In a beautiful ceremony held on the evening of Thursday, June 4, at Ioannis Moschaklaidis Square on the campus of the American Farm School, undergraduate and postgraduate students of Perrotis College celebrated the successful completion of their studies and received their degrees. The keynote speaker for the undergraduate commencement ceremony was distinguished scientist and President of The City College of New York (CCNY), Dr. Vincent Boudreau, whose presence added significant international prestige to the event.

In an inspiring and thought-provoking address, Dr. Boudreau served as the keynote speaker for both the B.Sc. and M.Sc. commencement ceremonies. Speaking warmly to the graduates, he emphasized the transformative power of education and the importance of global collaboration. Reflecting on the shared mission of the American Farm School and The City College of New York, he remarked that the educational work carried out by both institutions could be considered both “sacred” and “divine.” “We are all thrilled by your achievement, optimistic about your future, and eager to see you apply what you have learned,” he said. “We hope that as you move forward, you will carry the values of this institution with you. If you do so, you will become the finest ambassadors of the College’s mission.” He further emphasized that Perrotis College does more than educate students; it prepares future leaders who will drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Jeff Lansdale, President of the American Farm School and Perrotis College. He was followed by Dr. Ann Marie VanDerZanden, Associate Provost for Academic Programs at Iowa State University (ISU), whose participation underscored the strong and enduring partnership between Perrotis College and leading American institutions. Perrotis College Dean Dr. Kyriaki Zinoviadou then addressed the graduates, congratulating them on their accomplishments and encouraging them as they embark on the next stage of their professional and personal journeys. A heartfelt speech followed from distinguished alumni Emmanouil and Sideris Gkavliaroudis, who reflected on their experiences at Perrotis College and shared words of encouragement with the graduating class.

The evening also featured the presentation of several prestigious awards recognizing students’ academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the College community. These included the Dr. John Henry House Award, the Bruce and Tad Lansdale Leadership Award, the International Student Ambassador Award, the Macedonian Thrace Brewery Award, and the Joann Ryding Award. One of the ceremony’s most memorable moments was the presentation of the B.Sc. Academic Performance Awards to the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026. The award presentations were followed by remarks from the top graduates of the year, as well as recognition of outstanding academic achievement within the M.Sc. program.

The ceremony concluded with the official conferral of degrees upon the graduates of Perrotis College. Amid warm applause and celebration, Dr. Vincent Boudreau personally congratulated the graduates, leaving them with an enduring message of inspiration as they begin the next chapter of their lives and careers.