100 WISHES

It is a privilege to participate in the centennial celebration of Anatolia in Thessaloniki. Rising from unimaginable hardships in the aftermath of World War I, Anatolia has established itself as one of the leading educational institutions in Greece. We should recognize the determination and commitment of those Greek and American leaders who came before us. Today, we are literally walking on the shoulders of giants who preceded those of us who are part of the shared governance process that distinguishes our school. We are forever grateful to them and to the students and families of Thessaloniki who over the decades have become vibrant contributors to our school and the Thessaloniki of today

Albert H. “CHIP” Elfner III, President of the Board of Trustees of Anatolia College

For the past hundred years in Thessaloniki, Anatolia College has stayed true to its mission to offer innovative, inclusive education to the youth of the region. Thousands of students have passed through our walls, becoming global citizens and leaders in their respective fields. They take with them the Anatolian perseverance to cope with unforeseen challenges and leave behind seeds of wisdom that strengthen our school year in and year out. As we look to the future, we will continue to pursue educational excellence and to retain our sense of duty toward the community that welcomed us with open arms.

Dr Panos Vlachos, President of Anatolia College

I am filled with pride as we commemorate the centennial of Anatolia College in Thessaloniki. This remarkable institution has not just reached a century of educational excellence in Greece; it has fostered profound understanding and friendship between our nations and demonstrated the incredible promise of combining American educational principles and resources with the intellectual capital and cultural heritage of Greece.

Throughout these 100 years, Anatolia College has established itself as a beacon of learning, leadership, innovation, and values. It is justly hailed as a paragon of American educational standards and has profoundly shaped minds, creating a legacy of leadership. The college’s unwavering commitment to critical thinking, inclusivity, and the holistic development of students exemplifies the best of what American education represents.

This centennial does not just offer us a moment to pause and reflect on past successes, but also allows us a moment to envision the future. Under the guidance of my great friend President Vlachos, Anatolia College is charting the course for continued transformative education and navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie before us. I can think of no better person for this mission. It’s an honor to be part of this journey and to stand as a friend and partner in fostering the educational ties that bind our two countries together.

U.S. Mission Greece is committed to nurturing this partnership. We are focused on expanding exchange programs, enhancing educational opportunities between our countries, and ensuring that educational opportunity is available to all people on an inclusive basis. Greece’s prominence as a favored destination for American students studying abroad is a testament to our shared educational values, and Anatolia College has been instrumental in promoting this cultural and academic exchange.

As Anatolia embarks on its next century, our friendship will continue to flourish, supporting the college’s mission to cultivate future leaders. As we celebrate what has already been achieved, we keep our eye on the future and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Together, let’s continue to build bridges of knowledge and understanding, making high-quality education a possibility for generations to come.

Congratulations, Anatolia College, on this monumental centennial celebration. Here’s to the next hundred years of excellence, innovation, and friendship!

Ambassador George J. Tsunis – US Embassy in Greece

As Anatolia College celebrates its remarkable centennial in Thessaloniki I am honored to extend my congratulations on behalf of the United States Consulate General in Thessaloniki. This celebration not only commemorates a century of unparalleled dedication to fostering academic excellence but also embodies the strength of the deeply rooted partnership and friendship between the United States and Greece.

For 100 years, Anatolia College has been a leading light in the field of education in Greece, standing as a testament to the enduring values of learning, exploration, and leadership that define both our nations. Anatolia’s approach to education, blending rigorous academic standards with a commitment to nurturing the individual, showcases the best of American educational ideals and Greece’s rich cultural heritage and intellectual capital. Today this extends to our commitment to build a more just, inclusive, and accessible environment that enables all students to reach their fullest potential and contribute their talents to society.

Anatolia’s legacy is built on more than just its academic standards and achievement – it is woven into the very fabric of the countless lives it has shaped. The institution’s role in promoting mutual understanding, openness, and cooperation between people cannot be overstated, serving as a bridge, connecting diverse cultures, citizens, and communities through the universal medium and value of education.

Looking ahead, Anatolia College’s journey into its next century is filled with exciting promise and potential. The foresight and innovation that are a lasting hallmark of its past and present are the very qualities that will guide it to an ever-brighter future. As U.S. Consul General, I am proud to witness this moment in history and celebrate together as we stand on the cusp of even deeper collaboration between our countries and institutions in a way that enriches our shared societal, cultural, and educational experiences.

Congratulations to Dr. Panos Vlachos, the students, faculty, and families on Anatolia’s century of excellence, impeccable values, and recognized innovation!

Consul General Jerrier (Jerry) Ismail – U.S. Consulate General, Thessaloniki, Greece

Anatolia College completes 100 years of offering premier educational, cultural and social events in Thessaloniki. In its adventurous journey, from Merzifon of Pontos to our city, this refugee school remained committed to the principles and values ​​that characterize it. The educational staff imbues in its students respect, responsibility, modesty, inclusion, solidarity, and noble rivalry.
We thank Anatolia College for everything it offers to the community of Thessaloniki and to the whole of northern Greece. We are sure that it will continue to produce active and engaged citizens for our society!

Stelios Aggeloudis, Mayor of Thessaloniki

It is an honor for our Municipality to host Anatolia College. One hundred years of history in Thessaloniki and, shortly, 140 years since its foundation, Anatolia College is identified with the culture and Genocide of the Pontic but also with the education and promotion of refugee Hellenism. A hundred years of enduring progress, synonymous with the history of the metropolis of Thessaloniki, paid a heavy price in the Occupation and the Holocaust. All the years steadfastly in the service of the values of education, excellence, inclusion and social responsibility. May Anatolia College continue to offer this unique educational experience to our children and “give birth” to creative forces of individual and collective contribution to society as a whole.

Thank you!

Ignatios Kaitezidis
Mayor of Pylaia – Chortiatis
President of RAMCM

As Anatolia College celebrates its 100th anniversary, I want to share my warmest wishes for another hundred years of success and excellent education. With the foundations that have been laid over the years and the dedication of all of us who make up the College community, I am confident that the future will be bright and full of even more achievements for all students.

George N. Papageorgiou, President of the PAPAGEORGIOU Foundation

Bodossaki Foundation has always supported the work of Anatolia College with faith in its educational vision and the promotion of excellence, innovation and creativity, which it advocates. Its operation as a consistent social partner, availing its pioneering programs to the wider society is an example of social responsibility and is valuable for the development of education in our country.
We fervently hope that it will continue its great work in the next 100 years, offering young people of all social groups a model and inclusive educational environment that speaks to modern pedagogic trends and true to the sense of social responsibility towards the next generations.”

Athina Dessypri, President of the Board of Trustees of Bodossakis Foundation

As you mark a centennial of academic excellence in Greece, all of us at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the entire Anatolia College community. In the 100 years since its relocation to Thessaloniki, Anatolia has shaped countless futures, remaining steadfast in its commitment to exceptional pedagogy while embracing innovation as times change. We are proud to have partnered with you on multiple occasions, particularly in the establishment of the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) in Greece, which has helped hundreds of brilliant young people embrace the joy of learning and discovery. Here’s to the next 100 years of success, growth, and inspiring academic achievement. Congratulations on this remarkable milestone!»

Alexandros Kambouroglou, SNF Programs Co-Director

The continuous focus on the human condition and on emphasis on an inclusive school that harnesses the potential of its students,
keeps us fellow travelers on this journey. Congratulations Anatolia! We wish you another hundred years of equal and greater achievements!

Xenofon Kappas, General Manager of “Captain Vassilis and Carman Constantakopoulos” Foundation