Eager to listen

As a business school admissions officer, William Makris, Ed.M. ’00, was guided by a straightforward tenet during candidate interviews: listen for potential.

“What attributes does each individual carry with them?” Makris remarked. “How can we foster a person’s distinctive strengths while assisting them in their educational and personal growth?”

Now, as he readies to assume the role of Harvard alumni board president on July 1 — a position tasked with leading the Harvard Alumni Association board of directors and representing alumni globally — he is keen to listen and learn how to bolster the development of Harvard’s international alumni network.

Throughout his professional journey, he has aided and guided mid-career individuals pursuing advanced degrees by being present, receptive to inventive ideas, and unafraid to probe deeper — attributes he refined at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Makris has held various leadership positions at business schools across New England. He was part of the admissions committee and served as an advisor for the MIT executive M.B.A. program at the MIT Sloan School of Management, acted as associate dean of M.B.A. admissions at Babson College, and managed part-time and executive M.B.A. programs at Northeastern University.

“When someone shares their narrative, I’m committed to learning extensively about this individual,” Makris stated. “Being inquisitive and comprehending someone’s journey is vital to me and my engagement with alumni.”

The promise of advanced education

Higher education is intricately woven into Makris’ family legacy. As the grandson of Greek immigrants who settled in Cambridge seeking a better future without formal education, Makris has always felt a profound connection to Harvard.

His grandfather George Culolias founded The Tasty Sandwich Shop — affectionately referred to as “The Tasty” — a renowned one-room lunch spot in Harvard Square that catered to generations of hungry patrons from 1916 until 1997. His grandmother Penio Culolias, who lived to 102, passionately encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue higher education.

As she took her children to work, Makris’ grandmother strolled with them through Harvard Yard. They would pause at the John Harvard Statue, where she encouraged them to work hard academically in the hope that one day they could walk through the Yard as students.

Makris’ mother, Helen C. (Eleni) Makris ’50, graduated from Radcliffe College and pursued a career in teaching, while her brothers, Nicholas Culolias ’53 and Charles Bradford Ellis ’39, obtained degrees from Harvard College. In a serendipitous moment, Makris’ own graduation from HGSE aligned perfectly with his mother’s 50th reunion. His father, George “Moose” Makris, attended Northeastern University on a full football scholarship, playing baseball and hockey, and later returned to his alma mater post-retirement to work in fundraising for athletic programs.

In today’s challenging climate for higher education, Makris values its significance more than ever. “The chance for me to carry forward the dream my grandmother envisioned is extraordinary,” he remarked. “I firmly believe in the promise of advanced education. I believe in its impact on my life, and on countless individuals in the United States and across the globe.”

A haven at Harvard

Makris, who joined Harvard later in his journey, often reflects on a quote from former HAA President Allyson Mendenhall ’90, M.L.A. ’99, who said: “Harvard arrives when you are prepared, and you approach it when you are ready.”

Makris earned his undergraduate degree in public health from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and subsequently acquired an M.B.A. from Northeastern University. Transitioning from a finance role at a tech firm, he shifted towards a path in higher education — finding an environment that allowed innovative ideas to flourish, even for newcomers — and enrolled in the master’s program at HGSE.

He discovered “an impressive sanctuary” at HGSE. “Harvard offered me a new perspective on the world,” he shared. “It shifted my trajectory. I learned to delve deeply into subjects, to be analytical, and to make data-informed decisions — skills I utilize to this day.”

Shortly after graduating, he felt inspired to volunteer after attending an event at the Harvard Club of Boston, where he sensed a “shared intellectual curiosity, connection, and community” among fellow alumni from across the University.

Makris dedicated three years as co-chair of the HGSE Recent Alumni Council before joining the Graduate School Alumni Council as co-chair. He was also appointed as director from HGSE to the HAA board for two terms, where he co-led an initiative for graduate school alumni engagement and contributed to the creation of a training program for new board members. Additionally, he spent three years as vice president of University-wide alumni affairs, representing the graduate and professional Schools, followed by his ongoing term as first vice president of the HAA.

‘Your voice will resonate’

As he embarks on his term, Makris feels honored by the opportunity to represent alumni.

He has been collaborating closely with the current alumni president, Moitri Chowdhury Savard ’93, whose “kindness, authentic leadership style, and collaborative spirit is truly a gift,” he said.

Makris is building on Savard’s idea of veritates, or diverse truths — fostering dialogue across differences — a phrase popularized by Tracy Moore II ’06, while introducing a new theme focused on sharing experiences and listening with compassion.

“I want individuals to find and express their Harvard voices,” he expressed. “When you share your insights and experiences, it encourages others to tell their narratives. Listening is cultivated. Commonalities emerge. Connections are forged. You begin to perceive others’ stories with deeper empathy. You become inspired to engage in discussion and dialogue.”

He aims to ensure that all alumni feel welcome in the community. “Harvard will support you when you need it, regardless of your age,” he stated. “Whether it’s your first event ever or your first in two decades, your community will be there for you, and your voice will be acknowledged.”

As Savard has contemplated her tenure during a challenging time for higher education, she has valued hearing the perspectives of alumni from across the nation and around the globe. “Alumni encompass diverse truths, yet agree on many shared principles, including the significance of education and open inquiry,” Savard noted.

She is enthusiastic about supporting Makris in his new position. “He grasps the importance of alumni voices and brings varied perspectives to discussions. His expertise in bringing people together and his optimistic viewpoint will be indispensable to the alumni community — we are fortunate to have him leading the way.”