Alba and Deree Celebrate the Graduate Class of 2026
June 28, 2026
Find out more about our academic programs
Find out more about our academic programs
In a spinning world Leaders are eager to learn
Find out more about our career services
Alba Graduate Business School and the Deree School of Graduate Programs at The American College of Greece proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026, honoring graduates whose dedication, resilience, and academic excellence have prepared them to make a meaningful impact in business, industry, education, and society.
Graduates, together with faculty, staff, families, friends, alumni, and distinguished guests, gathered to celebrate the successful completion of their graduate studies and the beginning of a new chapter of leadership and lifelong learning.
The ceremony also marked a significant milestone for the College, as it was the first Graduate Commencement presided over by Edward C. Wingenbach, PhD, as President of The American College of Greece. Addressing the graduating class, President Wingenbach reflected on the determination required to balance graduate studies with careers, families, and personal commitments. He challenged graduates to redefine success through service and leadership, reminding them that "Professional accomplishment is not measured primarily by title, compensation, or authority. The important measure is whether your work creates capacity for others." He encouraged the Class of 2026 to carry forward ACG's values as leaders who create opportunities and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
The ceremony also included the conferral of the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa upon Evangelos J. Pistiolis, in recognition of his distinguished contributions and achievements. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of The American College of Greece, President Edward C. Wingenbach, PhD, conferred the honorary degree, recognizing Mr. Pistiolis' entrepreneurial vision, distinguished leadership, and significant contributions to the global shipping industry.
Among the evening's highlights was the presentation of the Highest Achievement Awards, recognizing graduates whose outstanding academic performance exemplified excellence across Alba and Deree graduate programs.
Representing Alba Graduate Business School, Nefeli Kapsali, graduate of the Master of Science in International Business and Management, reflected on the collaborative nature of leadership in today's business environment. "Success depends not only on expertise but also on our ability to collaborate, adapt, and build meaningful relationships," she said, emphasizing that the diverse ALBA community prepared graduates to navigate complexity, embrace different perspectives, and continue learning throughout their careers.
Representing Deree, Polytimi Kolyva, graduate of the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication & Public Relations, spoke about the courage to embrace change and pursue continuous growth. "The path is not something waiting for you in the distance. It is something you build step by step, decision by decision, word by word," she said, reminding fellow graduates that leadership begins with the willingness to act, evolve, and create opportunities even in times of uncertainty.
The Highest Achievement Awards were also presented to Lisette Cristal Candelier Vargas and Charalampos Samakas Karousos, graduates of the Master of Arts in Learning Design and Technology, in recognition of their exceptional academic achievement.
Gallery
As the ceremony concluded, President Wingenbach officially welcomed the graduates into ACG's global alumni community of more than 70,000 members, encouraging them to carry the values of integrity, service, and excellence into every stage of their careers. He closed with the words, "May the education you received here be visible in the standards you uphold, the organizations you strengthen, and the good you make possible."
Following the ceremony, graduates and their guests gathered for a reception celebrating not only the completion of their studies but also the relationships, experiences, and ambitions that will continue to connect them as members of the ACG alumni community.
If you would like to watch the Graduate Commencement Ceremony in full, please click below.
To the Class of 2026, congratulations on this outstanding achievement. As you begin the next chapter of your professional journey, we wish you every success in leading with integrity, embracing lifelong learning, and creating meaningful impact in your organizations, communities, and beyond.
Welcome to the ACG alumni community.
