Webster Athens Celebrates Diverse Graduating Class at Commencement Ceremony

Webster Athens graduates pose for a photo as they prepare for the commencement ceremony.

Webster University Athens celebrated its commencement ceremony on May 15, with graduating students representing 28 countries and six continents. The ceremony took place at the Webster Athens Cultural Center, located at the foothills of the Acropolis, next to the Roman Agora. 

Following the performance of the Greek and American national anthems, Rector Vasilis J. Botopoulos welcomed the graduates, their parents, faculty and esteemed guests. He congratulated the students on their accomplishments and encouraged them to strive for excellence in all they do. “Consider Webster University Athens as your home and your faculty as your spiritual parents,” Botopoulos said. “Your connection to the University is a lifelong bond which should be nurtured and strengthened throughout your life.” 

H.E. the Ambassador of the United States of America George J. Tsunis was the commencement speaker and the recipient of the Distinguished Contribution Award. The award recognizes eminent personalities who have greatly contributed to the public interest in distinguished ways. 

“Education plays a crucial role in shaping our future,” shared Ambassador Tsunis in his address to the graduates. “It serves as a gateway to opportunity, empowers people, and fuels societal growth.  As you graduate today, you bring with you the knowledge, skills, and principles that will empower you to become leaders, innovators, and advocates for positive change in our interconnected world. Greece and the United States share a rich history, rooted in democratic principles, cultural heritage, and a deep appreciation for knowledge and innovation.  As you go forth as alumni of this esteemed institution, I encourage you to nurture and strengthen the bonds between our nations.  Become advocates for collaboration, dialogue, and cooperation, and be the catalysts for positive change in the world.”    

H.E. the Ambassador of the United States of America George J. Tsunis delivers the commencement address.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Bebeb A.K. Nugraha Djundjunan, and the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines H.E. Giovanni E. Palec received the Embassy Educational Partnership & Collaboration Award. This award recognizes partnerships and collaborations between Webster Athens and embassies in Athens. 

The Distinguished Civic Leader & Philanthropist Award, which recognizes philanthropists and eminent community leaders, went to the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and its Supreme President Savas Tsivicos.  
Webster Athens Head of Business & Technology Department and Professor Emeritus John F. Dumont received the Emeritus Award and warm applause from graduating students. Assistant Professor Emeritus Vivian E. Gales also received the Webster Athens Emeritus Award.  

Vice Rector of Academic Affairs and Head of the English Department, Professor Susie Michailidis, received the Faculty of the Year Award. This award is given to a faculty member who embodies the mission of Webster University: to prepare its graduates for effective, responsible, and articulate membership in the complex societies in which they live and serve, and for always striving for excellence and distinction in their professional and personal lives.  

Webster University President Julian Z. Schuster presents Professor Susie Michailidis with the Faculty of the Year award.

After a lively musical interval with the famous Greek melody from “Zorba the Greek” by Mikis Theodorakis, this year's valedictorian, Thant Kyi Phyu Htun, BA of International Relations, delivered a personal speech about her educational journey with Webster Athens.  

“Coming from Myanmar, one of the world's least developed nations, my journey to this podium was filled with obstacles,” said Htun. “Yet, here I stand—a proud Burmese, a proud graduate of Webster Athens, accepting the honor of valedictorian, determined to advance my career in international relations, rewriting my homeland as a beacon of hope and possibility. The power of collective compassion and empathy is limitless. Let us not only pursue success but strive for significance, measuring our worth not by the accolades we amass but by the lives we touch and the difference we make. Let us be the architects of bridging hearts and minds across borders and boundaries.” 

Valedictorian Htun delivers her commencement speech.

Htun emphasized a Greek saying that inspired her educational journey: "Ότιδήποτε το μυαλό μπορεί να σκεφτεί και να πιστέψει, το μυαλό μπορεί και να το πετύχει." – "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. Let us carry this wisdom and work towards building a beautiful world through kindness and understanding.” 

Following was the eagerly awaited degree ceremony, where Rector Botopoulos and Webster University President Julian Z. Schuster presented diplomas to the graduates. While some students live-streamed the event for family members who couldn't attend in person, parents rushed to the front of the stage to snap pictures of the moment. 

“It was a great privilege and joy to celebrate Webster students' graduation at our Athens Campus,” shared President Schuster, whose attendance was enthusiastically recognized and appreciated by students, faculty, staff and families. “The presence of family members and representatives from the business community, government, and foreign diplomats added a special touch to the event. Our students are impressive: knowledgeable, ambitious, compassionate, and mutually supportive of each other. They are and will continue to be ambassadors of Webster as they design and implement solutions for the challenges the world is currently facing. Special thanks to Rector Botopoulos, his staff, and faculty for their dedicated service and loyalty to Webster and to the success of our students.” 

Webster University Athens brings the best of American education to Greece. Webster Athens is the only fully owned and controlled (academically and financially) accredited campus of a U.S. university in Greece. Webster Athens Campus celebrates a cross-cultural perspective in the heart of Ancient Athenian land. Located near the Acropolis, Webster Athens sits in the midst of one of the most vibrant, multicultural, archaeological and commercial centers in the world, at the confluence of Europe, Asia and Africa.