Past events
RECEPTION AT THE SWISS EMBASSY - OCTOBER 30, 2007
Michel Mordasini, Executive Director for Switzerland at the World Bank, delivered a lecture on “The Swiss Perception of Development Issues”for some 50 alumni and friends of the Institute. The presentation was followed by a reception hosted by Swiss Ambassador, Urs Ziswiler, at the Swiss Embassy in the presence of Mr Philippe Burrin, HEI Director and Mrs Celine Yvon, Vice-president of the HEI Alumni Association.
NETWORKING EVENT – SEPTEMBER 27, 2007
The HEI Alumni Washington, D.C. Chapter hosted an evening of networking over drinks and tapas in Georgetown at the home of steering committee member, Piritta Sorsa, on Thursday, September 27.A group of more than 20 alumni engaged in small talks and discussed future programs to organize.
HEI ALUMNI INAUGURATE CHAPTER IN WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 22, 2007
On May 22nd 2007, a group of about fifty alumni and friends celebrated the creation of the Washington D.C. Chapter of the HEI Alumni Association over cocktails and a beautiful view of the White House. Swiss Ambassador to the USA, H.E.Urs Ziswiler, as well as HEI Director Philippe Burrin and new professor of political science, Thomas Biersteker, were present. Two new HEI students were also in attendance. People were excited to reconnect with old friends, to make new ones, and to share fond memories of the time spent at the Institute. The event took place in the First Amendment room of the National Press Club, only a stone's throw away from the White House and the US Treasury, and a haut-lieu of Washington public life, which regularly hosts the capital's most distinguished guests.
In his speech, Director Burrin warmly welcomed the creation of the Washington, D.C. Chapter and detailed the exciting developments underway at HEI, such as the merger with the IUED and the many partnerships HEI has negotiated with top universities around the world. In this context, Director Burrin looked forward to the contribution the HEI alumni Chapter in Washington could make to raise the profile of the Institute in the United States. Ambassador Ziswiler highlighted the central role of Geneva and the Institute in the relations between the United States and Switzerland. The HEI Chapter in Washington will help strengthen transatlantic exchanges of talents and ideas, the Ambassador noted.
Our next major event will take place at the Swiss Ambassador's residence on October 30. In the meantime, more informal gatherings are being planned, including a series of topical events presented by HEI alumni and others. Our events will be posted on the HEI extranet site. Please look us up if you are planning on visiting or moving to Washington, D.C.! We can be reached at: heidcchapter@yahoo.com , or through Flavius Mihaies at (202) 422-7192.
