Faculty Member
Gertrude Anthony was an exceptional educator and humanitarian, dedicated to teaching and caring for vulnerable children during challenging historical periods. Her journey began at Anatolia College in Merzifon, where, alongside Greek nurse Anthi Kouzoutsaki, Canadian Sara Corning, and with the assistance of a Turkish doctor, she established an infirmary within the orphanage in 1921. This space became a refuge for orphaned Christian children who had lost their families due to the ethnic conflicts of the time.
In the fall of 1921, when the nationalist government granted permission for orphans to relocate to neighboring countries, Gertrude Anthony personally escorted the first group of children to Samsun, from where they would embark on a safer journey. Merzifon served as a gathering point where hundreds of children were cared for and prepared for the arduous path to freedom.
Following the Asia Minor Catastrophe and the relocation of Anatolia College to Greece, Gertrude Anthony continued her teaching at the college’s new facilities in Thessaloniki. She taught Natural Sciences, instilling not only knowledge but also humanitarian values in her students. At the same time, she developed a close partnership with Elsie Hosley White, with whom she undertook the creation and care of the college’s gardens, both at the Harilaou campus and later in Pylaia. Her love for nature and cultivation enriched the college environment, creating a green oasis that inspired generations of students.
Gertrude Anthony left an indelible mark on Anatolia College. Her contributions to the institution and her invaluable support for children in need remain a living example of dedication, courage, and humanity, shaping the compassionate identity of the college.
