Once again, the alumni received a warm welcome. From the old guard of Institute graduates, to the newest members of our community, fresh off the graduation ceremony stage. And once again, the mix worked its magic.
Such gatherings are never accidental. They are the result of patience, dedication, and year-round efforts to nurture a community that continues to grow in both size and diversity.
The contrast with earlier days is striking. When the student body numbered around 150, the faculty counted only a few dozen, and almost everyone could fit into the Villa Barton. Today, the Graduate Institute is a far larger institution, making the preservation of its culture, spirit, and sense of belonging both more challenging and more important than ever.
The 13th Annual Alumni Reunion which was held on Saturday 12 September is one answer to that challenge. Like a harvest gathered in September, it is the fruit of careful cultivation by many hands across the Institute community.
Thanks to you, 42% of the scholarship amount awarded to PhD student Seif Mesdoua has been raised.
Pierre Casimir-Lambert, Roland Dominicé, Paul Grossrieder, Julia-Silvana Hofstetter, Laura Thompson, Sandra Tobler and Omar Touray, as well as parents of Sibusiso Bengu, Rudiger Dornbusch, Celia Guevara and René-Jean Wilhelm, who are profiled in the "Inspiring Stories" launched to mark the Institute's 100th anniversary in 2027, honoured us with their presence.
The Alumni Association's Committee has undergone a revamp: President Ting Fang has handed over his position to Mahmud Samandari. Jessica Byron and him have completed their term of office. We would like to thank them warmly for the energy and time they have devoted to the Institute over the past few years. We are delighted to welcome Moetsi Duchatellier, Mitsuru Kitano and Jan-Yves Remy.
See almost all photos from the Alumni Reunion
As we look ahead to the Graduate Institute's centenary in 2027, this year's reunion was a timely reminder that the Institute's greatest strength has always been its people and the connections they continue to build across generations.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this evening such a success. We look forward to celebrating the Centennial of the Institute together on 18 September 2027. Save the date!
This text was originally published on the Alumnae·i portal.
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