European University Cyprus & Cyprus College Microsoft Innovation Center Alumni Awards

Alumni of the Year Award

Nebojsa Petridis

CEO FFG Cyprus

Nebojsa Petridis 39, is born to a Serbian mother and a Greek-Cypriot father. He was raised in Belgrade and in his early twenties moved with his family to the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus where he pursued his higher education and earned a master degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the European University Cyprus. Exposed from an early age to the world of business through his family’s enterprises, Nebojsa chose to follow his own path. In the early days of his career he occupied various positions in brand management reaching a portfolio of managing up to 12 different brands. In 2008 he was promoted to Head of Operations within the same company where he contributed in strategic and commercial development of the organization.

In 2010 he was appointed Managing Director of Shiseido Hellas SA Cyprus, a 100% own affiliate of Shiseido Hellas SA Greece, where in the course of 5 years he took the company and Shiseido brand to the new level in the Cyprus market.

In 2015 Nebojsa was appointed CEO of Folli Folie Group Cyprus and also he undertaken the role of Executive Board Member of the group.

Motto: Do to others what you want done to you!

It is a great pleasure and opportunity to stay connected with a considerable number of people who studied together. Even more amazing is to get an update on their career paths and life in general.

Enterpreneurship & Innovation Award

Aristos Aristidou

CEO FFG Cyprus
Director- Dacor Advertising and Media Ltd
Owner and Editor of the first fishing magazine in Cyprus
Owner and Editor of the first yachting magazine in Cyprus
Owner and Editor of Hunt and Shoot Magazine
Organizer of Limassol Boat Show
Organizer of Limassol Car Show and Motion
Owner of the electronic platform www.cynewsstand.com
Presenter of web TV show Thirama at www.7sportstv.com

All of us who studied in Cyprus at EUC--either because we couldn’t go abroad or because it was our first choice--have not only professional successes, but also strong personal relationships that stay alive through our alumni association. The association keeps us united and helps us to develop our business actions even more.

Women Achievement Award

Anna Manoli

Digital Solution Consultant / Account Manager

I received a BSc in Computer Science and then An MSc in information Systems. My first full-time job was as a programmer. Through this position I developed my soft skills and progressed as a system analyst. My next job involved full time interaction with clients thought role a business consultant. I designed software based on clients’ business needs and goals. Today I am an Account Manager, proposing solutions to corporations ways to become Digital whilst optimizing their procedures.

I believe being part of the alumni association is about giving back. As an alumni you can offer practical support to students they start their careers and offer them guidance. Also being part of a large professional network is also a great resource for information interview and introductions.

My motto in life: “Work hard, work smart and work consistently”

Special Contribution Award

Christiana Pishia

Assistant Principal – Primary Education Schools

Η φοίτησή μου στο Ευρωπαϊκό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου (ΕΠΚ) μεγιστοποίησε τα ακαδημαϊκά προσόντα και τις ικανότητές μου στην Εκπαιδευτική Διοίκηση και Ηγεσία, καθώς έδωσε προοπτική στην επαγγελματική μου πορεία. Στο πλαίσιο των μεταπτυχιακών και διδακτορικών σπουδών στο ΕΠΚ, μού δόθηκε η ευκαιρία να αποκτήσω άρτια ενημερότητα στις Επιστήμες της Αγωγής. Ταυτόχρονα, η συστηματική μελέτη της θεωρίας και της πρακτικής υποστήριξε σθεναρά την ανάπτυξή μου ως εκπαιδευτικού και ως διοικητικού στελέχους.

Στο ΕΠΚ μπορεί κανείς να βρει ένα ακαδημαϊκό περιβάλλον, το οποίο ξεχειλίζει από σύμπνοια, συνεργασία και ατέρμονη διάθεση για συνεχή βελτίωση της ποιότητας της παρεχόμενης εκπαίδευσης. Η ανθρωποκεντρική προσέγγιση τόσο του διδακτικού όσο και του διοικητικού προσωπικού του Πανεπιστημίου αναδύει τον σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητα του/της κάθε φοιτητή/φοιτήτριας, καθώς αφήνει την ακαδημαϊκή ελευθερία να πρυτανεύει προς όφελος της έρευνας και της καινοτομίας.

Το ΕΠΚ κατέχει εξέχουσα θέση στην ψυχή και στην καρδιά μου. Ως βραβευμένη απόφοιτός του («Απόφοιτος της Χρονιάς 2016») αισθάνομαι ευφροσύνη, ευγνωμοσύνη και υπερηφάνεια για την επιλογή μου να φοιτήσω σ’ αυτό.

Alumni of the Year Award

Giorgos Giorgakis

Managing Director, Eurosuccess Consulting

Giorgos Giorgakis is the founder and Managing Director of Eurosuccess Consulting. He graduated from European University Cyprus with a Master Degree (MBA) in Business Administration in July 2008. He has developed, managed and implemented more than 60 EU and National (FP, LLP, JUSTICE, ERASMUS+ etc.) projects since 2006. He has also developed various applications regarding both EU and National funding schemes for SMEs and physical entities, so as to create and develop their business operations and help them materilize innovative ideas and bring new projects to life. In addition, he has been actively involved in preparing and implementing public tenders especially in regards to HR Development, Management and Consulting. Lastly, he has been an evaluator for the last years, evaluating various proposals under the programs of Lifelong Learning, ERASMSUS + & EEA and Norway Grants.

In an effort to support the efforts of his fellow alumni, Giorgos works with the philosophy that when one develops, others grow and develop with them. Each and every one can cooperate and provide services to each other, according to our competencies and experience; in this way we fill in the gaps and weaknesses as well as invest further opportunities and potentials. The same added value shall be provided to us and our organization..

My motto in life: “Everything happens for a reason!”

Alumni of the Year Award

Natassa Theodosiou

Physics Teacher
A’ Techical School of Limassol  & B’ Technical School “Grigoris Afxentiou”

I am a Physics Teacher. I have studied Physics at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and I hold a Master Degree in Educational Leadership (EUC). I am also the Deputy President of Cyprus Crohn’s and Colitis Association and EFCCA Board Member.

In 2015 I have received the Award “Alumni of the Year” from the EUC Alumni Association for my efforts to inform Cyprus society about the needs of people with IBD. Also, in 2016 I have received the Award “Youth of the Year” from the Cyprus Youth Organization and the Cooperative Central Bank Cyprus for my efforts and commitment, speaking up for people with IBD and raising awareness.

It’s important to engage with the alumni association because you keep in touch with the university, other young and active people. It also gives opportunities to alumni in order to present their work and take part to seminars aiming life long learning.

Motto: "Be the change you want to see" / "Life takes GUTS"