A record 75 former students attended the “César Ritz” Colleges Annual Alumni Reunion in Switzerland from 27-29 May 2010, some from as far away as Argentina, Canada, and Thailand. There was a nice mix of graduation years (1989-2009) and a multitude of experiences of the hospitality and tourism industry, as well as from a variety of other fields, were represented.

Current students were able to mingle with graduates and ask them questions during alumni panel presentations. Some alumni (including Roland Dürr, F&B Director at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, Evan Chiu, General Manager of the Metropark Hotel Wanchai in Hong Kong, and Falck von Hahn, Operations Project Manager at The Rocco Forte Collection) took the opportunity to present their properties to current students interested in future job openings. It was great for networking!

And the “Alumni of the Year” are…
There was a good balance of official activities, informal events and free time. We started at Institut Hôtelier “César Ritz” (IHCR) on Thursday with the General Alumni Meeting. Students from IHCR and the Culinary Arts Academy organized a marvellous banquet, which no doubt brought back memories for our alumni. Mr Kisseleff, President of “César Ritz” Colleges Switzerland, and Dr Petri, founder and Honorary President, welcomed the alumni celebrating 10 or 20 years since their graduation: Ahyan Cöner, Jana Werner-Whitfield, Olivier Werlen (absent that night but present the next day) and Evan Chiu. Ayhan was named “Alumnus of the Year” for attending eight consecutive alumni reunions in Switzerland and being extremely active as Chapter President for Turkey. Evan was “Crisis Manager of the Year” for keeping guests happy throughout their seven-day quarantine in his hotel because of a swine flu outbreak. The night ended at the Dog and Lamppost student bar.

The reunion continued on Friday at the University Centre “César Ritz” in Brig. Alumni enjoyed presentations on four student projects, including that of 2010 Washington State University Business Plan award-winners. The evening started with a 60s-themed barbecue and ended at the CHAOS student bar with Ayhan as guest DJ.

Interlaken, the ideal destination for our excursion
We were lucky enough to have perfect weather for the Saturday excursion to Interlaken. We took the train to Spiez, where we had a nice walk to Lake Thun and a picnic before taking the boat to Interlaken. Everyone enjoyed the sun, the stunning scenery and the fendant! Once in Interlaken, we strolled round this very picturesque city; some visited the majestic Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, where “César Ritz” students often do internships.

It was a special reunion, with a wonderful group of alumni. The atmosphere was fantastic, with friendship in the air, laughter and hugs flowing freely, and business cards exchanged! We thank our graduates for taking the time to return. This year’s reunion has given us plenty of new ideas for continuing our mission to promote alumni and career opportunities to the benefit of all “César Ritz” family members. We can’t wait for next year, but, until then, stay connected through the alumni database NetCommunity and by following us on Facebook.

Spread the word! Make sure your friends are part of this unique networking platform.

Michèle Patry

Alumni Network Manager