20 years have proven the value of this vision by offering a robust curriculum balancing academic rigor with creative exploration. The connection between Anatolia Elementary School and Anatolia College is more than just historical; it is foundational. Our mission is to develop well-rounded individuals prepared to excel in a rapidly changing world. It offers a seamless educational journey from early childhood through to high school and beyond.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, our eyes are set on the future. The following decades promise to be as dynamic and transformative as the past. We aim to continue evolving our teaching methodologies, integrating the latest educational technologies, and fostering a love for lifelong learning in our students.
We envision Anatolia Elementary School as a place of :
•Innovation
•Community and Global Engagement
•Holistic Development
25 years dukakis center
Dukakis Center Celebrates Twenty-Five Years
For twenty-five years, the Michael and Kitty Dukakis Center for Public and Humanitarian Service at ACT has inspired young people to become involved in public affairs, training them for leadership roles in regional and international relations. Through symposia, conferences, workshops, events, and exchange programs, the Center has made extensive contributions to academic discourse and research and has done much to reinforce outreach and dialogue in US-Greek relations. Noted for its emphasis on cooperation in Southeastern Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the larger Euro-Atlantic community, the Dukakis Center is a prototype for a new kind of academic and outreach Center with a singular capacity to engage a diverse set of constituencies in innovative public service initiatives. Our focus on civic engagement is unique in Southern Europe.
The Center contributes to ACT’s educational mission by hosting guest speakers in large and small classroom settings, organizing masterclass training sessions, carrying out student-designed civil society projects, and mobilizing public service volunteers and interns from within the ACT student body and from outside educational establishments. The Center regularly collaborates with local and international organizations to enhance its global standing. Recent partners have included Transparency International Greece, the University of Macedonia Research Institute, the University of Pennsylvania, the Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale (Milan), ELIAMEP, the University of Manchester, Reworks Music Festival, the Atlantic Council, the Center for American Progress, and the Jackson School at the University of Washington, among others.
Over the past quarter-century, a plethora of activities and accomplishments prove that the Center’s relevance is increasing each year: 237 events have been held at 65 venues, featuring 312 speakers, 30 co-hosts, and 129 participating institutions. We have made 26 media appearances (print, broadcast), trained scores of interns and volunteers, and contributed dozens of books to the BIssell Library collection.
Looking Forward:
To close its 25th anniversary season of public service initiatives, the Dukakis Center will launch a new topical cycle in AI literacy at a major conference in Athens and host a special Silver Jubilee Lecture, conceived to celebrate the exploits of the expatriate Americans who built such institutions as Anatolia College in the Ottoman Near East. As always, the Center will continue to offer opportunities to young people to be true to Governor Dukakis’ ethos of service, of “giving of oneself to others, and making a contribution to one’s community and fellow citizens.”
Alvaro de Soto, United Nations Under-Secretary-General; ACT outdoor theater, May 2004 (exclusive live appearance
Greece)
Pavlos Tsimas, journalist, SKAI TV and Kathimerini; Bissell Library, October 2018
“For the Dukakis Center, I would say that it changed my way of life and my perspective about politics and democracy and everything that we humans need to do for our community.”
Gordan Jordanov
ACT Class of 2019
“I owe much of my success to my internship at The Dukakis Center, which laid the groundwork for my passion for public service.”
Francesca Montialbano, Rutgers University Study Abroad student, Fall 2013
“As I prepare for an MA at University College London as a Chevening Scholar, my reflection goes back to ACT and the Dukakis Center, which have directly impacted the man I am today.”
Aleksandar Jovanoski
ACT Class of 2006
“I consider my experience in the Dukakis Center to have a profound influence not only on my studies but also on my person, as it forced me to reevaluate the impact of one’s civic engagement and personal contribution in political affairs.”
Katerina Rigas
ACT Class of 2016
financial report
message from the vice president for finance & human resources / cfo
Dear members of the Anatolia Community,
It is my pleasure to present the Anatolia College financial overview for the past fiscal year. This has been an exceptional year financially, underscoring our institution’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, strategic investment, and sustainable growth.
Our total assets increased by 11%, reaching $123 million, reflecting the strength and stability of our financial position. Student income saw a remarkable 17% growth, increasing from $23.7 million to $28.0 million, demonstrating strong enrollment demand across our divisions. Additionally, our investments generated realized and unrealized gains of $4.7 million, further reinforcing the institution’s financial sustainability. Most notably, we achieved an operating excess of $3.3 million, underscoring our prudent fiscal management and efficient resource allocation.
Anatolia College continues to invest in its future. Having successfully completed the first phase of our capital investment plan, we have directed over $40 million into key infrastructure projects, including the state-of-the-art Kassandra and Pinewood buildings, as well as significant IT infrastructure enhancements. With most divisions at or near capacity in enrollment, our ability to maintain fiscal discipline while reaching budget targets speaks to the strength of our financial strategy.
Looking ahead, our next phase of capital investments will focus on advancing the University Division and Anatolia High School, ensuring that we continue to provide world-class educational facilities that align with our institution’s mission and strategic goals.
We take great pride in our financial stewardship and remain dedicated to the long-term sustainability and success of Anatolia College. I extend my gratitude to the Board of Trustees and our benefactors for their unwavering commitment to excellence and bringing the School in this leading position. At the same time I would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our senior leadership, faculty and staff of the Anatolia organization who guide the financial success of the school.
Sincerely,
Pavlos Floros Chief Financial Officer / Vice President for Finance & HR
Anatolia College Financial Highlights*
Fiscal Years ended June 30
Financial Overview
Anatolia’s consolidated net asset position has increased by 8% from $90.9m in 2023 to $98.5m in 2024. This change in net asset primarily reflects the positive result of our investments portfolio and operational surplus during this period. Anatolia’s operating result has been improved by 50% from $2m in 2023 to $3m in 2024.
Total Net Assets
The College’s financial position and activities are presented according to two classes of Net assets: with donor restriction and without donor restriction.
Net assets with donor restrictions are subject to donor stipulations that expire with the passage of time, can be fulfilled by actions pursuant to the stipulations, or which may be perpetual. In FY 2024, net assets with donor restrictions reached the amount of $59.6m, and have increased by 9% compared to FY 2023.
Net assets without donor restriction, which total $39m in FY 2024, are not subject to donor stipulations restricting their use, but may be designated for specific purposes by the College or may be limited by contractual agreements with outside parties. Pinewood International School
Biology Lab, Stavros Konstantinidis Hall, ACT
Investments portfolio, cash liquidity, and Anatolia’s Property, Land and Equipment reflects a strong asset position of the Institution representing more than 88% of our total assets.
Liabilities
Deferred income primarily represents students’ deposits for the next academic year, and mainly reflects the timing of the collection of the advance payments for next years placement. Anatolia following a consistent policy managed to reach turion collection rates close to 100%. The “due to banks” balance represents lines of credit used for Anatolia’s operations and capital investment plan.
Operating and Fundraising Revenue
Student income is the main source of income in support of campus educational operations, as it represents more than 91% of total operating revenue.
Contributions revenues remained strong reaching the level of $2.3m mainly representing our annual fund initiative.
Total operating revenues reached the amount of $41m during FY 2024.
Consolidated Fiscal 2024
and Fundraising Revenue
Consolidated Fiscal 2024
Consolidated Fiscal 2024
Operating Expences
Operating expenses amounted to $38.5m in FY 2024 compared to $32.4m in FY2023, representing a 19% increase for the year.
Salaries, wages & employer’s benefits expenses are the main driver of the cost structure, representing 58% operating expenses. General expenses represent 20% of the total. Maintenance costs, energy costs, other housing costs represent 12% of the total.
Consolidated Fiscal 2024 Operating Expenses amounts in ‘000
Expenses under Sponsored projects; $93
Salaries, wages and employers's benefits $22,215 Student Transportation/travel
Total Operating Expenses $38,509
Endowment & Investments Return
Under the College’s current spending plan, 4.5% of the average fair value of qualifying investments over the prior 12 quarters was appropriated by the Board for expenditure in fiscal years 2024 and 2023. For the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, this amounted to $2,162 and $2,057, respectively. The actual amount spent for restricted purposes was $1,888 and $1,685. Amounts appropriated that are not spent, due primarily to unmet restrictions, are returned to the appropriate endowment fund.
The College’s endowment consists of approximately 90 individual funds established for a variety of purposes including both donor-restricted endowment funds and funds designated by the Board of Trustees to function as endowments.
Total Value of the Endowment amounts
Endowment Fund Allocation
Net assets associated with endowment funds, including funds designated by the Board of Trustees to function as endowments, are classified and reported based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions.
In FY 2024 Anatolia’s endowment provided $1.9m for the support of Anatolia’s programs. The market value increased from $43,264 on June 30, 2023 to $47,822 on June 30, 2024, approximately $4.6m more than the year before.
Τhe overall investments portfolio as of June 30, 2024 is analyzed based on the investment type classification.
Value of Investments as of June 30, 2024
donors
Special Recognition
We are truly grateful to Alevizopoulos Dimitrios ‘73 for his extraordinary financial support
The Charles Tracy Society
($ 50.000 or more)
Anonymous
Bodossaki Foundation
Constantinidis Constantinos ‘81 & Dimitra ‘85
Kagellari Xenidou Eleni ‘54
Lidl Cyprus
Lidl Hellas
Papadimou Varadini Tita ‘54
Papageorgiou Foundation
Pulvino Todd
The George White Society
($ 25.000 - $ 49.999)
Anatolia College Alumni Association of Thessaloniki
Behrakis Maria & Drake
Bissell Grogan Kenyon
Efthymiadis Vassos ‘90
Hellas Gold SA
John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation
Milonas Georgios, Alumil SA
Nicholas Nestor & Anne Papageorgiou Markos & Alexandra ACT’87
Varvakis Sofia & Khurshid Kaan
The Ernst & Alice Riggs Society ]($ 10.000 - $ 24.999)
Abadzi Helen ‘69
ALPHA BANK
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Arhodidis Dimosthenis ‘87 & Papacharalambous Maria Ekaterini
Aridgides Steve ‘68
Association of Friends of Anatolia College
Bissell Caroline & William
Damaskou Anna ‘96
Douzinas Eva
Economos Anastasia
Elfner Albert “Chip”, III
ELVIAL SA
ETETH SA
Eurobank
Evangelidis Leonidas ‘53
Folloe Kapeli Non Profit CC
Gallopoulos Gregory
Hatzopoulos A. SA
John and Mary Pappajohn Scholarship Foundation
Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
Kafatos Vassilis ‘86, Deloitte
Karamichalis Menelaos ‘87
KONVA SA
Kouimtzi Vassi ‘88 & Kouimtzis Athanasios, K.Kouimtzis SA
Lindsay Helen ‘64 & Daniel, The Minneapolis Foundation
Mantziou Anastasia ‘97 & Goutas Lazaros ‘98
Nicholas Demos Foundation
Panagiotopoulos Nikolaos ‘86
Papazian George ‘53
Petronikolos Nikos, Arcobaleno SA
Stone Group International
Tsernou Glykeria ‘89
The Carl & Ruth Compton Society
($ 5.000 - $ 9.999)
Antoniadis George & Chigas Diana
Assael Ioannis Alexandros ‘08
Dounias Veronica
Georgantzis Anastasios ‘99, Urban Soul Project
Hardouvelis Gikas ‘74 & Susan
Konstantinidis Bros. SA
Logothetis Anestis ‘52
Memorabilia
Moreno Evelyn & Ruben
Natsiopoulos Ioannis, Breast Medicare
Nikolou Paraskevi
Parents Association ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Plakantonaki Charis ‘97
Regional Association of Municipalities of Central Macedonia
