Mediterranean College celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 with a series of ceremonies held in Athens and Thessaloniki, celebrating the graduation of more than 1,500 from undergraduate, postgraduate and Executive programmes.
A total of five ceremonies took place across the two cities, reaffirming the event as one of the most significant milestones in the College’s academic calendar.
This year’s ceremonies were held under the theme CREATE. ADOPT. LEAD., reflecting the College’s strategic focus on creativity, adaptability and responsible leadership. The Athens ceremonies were hosted at the Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Centre, while those in Thessaloniki took place at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, in the presence of distinguished representatives from academia, business and public life.
Graduates were formally addressed by Spyridon Vliamos, Professor Emeritus at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and President of the Academic and Scientific Council of Mediterranean College. In his address, he underscored the importance of academic excellence, responsible leadership and the meaningful contribution that graduates are called upon to make to society.
Keynote Speakers and Distinctions
In Athens, keynote speeches were delivered by Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive Officer, University of Derby; Matthew James Lodge, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Greece; Panagiotis Karaiskos, Elite Marathon & Long-Distance Runner; and Pantelis Kapsis, Political Analyst & Fmr. Minister of State. Their speeches highlighted the importance of resilience, ethical leadership, international collaboration and civic responsibility.
The ceremonies also featured a series of honorary distinctions. The Distinguished Alumnus Recognition Awards were presented to Theodoros Maroulis (COO, Aztech/ Ex-Google, Class of 2012), Georgia Tsepeli (HR Manager Novibet, Class of 2012) and Stefanos Karavolas (Games Producer, Rebellion Developments, Class of 2017). The Social Impact Award was presented to Givelink, while Stella Kasdagli (‘WHEN’ Organization) received the Social Leadership & Empowerment Award. The Lifetime Achievement in Science Award was conferred upon Georgios Paxinos, Scientia Professor of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales.
In Thessaloniki, keynote addresses were delivered by Alexandra Charles, Interim Head of Derby International Business School, University of Derby, Marios Papadopoulos, President of Thessaloniki Chamber of Small & Medium Sized Industries, and Anastasios Tzikas, President and CEO of Technopolis Thessaloniki S.A. Additional distinctions included awards to alumni Fotis Kotzagioulafis and Dimitris Antoniou, the Innovation & Social Impact Award to the Pfizer Centre for Digital Innovation, and the Social Impact Award to Evenly.
Institutional Presence and Outlook
The ceremonies in Thessaloniki were attended by prominent representatives of the political, diplomatic and business communities, highlighting the College’s strong ties with society and the labour market.
The 46th Graduation Ceremony once again reflected Mediterranean College’s international outlook and commitment to meaningful social impact. Equipped with academic knowledge, professional expertise and a strong ethical foundation, the Class of 2025 now embarks on the next chapter of its journey-ready to create, adapt and lead in an ever-changing global environment.
