It was all the best of Switzerland and “César Ritz” packed into a few days and what a few days we had! We enjoyed amazing views of the Swiss mountains, were wined and dined par excellence, had workshops and presentations by alumni, and even had a Hawaiian evening.

The event was the 2009 Annual Alumni Reunion organized by “César Ritz” Colleges Switzerland and held over three days. This year’s programme was especially appealing with just the right blend of formal and leisure events. And of course, our days and nights were filled with laughter, networking and new and renewed friendships.

The Institut Hôtelier “César Ritz” and the Culinary Arts Academy students organized an outstanding banquet with exquisite food that in itself brought back many fond memories. Taking the opportunity on the night, we also celebrated a number of graduation anniversaries: the 10th for Norbert Aellen; the 20th for Nadia Akhmisse, Christian Sundt-Johannesen, Irfan Mirza and Pimpatai Techachukiat; and the 21st for Anand Kanappa (1988) and Andrew Leary. We also had the honour of the presence of one of our pioneering students, Fabian Er (1983), a student in Lax 26 years ago, and Dr. Petri, the Founder and Honorary President of “César Ritz” Colleges.

Current students met with graduates during the alumni workshops as well as during the three presentations held on both campuses. Goran Yordanov (2004) spoke about his career progress from Bulgaria to Paris, and Andrew Leary (1988) made a presentation on the setting up of the International College of Management, Sydney. Prof. Swarbrooke, the keynote speaker, gave a lecture about the opportunities and challenges in the changing world of hospitality and tourism.

But it was not all work! The festivities then took a distinctly “floral” theme at University Centre “César Ritz” with a Hawaiian night and BBQ. The colourful flower necklaces, decorations and dancing helped create a great atmosphere between alumni and students as did the party afterwards at CHAOS student bar.

On Saturday, we visited Niederwald, the birthplace of César Ritz. After a short walk in the glorious sunny weather, we returned by train to Fiesch where we took a cable car ride to Eggishorn at a dizzying 2926 metres! Although it had started to rain, nothing could dampen the experience. The fresh air, view and refreshing glass of Fendant white wine, gave us all a fantastic experience to remember. It all finished with a hearty meal of Swiss Raclette.

Thank you, dear alumni friends, for coming from all around the world, from afar as Australia, Singapore, Thailand, India, Brazil and UAE. Thanks also to you who came from Holland, Croatia, Germany and even from just across the lake from Montreux and Geneva. Thank you all for making this event a fantastic reunion!

If you would like to join us next year to see the school, meet your “César Ritz” friends and family, make new contacts, extend your network, celebrate your graduation anniversary or simply to have a good time, we would really look forward to hearing from you.

Michèle Patry
Alumni Network Manager