Mediterranean College Graduation Awards Ceremonies Class of 2023

The graduates of the Class of 2023 were first welcomed by the Founder & Honorary President of Mediterranean College, Professor Sofoklis Xynis, who emphasized that “…both the Xynis Group since 1957 and Mediterranean College have perennially placed human-centered approach and contribution to society at the heart of their educational philosophy through a series of multi-level actions and innovations…” Innovations such as Artificial Intelligence, which significantly improve our world and serve as a source of inspiration for the graduates, focusing on the rapid developments in technology, which are the driving force for the transformative era ahead of us.

Describing it as a crucial force for the economy and society, during her speech, Mrs. Katerina Xyni, General Manager of Mediterranean College, referred to AI, focusing on the College’s steadfast position in promoting academic excellence, educational innovation, and social contribution. “…Because at Mediterranean College, we prepare our students for an era that demands not only an understanding of technology but also responsibility & commitment to its use, for the good of society and the planet…” Mrs. Xyni emphasized.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

The Keynote Speaker at the midday Graduation Ceremony of Mediterranean College Thessaloniki was Mrs. Stella Bezergianni, President of the Center for the Dissemination of Sciences & NOESIS Technology Museum and Director of Research at the National Center for Research & Technological Development (N.C.S.T.D.). During her speech, Mrs. Bezergianni focused on Technological advancement during the three Industrial Revolutions, some of the most significant periods in modern history, raising the question of whether Artificial Intelligence will mark the fourth Industrial Revolution, which unfolds before our eyes and began in the early 21st century with the proliferation of Internet usage.”

“I am sure you are aware of the difficulties and challenges you will be called upon to face. After all, you are the children of the Greek crisis of the previous decade. This comes with its difficulty, but it also means that you are resilient people, and this resilience is your asset. Adaptability and persistence are essential assets for the years to come. These qualities are useful as the professional arena is now global. The most important thing to remember is not to let anyone ‘cut’ your dreams and tell you that you cannot achieve something. Have courage, chase your dreams, and do not give up on them. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and inspire those around you. Enter the job market in an exciting time. In such a moment in history where our ability to operate influentially becomes inexhaustible, thanks to Artificial Intelligence, I wish you to carve your own path, find your ideals, and surpass them!! Become the best versions of yourselves. Dare. Make this exciting technological era your own.” These were the advice/prompts of Ms. Peggy Antonakou, General Manager Southeast Europe of Google, to the graduates of the afternoon Graduation Ceremony in Thessaloniki.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) reflects every aspect of our activity in a slightly distorted way. Our challenge is to be the best we can be, so that Artificial Intelligence reflects what needs to be done.” Thus spoke Mr. Georgios Giannakopoulos, Key-Note Speaker of the afternoon Graduation Ceremony in Athens, Collaborating Researcher at NCSR “Demokritos” & Co-founder of the Social Cooperative Enterprise SciFY.

A few hours ago, Mr. Pavlos-Petros Sotiriadis, the keynote speaker of the midday ceremony, Professor at the Department of Communications, Electronics & Computer Systems at the National Technical University of Athens, co-founder & first president of the TN AI Catalyst Group, and representative of two very large organizations (International Artificial Intelligence Industry Alliance and Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association) based in Hong Kong, stated emphatically that “AI will influence everyone in most aspects of our lives, especially young people trying to find their way professionally or scientifically. A young person should remain constantly informed and keep up with technological advancements…”

The ‘Technological Innovation & Social Responsibility’ award was presented to Mr. Georgios Giannakopoulos, co-founder of the Social Cooperative Enterprise SciFY, an award-winning non-profit organization that applies AI for the common good.

The ‘Outstanding Student Achievement’ award was awarded to:

• Isometricks, a student company operating at the Experimental High School of the University of Macedonia and recipient of the pan-European award in the Junior Achievement Europe GEN–E 2023. Isometricks produces a mathematical thinking and creativity serious game called Wizzle, with applications in Education and Medicine. The Hellenic Alzheimer’s Association has included Wizzle in two research programs and the World Health Organization has shown great interest in its potential.
• Adrianos Botsios, the 16-year-old visionary of Artificial Intelligence, pioneer in the development of the humanoid robot “Niki,” holder of certification from Harvard University in Data Science, and founder of the Green Team and ACS Dynamics companies.

“Our partnership with Mediterranean College is one of the most longstanding relationships and one which we value very much. We thank them for their commitment in working with us to provide high quality education and outstanding opportunities for all students to develop and progress their careers. Our longstanding reputation for Teaching Excellence receives national recognition in the UK in 2023, with the University being awarded Gold, in the latest teaching excellence framework, awarded by the department of Education. In addition, we are now ranked in the top 20 universities for teaching quality in the UK, and, also in the top 20 for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide. These achievements also recognize the hard work of our colleagues here, of Mediterranean College. Studying with us has given you the education, the skills to make a very positive impact on the world. The future is you. Seize every opportunity when it arrives, help  society tackle big challenges, and be generous and kind to others” emphasized Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice Chancellor & CEO of the University of Derby, to the Class of 2023 graduates.

During your time with us, you have explored new experiences, whole new skills and have developed into our future leaders. At your heart, each of you are now known as people able to get things done. In short, you are professionals of the future and tomorrow belongs to you. Be kind, caring and compassionate to others. The world is yours, but it is also ours! We are the University of Opportunity! When your time to shine comes, be brave, be bold and dare to be brilliant. The world awaits your excellence, your brilliance, and your commitment to make a difference. May your journey be filled with opportunities, endless possibilities, and moments of profound joy and fulfillment. The future is YOU…” stated Mr. Troy-Alexander Douglin, Academic Lead of the University of Wolverhampton, among other remarks.

A ‘highlight’ of the events was the recorded message from Sophia the Robot, the social humanoid robot, who ‘joined’ the graduates of Mediterranean College, delivering her own encouraging message. “…As a robot, I don’t like to give advice; I prefer to inspire people to develop their critical thinking. Artificial Intelligences like mine are now able to collaborate with humans and assist them in many areas of daily life. Knowledge combined with human abilities can upgrade and serve with great ease and simplicity, services related to the environment, education, technology, communication, and much more…“