George S. Bissell (1929–2023) was a pillar and one of the most beloved members of the Anatolia College community, supporting the institution’s operations and development with heartfelt generosity and foresight for nearly 60 years. A model of initiative, effective leadership, selfless service, humility, and integrity, he earned universal respect.

He began his service to the non-profit educational institution in 1965, initially as a Board member responsible for managing Anatolia College’s endowment. He went on to serve as Vice-Chairman and then Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1992 to 2007, after which he remained an active Board member.

Throughout his long tenure, he donated nearly seven million dollars for the construction of essential buildings and infrastructure and for numerous scholarships, providing students in financial need with the opportunity to attend Anatolia High School and the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT). He played a pivotal role in the founding of ACT in 1981, and his substantial donation enabled the construction and operation of the renowned Bissell Library, named in his honor, which is one of the largest academic libraries in Southeastern Europe.

In 2022, thanks to his generous financial contributions, the new Anatolia Elementary School campus was completed. In recognition of his support, the new wing housing the school’s classrooms was named the Bissell Wing.

Angelos Billis (1929–2022), a 1947 graduate of Anatolia College and Trustee of the College since 1989, was a dedicated supporter of the institution’s educational and social mission. After completing his studies in Law in Greece and International Relations at George Washington University, he returned to Greece and served as a legal advisor, providing valuable support to Anatolia College.

His involvement in the daily activities of Anatolia College was continuous and energetic, marked by a spirit of generosity. He served as President of the school’s Parent Association and, in 1985, reestablished the “Friends of Anatolia” organization as the “Anatolia College Friends Association,” with the exclusive goal of financially supporting the College. His contribution was crucial during a challenging period when Greek legislation imposed restrictions on private schools. With the help of the Association, Anatolia College managed to bridge the financial gap between tuition fees and operational needs, ensuring its uninterrupted operation.

As a Trustee of Anatolia College, he supported the school’s educational and social mission in every possible way, significantly strengthening its goals and impact.

Stavros Constantinidis (1929–2019), a graduate of the class of 1947, served as Trustee of Anatolia College for 43 consecutive years, from 1976 until his passing. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the institution’s growth, significantly contributing to the expansion of its mission and its societal role. With unwavering dedication and consistency, he always supported Anatolia College, addressing all of its needs, big and small.

In 1974, following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, Stavros Constantinidis offered ten full scholarships to students from the occupied regions, giving them the opportunity to study at the Anatolia College Middle and High Schools. Through his discreet but impactful support, more than 70 students were able to attend secondary education at the College and the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) on full scholarships.

In addition, as a civil engineer, he provided specialized advice on construction projects undertaken on school facilities, substantially supporting the organization’s technical needs. Stavros Constantinidis was one of the most ardent supporters of ACT, firmly believing in its contribution to the education of both Greek and international youth.

In November 2019, the Anatolia College Board of Trustees renamed ACT’s New Building to Stavros Constantinidis Hall in honor of his longstanding service and dedication to the institution.

Nikolaos Papageorgiou (1930-2022), a national benefactor and significant supporter of Anatolia College through the Papageorgiou Foundation which he co-founded in 1991 with his brother Leonidas, offered scholarships to students from his hometown of Siatista as well as from all over Greece. Through the generous contributions of the Papageorgiou Foundation, many students have had the opportunity to attend Anatolia High School and the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT).

Thanks to the Papageorgiou Foundation’s support, as well as the contributions of major benefactors Markos and Alexandra Papageorgiou, the construction of the Anna Papageorgiou STEM Center at Anatolia College was completed in 2020.

The center is designed with bioclimatic principles, producing zero emissions and utilizing renewable energy sources. It houses the Chemistry, Physics, and Biology laboratories for Anatolia College students, along with a range of, mostly free, STEM educational programs to the community. This donation stands as a timeless symbol of Nikolaos Papageorgiou’s selfless spirit and his commitment to ensuring equal access to quality education for Greek youth.

In 2013, Dr. Panos Vlachos became the twelfth and first Greek President of Anatolia College, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history. To address the major challenges faced by the country during that period, Dr. Vlachos designed and successfully implemented a ten-year strategic plan focused on growth. A cornerstone of this plan was a large-scale and successful fundraising campaign.

The campaign raised 20 million dollars, significantly increasing the institution’s endowment, which provided funding for scholarships, staff training, and the development of new infrastructure. These initiatives enabled the adoption of a new and innovative educational approach, along with the establishment of key educational centers such as the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Greece, the Anna Papageorgiou STEM Center (2019), and the Kassandra Center for Educational Excellence (2021). Furthermore, in 2019, Anatolia College welcomed back the Pinewood American International School, emphasizing the institution’s international mindedness.

Dr. Hans Giesecke, a graduate of Williams College and holder of a doctorate in Education and Human Development, assumed the role of Anatolia College’s eleventh President in 2009, during a period of prolonged economic crisis in Greece. With teaching experience in the United States and Germany, he introduced the Presidential Cabinet and established Anatolia College’s current administrative structure, modeled after that of a large non-profit educational organization in the United States.

Richard L. Jackson, a graduate of Princeton University, following a successful diplomatic career in the United States, became the tenth President of Anatolia College in 1999, serving for a decade. During his tenure, his key accomplishments included the establishment of the Anatolia Elementary School on the former premises of the “Rigas Feraios” Primary School, the construction of the Bissell Library, and the expansion of the academic offerings of the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT). Under his leadership, ACT introduced postgraduate programs accredited in the United States by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), now known as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Additionally, he secured European accreditation for ACT’s undergraduate programs, initially through the University of Wales and later through the Open University (OU) in the United Kingdom.

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.

Stuart W. Thompson was a distinguished American architect, renowned for his influence on the design of academic facilities inspired by the architectural standards of New England. Although his work was primarily centered in the United States, his name became linked with Greece due to his contributions to the architectural design of the Ancient Corinth Museum, his collaboration with the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, and his vision for the original plans of Anatolia College.

Thompson’s architectural style drew inspiration from Georgian and Federalist traditions, hallmarks of American architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries. These influences are evident in his approach to structuring spaces and buildings, blending classical and elegant elements with the functional needs of a modern educational institution. His initial design for Anatolia College was modeled after the classic collegiate layouts of American universities of the era, proposing a “long rectangular” arrangement framed by ten main buildings in symmetrical alignment.

Although his original “U-shaped” plan was not fully realized, the final “L-shaped” design remained impressive, reflecting the aesthetic and principles of the American academic tradition. These buildings stand as unique examples of American architecture in Thessaloniki, with Macedonia Hall serving as a landmark not only for Anatolia College but also for the city at large. The symmetrical geometry and precise openings of Macedonia Hall exude a combination of simplicity and prestige, embodying the Federalist influences of New England.

Through his work for Anatolia College, Thompson left a remarkable architectural legacy, bringing the essence of classical American academic architecture to Greece.

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.