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end, or not so bitter, that explain thè Mary Crist Fleming success story. I have enjoyed playing a very minor role in this saga and being somewhat of a voyeur as thè saga has played itself out over thè past decade. A final bit of insight I proffer is a bit of advice she once gave me early on in our acquaintance and which goes a long way towards explaining why she is where she is today: “Never, Bob,
my dear, phrase a question in such a way that thè answer can possibly be no.” In her case I suggest it rarely has been. Robert Betts Cairo, Egypt Founder and former Director, Hellenic International School
MCF, A Very Special Person From thè moment that I first saw Mrs. Fleming driving up in her little Mini to collect me for my interview as a candidate for a position at TASIS HELLENIC International School, I have never ceased to feel like a very special person working for a very special organization. Her concern for all of us who work for TASIS has been demonstrated in so many caring ways. Images and experiences abound: MCF cooking breakfast for us, a telephone cali at home to say, “I love you and think that everyone at HELLENIC is doing a terrifìc job!” On a recent whirlwind visit to Athens MCF put in fourteen-hour days to support thè
work of faculty and staff. Times are never more exciting than when MCF is in pursuit of a goal and then we see her committed, passionate, tireless, exacting and firn loving. Dear Mrs. Fleming, HELLENIC is at your side in your never-ending quest for excellence. Kronia Polla, George Salimbene Headmaster TASIS HELLENIC International School Kiftssia, Greece
For Mary Crist Fleming, .... Who cannot be four times twenty today. We have known Cris for at least two of these decades; but by a splendid reputation, for a much longer time. As former President of thè Association of International Colleges and Universities (at thè same time President of The American College of Greece) it was inevitable that we would meet—meetings that were always stimulating and rich with her insights into fife abroad and international education, which were excepdonally rewarding. Whether it was in Lugano, Aix-en-Provence or at her gracious and impressive pied-a-terre in London, we always Cris Fleming with John Summerskill on her right and John Dorbis and Jack Bailey on her left
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had cordial views to exchange. Cris’s reserves of imagination, energy and leadership were inspiring whether in Cyprus, London, France, or here in Athens. We always waited breathlessly to discover where she would open another center or add on her school programs from K-12, to Summer, to Universitylevel programs. We were waiting for her to open thè equivalent of thè Princeton Institute for Advanced Studies. Cris’s capacity to attract outstanding staff and work with them for thè highest level of performance always excited our admiration. Added to this efficiency is a warm, generous, stimulating, devoted person and friend whose sense of humor always kept us and her audiences fascinated. We always look forward to listening to Cris’s stories and advice. Cris, thank you for your inspiration and your friendship, and for thè many years to come.
\l Jack and Irene Bailey Athens, Greece
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