News from the alumni community and Ecolint

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of one of Ecolint’s most distinguished alumni, Professor Erik Thorbecke, who died in April 2026 at the age of 97.Erik attended the International School of Geneva on the La Grande Boissière campus from 1939 to 1947. The education he received during those formative years left an enduring imprint on both his life and his remarkable career. In 2023, h

Professor Dalla Giacoma leading the operationsIntroduction en français ci-dessousIn June 1956, Ecolint inaugurated the Greek Theatre, a landmark that would soon become the symbolic heart of the La Grande Boissière campus. Yet this extraordinary achievement had its origins three years earlier, when a bold vision, shared by teachers and students alike, began to take shape.For generations, the site h

Yala FeikinLa Châtaigneraie, 2024Mechanical Engineering and Energy Studies certificate at Yale   "My background in physics and chemistry at Ecolint gave me a strong foundation that has allowed me to excel in these subjects at the college level."I am currently studying mechanical engineering at Yale, along with an Energy Studies certificate. Upon arriving at Yale, I found that while the classes wer

The Alumni Office is sad to share the news of the passing of Sandra Oakley who taught at Pregny from 1971 until 2011. Isla Gordon, School & Campus Principal, Campus des Nations and Director General interim wrote the text below in memory of Sandra."It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of Sandra Oakley. Sandra was a much-loved and longstanding member of the Pregny and wider Eco

In 1998, two students, Dylan Batten and Ivan Ovando, decided to turn what had begun as an impossible idea, almost a joke, into reality. Calling themselves the “Peace Riders,” they set out on an extraordinary 2,500-kilometre cycling journey from Geneva to Istanbul, travelling through Balkan countries still bearing the scars of conflict and war.What started as an adventure quickly became something m

Nous avons la profonde tristesse d’annoncer le décès de Maria Victoria Fischer, qui a enseigné à Ecolint pendant près de vingt ans. Maria Victoria a rejoint Ecolint en 1980 à La Châtaigneraie avant de poursuivre son parcours à La Grande Boissière en tant que professeure d’espagnol. Elle y a exercé jusqu’à son départ à la retraite en 1996, peu après celui de son mari, Joseph Fischer.Nous partageons

Last year we met with Hugo Powell (CHA, 2008) to talk about his podcast The Binge Reading Bookclub with his friend and fellow alumnus, Nick Binge (CHA, 2008). This year, we had the pleasure of meeting him again to discuss another podcast series he launched in 2025 called 15 Minute Maps, featuring a new theme (no more books), a shorter format and an even more ambitious vision.His podcast explores t

Arthur BoulotLa Grande Boissière, 2025 Business and Administration at Babson CollegeUSAWhere are you studying now, and what course have you chosen and why?I’m a student in Business and Administration at Babson College. The course is built around a set of required classes like accounting, business analytics, and business law, alongside a big focus on entrepreneurship, where we actually learn to lau

Version française ci-dessousAlumna and Volunteer Firefighter Competes in the 2026 Vaud Cantonal Firefighters CompetitionLa Châtaigneraie campus is proud to be a partner of the 2026 Vaud Cantonal Firefighters Competition, organized as part of the 119th assembly of the Vaud Firefighters Federation.On Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, the beautiful town of Coppet will come alive with impressive dem

Alumna Massara Ojjeh Publishes Her First Children’s Book: A Journey Around the WorldFor Massara Ojjeh (LGB 2011), growing up in an international environment meant that different cultures, languages, and perspectives were simply part of everyday life. So it’s no surprise that when she came to write her first children’s book The Wonderful Adventures of Topaz and Ruby, she created a story where world

Utsav BahlCampus des Nations, 2021Master's degree in Economic Research at the University of CambridgeUK Where are you studying now, and what course have you chosen and why?I am currently pursuing an MPhil in Economic Research at the University of Cambridge, which is the first year of the PhD track in Economics here. Before that, I studied Economics at Williams College in the US, and I graduated fr

As exam season fast approaches for our students, and with many of our alumni currently braving the hallowed halls of university... we thought it was the perfect time to share a gem from the archives. Written in the 1947 by a spirited young student, this short article takes a hilariously candid look at those dreaded tests we all love to hate. For those who will soon be in the hot seat, take comfort

From students to staff - LGB EditionWhat happens when former students become staff? Turns out, they never really leave. We caught up with two former students who are now back on campus, but this time on the other side. From secret favorite spots to unforgettable moments, they take us down memory lane while sharing how their perspective has changed (and what hasn’t!). It’s the same campus, a differ

In french belowWelcoming Our Newest Scholars: Global Talent, Boundless PotentialEducation has the power to open doors, transform lives, and strengthen the fabric of our global community. At Ecolint, this belief continues to guide our mission: to educate students to be global citizens with the courage and capacity to create a just and joyful world together.After receiving over 70 inquiries and 30+

Alumna brings innovative period product initiative to La ChâtaigneraieExciting things are happening thanks to one of our inspiring alumni! Noëlle Demole, Founder and CEO of Egidays, an new initiative designed to make menstrual care easier and more accessible in everyday spaces. The first prototype has now been installed on the campus of La Châtaigneraie, where it will be tested over the next six m

Abdul Shokor GhaforiLa Grande Boissière, 2021Bachelor's degree en Management du Sport à Sports Management School de Lausanne SuisseOù étudies-tu actuellement quel cursus as-tu choisi et pourquoi ?Je suis actuellement en dernière année de bachelor en Sports Management à la Sports Management School de Lausanne (SMS). J’ai également effectué un semestre d’échange à l’EDC Paris.J’ai choisi la SMS Laus

Forty years later: A legacy of love and learningForty years have passed since Hope Kingma (LGB 1986) walked across the stage as a graduate. Decades later, her connection to the school remains woven into her story, not only as a former student, but as the daughter of a dedicated teacher who once shaped young minds within these same walls. Today, she shares with us reflections on her time at the sch

In 1951, two particularly enterprising Ecolint students undertook a most solemn and scientific mission: survey their teachers to uncover their true “calling.” The results are outrageously funny, and according to the young researchers themselves, entirely authentic. (They insist on this point. Repeatedly.)They missed their callingA short survey among our teachers shed light on their “vocation.” The

Gaia Amelia Sanchez SantosLa Grande Boissière, 2025Student in Strategic Design & Management at Parsons School of DesignUSA Where to find more about the Gallery Society: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gallery-society/https://www.instagram.com/thegallerysocietyco/ We recently had the pleasure of discovering a wonderful project founded by one of our alumni. Gaia Amelia Sanchez Santos (LGB 2025)

In loving memory of Jeff GoodwinIt is with great sadness that the Alumni Office was informed of Jeff Goodwin's passing.A committed member of the Ecolint community, Jeff touched many people with his involvement, particularly through the Facebook group You Went to Ecolint if that he ran with passion and kindness.John Jeffrey “Jeff” Goodwin passed away at home in the early morning of January 9, 2026