Congratulations to the 2011 ALBA Graduates!

The 2011 ALBA Graduation Ceremony took place on October 13, at the Pierce Theater of the American College of Greece. This year, 208 MSc and MBA degrees were awarded to the graduating students of the ALBA Programs: MSc in Strategic Human Resource Management, MSc in Finance, ALBA-EFG Eurobank Ergasias MBA in Financial Services, Full Time MBA, Professional MBA, MBA in Shipping and MBA in Banking.

This year’s keynote speaker was Mr. George Aronis, General Manager, Retail Banking of ALPHA BANK. During his speech, Mr. Aronis highlighted: “Greece’s key asset is you, its people! We Greeks are ambitious, resourceful, competitive and pragmatic.Throughout history our ingenuity, endurance and adaptability cannot be denied.  We have survived for thousands of years.  We have passed through much worse times in our history.  It is not accidental that in our legends the phoenix rises from its ashes. So, do not despair. We will make it this time around as well. So, structural reforms and financial discipline, combined with a new business-friendly and strong world-class economy, can create conditions for a take-off.  I hold the view that however bleak the situation appears today, you are destined to live in much more interesting, and at the same time, rewarding times. Prosperity is around the corner and the odds of getting there are not insuperable.  Remember you can bring a horse to the water but you cannot make it drink. In other words, you must be willing to do things. I am confident that we will not waste the opportunity that the debt crisis has laid on our doorsteps. And you have to play a big part in recognizing this opportunity and take advantage of it.”

The Ceremony was concluded with a short address of the Secretary of the ALBA Alumni Association Mr. Alexis Derventzas, Alumnus of the 8^th Class of the Professional MBA.