An Alpine reunion

The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) hosted its first alum­ni weekend in Aspen recently. Approximately 50 alumni, parents and friends participated in the festivities Feb. 29 and March 1. Many trav­eled from around the U.S. to attend while quite a few were locals who helped welcome all for the Alpine weekend.

Hans Figi, a graduate of the school and now its director of development and alumni rela­tions, helped coordinate the activities and recruit guests to the event weekend.

Aspen resident Christiana Wyly, class of ’99, graciously hosted the Friday night cocktail reception above the Elliot Yeary Gallery. On Saturday, the Fleming Cup ski race took place on Buckhorn Run followed by an on-moun­tain Swiss picnic lunch replete with wine, cheese, sausage, and chocolate. A closing ban­quet followed that evening at the Elks Club, featuring dinner, an awards ceremony, and dancing to the sounds of the Gary Quist Band. TASIS, located in Lugano, Switzerland, is the oldest American boarding school in Europe. Over a half-century ago M. Crist Fleming founded the acad­emy with the goal of preparing students for American colleges and universities while exposing them to the cultural heritage of Europe, foreign languages and the spectacular natural beauty of the Alps.

Perched on a hillside in sunny southern Switzerland, the school is surrounded by snow-capped mountains to the north and a lake to the south. Its enrollment has grown steadily over the years to 500 students representing 50 different nationalities and is accredited by both the European Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

In addition to the original academy in Lugano, TASIS also has schools in England and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit their website, http://www.switzerland.tasis.com.