New Innovative Culinary Arts Programme In ... - César Ritz Colleges

Atlanta, USA
On 31 July over thirty «César Ritz» graduates attended the
fi rst Atlanta Alumni reunion which was held at the Grand
Hyatt in Buckhead. Some of the graduates could trace
their college days back to 1988 so it was a time to share
memories and reminisce about life in Switzerland! The
alumni were happy to welcome Hervé and Susan Fournier,
who shared school news and enjoyed the opportunity of
seeing how well our graduates were doing in the USA.
Alumni Reunions Around the World
Several «César Ritz» graduates work at the Grand Hyatt
Atlanta. Charles Saad is the Executive Housekeeper and
Fernanda Montenegro is the Employment Manager.
Having completed their management training, Afi f Salibi and
Jitesh Karamanchandani were transferring to the Grand Hyatt
Dubai where Afi f has been appointed Front Offi ce Supervisor
and Jitesh a Captain. Torleif Hoff, in Atlanta since he graduated in
2001, is currently the Food and Beverages Manager of the Hyatt
Regency Hotel. There was also a surprise visitor in the shape of
Victoria Marton, who dropped in on her way to Indiana where she
was to begin her management training at the Marriott.
Back to their Roots
The May 2006 Alumni Reunion in Switzerland was a great
success!
A total of 37 graduates from 12 countries returned to their alma
mater for three fantastic days spent sharing happy memories,
renewing friendships and networking.
The reunion started in Brig, with a welcome aperitif at The Riverside
Bar. This was followed by dinner at the Molino Restaurant, which
some of our “older” alumni might still remember as “Channa”.
Despite a late night at the Scala and the Spicher, everybody was
on time for Friday morning’s business meeting at UCCR.
The programme continued at the Institut Hôtelier «César Ritz»,
where a panel comprised of fi ve alumni shared their professional
experience before answering questions from today’s students.
It was an enjoyable exercise and reminded the alumni of their
own student mindsets.
Some graduates are busy not only with careers but with families
too. Michael Chin’s partner has recently had a baby girl and a
special mention goes to Faith Rong who managed to make the
reunion despite her advanced state of pregnancy. Who knows, their
offspring may be future «César Ritz» graduates themselves!
Submitted by: Susan Fournier
Leadership Programme Coordinator, IHCR
Students currently in the second year of the diploma programme
organized a Gala Dinner for the alumni as well as a photo
gallery of some of the graduates taken from old year books.
We honoured some who were celebrating ten or twenty years
since graduation as well as the Presidents of Alumni Chapters
from Lebanon, Turkey, Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Norway.
The evening continued at the Students’ Club, where music and
dancing continued until the early hours. On Saturday, there was
a trip to the beautiful Gruyère castle, a wine tasting and, in the
evening, the “Swiss Night” at “Le Manoir” restaurant.
Graduates enjoyed the company of old and new friends alike
and realized how attached they remain to the large «César Ritz»
family scattered all around the world. It was a great get-together!
We hope to welcome many of you in May 2007!
Marga Cretton, Director of Alumni Affairs, CRCS
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