Student & Donor
Demetrios (Demetri) Theodore was a Greek immigrant whose life story embodies resilience and generosity. Born in the early 20th century in Gamish Maden, Turkey, he survived ethnic violence and displacement during the population exchanges between Greece and Turkey. As a young boy, he attended Anatolia College, a school initially established to support Christian communities in Merzifon. Following the forced displacement of Greek and Armenian populations from Turkey, Anatolia College relocated to Thessaloniki, Greece, where Demetrios continued his education.
After completing his studies, he emigrated to the United States, joining his brother and pursuing further education, eventually earning a doctorate in economics from Boston University. He then embarked on a teaching career across several American universities, retiring from Cleveland State University. Throughout his life, Demetrios dedicated himself to helping others immigrate to the U.S., reflecting the same spirit of support he had once received.
In gratitude to Anatolia College for the opportunities it provided him, Demetrios donated half of his modest savings to establish a scholarship fund at the college, ensuring that future students with limited means could access education. His family honored this legacy by contributing annually to the fund, now known as the Demetri Scholarship, which continues to support Anatolia students. His story is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and the lasting impact of generosity.
