Last week Berlin based alumni met in preparation for the launch of the Graduate Institute Alumni Chapter in the city and began making plans for the future.

The German capital’s chapter will bring together roughly 40 former Graduate Institute students who are now professionals in a variety of sectors and who hold diverse interests.

“At the first meeting our fond memories of our years in Geneva provided an instant connection and we got to know each other quickly”, said the event’s organisers, Jennifer Miksch and Cosmin Olteanu. Jennifer, recent Master in International Affairs graduate and Cosmin, graduate of the Executive Master in Development, were joined by other Berlin alumni for a very interesting and animated first meeting: “We had a lively discussion about microfinance, women in leadership positions and the African transport system”, the organisers said.

The meeting took place in a cozy restaurant over traditional German dishes and French crepes Suzette, and was open for friends and partners of the group.

“The first meeting was a big success and lead to exciting new plans”, Jennifer said. “To cater to everyone’s busy schedule, we will try to meet on different days of the week and will visit various “highlights” of the German capital about once every two months”. The next event will take place December 19th at the home of Jennifer Miksch where she will serve traditional “feuerzangenbowle”.

“I am very happy to see that the spirit of camaraderie which unites the alumni of the Institute is as strong now as during out times in Geneva”, Cosmin said. “Following our two informal meetings, I am looking forward to the official launch of the Graduate Institute Alumni Chapter here in Berlin, which is planned for January”.

Another upcoming event will be a visit to the “Collection Boros” in a former bunker and the historic “Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz”.

The Institute wishes the Berlin alumni the “guten appetit” and best wishes for the creation of a new focal point for former students in Germany.