Spring 2010 -1

Greetings from Sunny Montagnola to Our Alumni and Friends Around the World!
At the age of 18, these privileges are difficult to see. Spring is blooming in Montagnola, and our Seniors are itching to escape the campus, spread their wings, and discover the world. The time is right for emancipation. At age 28 or 38 or 68, however, the unique privileges and pleasures of TASIS are easy to see. Why was I so eager to leave this place? said a young alumnus while strolling the campus last fall. Indeed, once we move into the big and complicated world, we recognize how few are lucky enough to benefit from a TASIS education. Nearly 100 million children on earth have no schools at all. Only one in 100 of those who go to school has access to the kind of education offered at a school like TASIS. So what do we do with all this privilege? How do we use a TASIS education to improve the world for the next generation of children? How can we endow our students with so much beauty that they cant help but create more of it in the world? How can we push teenagers to escape the narcissistic bubbles that imprison us all? How can we give our young people the will and the tools to change the world? These are the questions that we ask ourselves at TASIS questions that Mrs. Fleming started asking 54 years ago. They are answered every time a TASIS student struggles in a class and perseveres. Every time a friendship is forged between people from different continents. Every time a beautiful song, a powerful story, or a poignant service project pulls a student away from selfishness and toward the experiences of others. Your memories of TASIS are likely fewer and sweeter with every passing year. As I know from your posts on Facebook and the stories at alumni reunions, your glory days at TASIS are burnished in the golden light of memory. Gone is the acne. Banished is the adolescent insecurity. Forgotten are the complaints about chicken and potatoes, that uncomfortable dorm bed, the hours of homework. This process of whitewashing the past is, of course, a natural trick of human memory. But I think theres something else at play here. With each year after graduation and each step away from the Collina dOro, our graduates recognize the extraordinary privilege they enjoyed at TASIS. Where else could they be exposed to such beauty? Where else have they encountered such talented and caring teachers? Where else did they so effortlessly make friends from across the globe? We teachers do not forget that we are here primarily to nurture courage, compassion, integrity and other virtues habits of the mind and heart that will serve our students longer than their test scores and bring more sustaining happiness than their university acceptance letters. Lest we forget why we are here, you alumni (far-flung and years away from your time at TASIS) will keep reminding us. Your memories keep us focused on what matters. Your gratitude helps us realize our privilege. Your lives and the virtue with which you live them make our work meaningful. With warm regards and an open invitation to come back to your alma mater,

Fame, 2002

Student Involvement
Its a testament to Ms. Hamblins prowess that her productions were continually flooded with interest from students. I constantly have students approach me, saying I dont think I can act, but Id like to work backstage. Of course, Ill put them on stage anyway, she grins. Most students who start out backstage will be on stage within six months, so we might as well start them out on stage and get them used to it. Because thats where they really want to be, they just dont know it yet. And shes right. Not only did Ms. Hamblin get students to commit to Shakespeare in the fall, she also challenged them to find their singing voices for the traditional spring musical. Dodging Academic Travel, Spring Break, and exam schedules, Ms. Hamblin designed memorable productions of classic musicals, preferably by request. If Mrs. Fleming said she would like to hear Kiss Me, Kate, Kate got kissed. When Camelot was named Mrs. Flemings favorite musical, out came the chain mail and broadswords. The rich repertoire has also included
Much Ado About Nothing, 2003

As You Like It, 2005

TASIS TODAY - 4
Oklahoma!, Fame, Oliver, Working, and MCF - What a Life! by Todd Fletcher. Ms. Hamblins collaborations with Mr. Fletcher and with singing Master Jonathon Morris resulted in memorable, high-quality productions. She partnered with Mr. Morris, as with many inspiring TASIS musicals, for her final musical production, South Pacific, in March 2010. Jonathon did his usual wonderful job of getting everyone to sing and anyone who thinks they cant sing, he gets them to sing.
No matter what the musical, songs were whistled and hummed between classes and in dorm rooms across campus long after the final curtain. For many students, these songs defined their spring. For others, it served as a recruiting tool for the next year of shows, when a shy student would approach Ms. Hamblin and offer to work backstage. And Ms. Hamblin always welcomed student interest. We are a school, not a professional organization, so the goal is to help students grow and challenge themselves. They can join in any of the productions, Shakespeare or the spring musical, if they have an interest thats all that matters. The interest comes first, and then its my job to make sure that it works. And she does make it work. She gets a strong level of commitment from her actors, and most of them raise their grades despite hours of effort onstage in rehearsal and performance. Being onstage creates a new level of self-awareness; it breeds confidence, Ms. Hamblin says. Acting requires discipline and a working knowledge of time management. Thats not to say things go perfectly all of the time. Kay fondly remembers the near-disasters throughout the years. Every time we approach a dress rehearsal, I go into it thinking, Oh, this is not readywe are never going to make it. And then we have a miraculous dress rehearsal. Occasionally, we have a horrendous dress rehearsal, but between the dress rehearsal and opening night, it fixes itself. Even then, performances are never flawless. Something goes wrong, and the art of theater is making the necessary adjustments. You cover for the error so it doesnt show. The actors often

Spring 2010 - 11

Kay taught me to love Shakespeare. And the way she did it was by putting students in the boots and garments of the Elizabethan era, dropping us in Tuscany, and giving us swords to quarrel with. Nothing could ever beat learning Romeo and Juliet or Much Ado About Nothing in a place that feels and looks exactly like what you imagine Shakespeares world to be when reading it off the page. As we were surrounded by farms and vineyards, it was likely that food and wine played an important role in teaching us how to fully enjoy the culture of Shakespearian days. To me Kay never fully fitted the category of faculty at TASIS; something about the way she treated people felt more like how a true theatre director treats actors: outspoken, direct, and occasionally explicit. One of Kays most valuable strengths as a drama teacher was her ability to bring out the best, unique qualities of individuals and make them shine, together, throughout every production. This is why Kay Hamblins plays never get old; they were always colorful and original in their own way. As Kay was my advisor I look up to her not only as a teacher, but also as a friend, and to me thats probably the best relationship an actor and a director could ever possibly share. Edward Haschke 08 (right, as King Arthur)
Meaningfully Engaging Students
I first had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Hamblin as an overwhelmed, somewhat frightened newcomer to TASIS in 2001. Her vibrant and outgoing nature was a steady, guiding force during my immersion and adaptation to boarding school life. She was my teacher, dorm parent, trip leader, director, Community Service Project leader, mentor, and friend. Her passion for the performing arts was contagious. Through her I developed a strong and persistent Karl McNamara with Patricia Schmidt 04 love of the theatre, which had a formative impact on my TASIS education and beyond. Her ability to meaningfully engage students proved a muchneeded source of stability and compassion in the complex life of a boarding school student. Equally, if not more importantly, her captivating personality, her notorious sense of humor, and her alternative perspectives provided a refreshing lapse in the routines of everyday TASIS life. Ms. Hamblin is a TASIS institution, one who inspired students to embrace their individuality and realize their full potential. I know I am not alone in saying her presence at TASIS will be dearly missed, and that her essence at TASIS and in the theatre can never be fully replaced. Ms. Hamblin, I cannot thank you enough for all your years of service and the truly significant impact you have had in the lives of countless students. I feel privileged to have been your student and actor, and I wish you only the best in the future. Karl McNamara 04 I join countless others in thanking you for memories of pure joy, the reward for intense individual effort, productive teamwork, and your boundless faith in us. As you assume new roles in your life, may you experience similar joy. Harken.that sounds like waves of applause, everlasting.they must be for you! Michael Horak (your erstwhile partner in crime)

Kathy Pitner with Mrs. Fleming
In My Mind She Is Immortal
I see her spirit in the beautiful buildings and grounds of the Montagnola campus. I hear her voice in the multitude of student languages. I feel her presence as I sit down to a lovely meal at Casa Fleming. She will always be present for me, a constant reminder of the possibility of world peace through educating young people from around the world. In my lifes work as teacher and mediator, I see a foundation created by my exposure as a young girl to MCF. I met her in the summer of 1957 when I was an impressionable 12-year-old. My family was newly arrived in Switzerland. My fathers job had brought us, and my mother, brother, and I were looking at schools for the fall. In the old-world charm and grace of her Locarno home below Villa Verbanella Alta, she won our hearts and minds in a very short time. In September of that year, my brother Bill and I became two of the 29 students enrolled in the second year of TASIS. My first experience at boarding school was like being a part of a rather

TASIS TODAY - 14

dedicated to her during her lifetime. It is a worthy reminder of all that she has meant to me. Mrs. Fleming, I thank you for your significant role in shaping who I am today. I feel great sadness at your departure but am grateful that for me you will always remain immortal. Kathy Pitner TASIS student, 1957-60
Love, Blessings, and Baci
How fortunate I have been to have known Mrs. Fleming and to have been so inspired and encouraged to widen my dreams and my horizons at the young age of 18. I was lucky to have kept in touch as I worked and visited Lugano over the years as a CDE and MSP counselor. I even have had the pleasure to celebrate a few summer birthdays, Fleming-style. The most incredible experience, of course, was being MCF for these wonderful, intense four days in MCF - What a Life! These performances and my PG year were the two momentous TASIS milestones in my life. I am glad I was able to see her in March 2006, clad in signature black, bejeweled in gold, with perfectly coiffed hair. Her passing ends the era of 1940s elegance, of white gloves and cocktail stops on the autostrada, of great halls and lavish indulgence, with a firm eye on the goal of educating young people through beauty, culture, and travel her impeccable recipe! Mrs. Fleming will always be remembered as an incredible missionary and visionary, and her legacy, through her adoring students, will carry on with her spirit. How fortunate for her that she left us knowing that her daughter, with new visions, will continue to focus on the future, creating smaller and smaller worlds of communication, love, and understanding. Mrs. Aeschlimans is a different, although no less visionary approach as she begins the dream for even younger pupils. TASIS remains in my prayers as you forge one of the greatest mysteries,and blessings, of life.

TASIS TODAY - 18

Newly appointed to the TASIS Board, Mr. Opsahl has expressed his excitement at once again being involved with TASIS. The learning environment at TASIS is unique. When I was here I was made aware of and given the possibility to realize my potential, and through support by faculty, students, and management, I developed skills needed for my later education, work, and social life. Now, with a wide international student body, this learning environment is even stronger.
Alumnus Richard H. Bell II, PG 65, Joins the TASIS Board
Chairman of the Board Lynn Fleming Aeschliman announced in February that after extending invitations over several years to alumnus Richard H. Bell II to consider joining the TASIS S.A. Board, he had finally felt free to do so. He will replace Stefano Borghi, who has moved with his family to England, but whose service was very much appreciated and who will remain a friend of TASIS and occasional advisor. Rick Bell was born and raised near Columbus, Ohio, the only boy among five children. His mother was an elementary school teacher and his father was for many years the chief executive officer of the outstanding childrens educational magazine Highlights for Children, having started out as Sales Manager. He served at Highlights from 1955 until his death in 2009. In school, in the Columbus suburb of Grandview Heights, Rick was active in theater and wrestling, and served as Vice President of the Student Council, President of the Booster Club, and Advertising Manager of the school paper, enormously increasing its ad revenue. He carried newspapers and mowed lawns, but was particularly involved with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), 1951-1964, which had great importance in his life: though he never reached the rank of Eagle Scout, he says he still greatly admires those who have done so. Much later in his life, as a parent volunteer, he served in leadership positions in the Scouting movement in Delaware, in which his sons Richard and Michael participated. Nearly all my life, he writes, I have been a supporter of the BSA and their right to provide their program undiluted to the youth of our country and the world. I consider the Boy Scout Oath and the Scout Law my baseline code of ethics. In September 1964, after graduating from high school, Rick boarded ship in New York to sail to Europe to participate in the TASIS PG Program for what he subsequently called an experience that would change his life and enlarge his perspective. He returned to TASIS in the summer of 1966 to serve as a Junior Counselor in Swiss Holiday.
Richard Bell and his wife, Paulise, with Mrs. Fleming in 2003
Rick attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where he majored in Philosophy, but he spent his junior year abroad in Rome in the Loyola University (Chicago) program. He moved to San Francisco in 1969. By 1970 he had become the first National Circulation Manager of Rolling Stone magazine, a position in which he boosted its circulation in one year from 15,000 to 350,000. Subsequently in California and Delaware, he had great success as an entrepreneur, building successful companies. Since 1981 he has been President and sole owner of Harvard Business Services, Inc., which currently serves as agent to thousands of companies in Good Standing, including Ticino companies. He is regularly in Lugano, where he is a trustee of Franklin College, of which his daughter Christina is a graduate (she is also a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Emory University) and currently directs Franklins Writing Center. In Delaware, Rick ran as the Republican candidate for Sussex County Recorder of Deeds and, in a heavily Democratic year, won the election, serving a four-year term (1998-2002) as Recorder. He was unsuccessful in his candidacy as a Republican for the Lieutenant Governorship of Delaware in 2000. He has served on several important civic and business associations, including the Delaware Governors High Tech Taskforce and the Delaware Governors International Marketing Committee. Rick and his wife Paulise have four children and three grandchildren. Rick writes that his son Michael attended TASIS for Mark Aeschlimans summer program in 2002 [and] in September enrolled as a Junior at TASIS and attended TASIS for two years, graduating in 2005. Did it change his life? You bet.

Students from the Class of 2010 celebrate at the Boat Dance. From L to R: Federico de la Rosa, Julia Costa de Miranda, Nikolay Dimtchev, Marcella Malczeweski, Emir Bahadir, Rosty Levenberg, and Luca Cambria

Spring 2010 - 25

teaching staff for providing a myriad of on-campus and offcampus trips, activities, and clubs that lead to greater cultural understanding and a rich student life. The visiting team also shared three major recommendations for improvement in three areas: 1. Philosophy and Objectives the Administrative Team develop an empirical process for determining the degree of success in putting the Schools philosophy and objectives into practice. 2. Curriculum the Academic Dean and faculty ensure that the curriculum is fully documented. The Headmaster initiate the development and dissemination of a professional development plan to include curriculum development, differentiation of instruction, accommodation of different learning styles, support for EAL students, and the use of technology to support student learning. 3. Governance and Management the Board develop a formal program for its own training and self appraisal. The Board and Headmaster develop a new strategic plan that updates and incorporates all aspects of the Schools operation. Work on that strategic plan has already begun. In March, faculty and staff in all divisions prioritized their goals for school improvement. In April, parents and students contributed their input. In May, the Board of Directors will discuss and approve a number of strategic objectives. By December 2010, the school will have a detailed road-map for transforming the hope and confidence noted by the accreditation team into sustained programmatic excellence. Michael Ulku-Steiner
A View of Teaching of History at TASIS
The M. Crist Fleming Library
A View of the Teaching of History at TASIS
As part of the recent re-accreditation process, the academic departments were asked to describe their guiding principles as they relate to the distinctive identity of TASIS. Below is the response of the History Department.
PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
History has a uniquely important role in supporting the Schools mission, and it is the only academic area explicitly mentioned in the TASIS Paideia, a foundational document of the school: To a degree perhaps unmatched, TASIS has made its natural and cultural setting in Europe its classroom. This is the Schools signature. Consequently, the priority of TASISs academic and travel programs is a deep and informed appreciation for European culture and history and its worldwide influences (sec. 7, emphasis added). More generally, TASIS Lugano defines itself as the flagship institution of a consortium of educational institutions and programs sharing a common culture rooted in classical ideas and Western civilization. In comparison with many schools operating today, TASIS is distinguished by a profound respect for the past (Paideia, introduction).

The cast of The Tempest in front of Fienile, Capitignano

Drama in Tuscany

For many years, Drama teacher Kay Hamblin has brought the cast of the fall drama productions to Capitignano, a beautiful Tuscan estate. In 2009, students rehearsed Shakespeares The Tempest and participated in workshops with Derick Chappel, theater technical manager at TASIS England. Time away from the pressures of TASIS life enriched the casts knowledge of the play and, ultimately, strengthened the production, staged during Family Weekend.
IB Biology in Italy and Switzerland
Integral to the curriculum of IB Biology, students are engaged in focused fieldwork, including setting up pitfall traps using the Simpsons Index Exercise (a measure of biodiversity) and identifying the collected organisms. Students participated in a freshwater ecology study along the Ticino River and a land use study in the Parco del Ticino.
IB Biology students measure the width of the stream and estimate the stream flow in Airolo, near the headwaters of the Ticino River. Students compare water quality between two locations of the Ticino River; Airolo and in Besate, near Milan

Spring 2010 - 37

Senior Humanities Program in Geneva
As part of the Senior Humanities Program, Seniors and PG students attended seminars about the Red Cross, UNHCR, and World Vision, and led and participated in a Case Study Roundtable discussion of Education as a Human Right. Within assigned small groups, the students produced research assignments covering important issues in Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and India.
Highlights from Spring 2010
Juniors Visit UK Universities
Students interested in attending a UK university joined IB Coordinator and UK College Counselor Howard Stickley to tour universities in England and Wales, including Kings College, City College London, University College London, Westminster, Bristol, Oxford, and Cardiff. Along with exploring British university towns, students visited historical areas and got to know parts of England and Wales.
TASIS Middle School students visit Pompei

Modern History in Poland

To help strengthen their understanding of the harrowing events of the Second World War, students visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Krakow Jewish quarter, and a Warsaw ghetto. They spoke with an 82-year-old survivor of four camps, including Auschwitz, and were moved by her stories and sense of optimism in the face of evil. The students were emotionally shaken, but were thankful that they were able to [see evidence of] this atrocity as eyewitnesses, rather than just from a book, says Brody Fredericksen, History teacher and chaperone. It was a life-changing experience.

Inamoto (Japan), International Relations
TASIS affected my choices in life in so many ways: I did a summer program and a semester abroad in Italy while in university and intensively studied Italian and European art history. The decision was entirely influenced by my experience at TASIS learning to speak some Italian, taking art history classes, and going on numerous In-Pro trips or weekend trips to Italy. I chose to major in International Relations at the University of Pennsylvania. My experience of meeting people from so many different countries at TASIS led me to want to learn more about interactions and relations among different countries politically, economically, and culturally. I took a year off a couple of years ago and traveled through Asia for 11 months. I decided to explore Asia because I had the opportunity to see so much of Europe while I was at TASIS and, therefore, also wanted to see other parts of the world.

Spring 2010 - 47

I had memorable experiences at TASIS, such as skiing in Crans Montana after a huge snowstorm. The ski lessons were cancelled as there was too much snow and many of the lifts were not operating, but I went to the mountain with a small group of friends and enjoyed the deep and fresh powder snow. I also enjoyed going to the Venice Carnevale my senior year. A group of friends went for the weekend and it was a blast. The party started at the Lugano train station (shhh to the faculty), and went on throughout the weekend. It would be unfair to single out one teacher, but Id like to mention three: Ms. Whisenant, even though not my advisor, gave me so much support both academically and personally. Her senior year English class was tough, but I learned a lot in her class as well as outside of the classroom. Mr. Eichner was my advisor during my junior and senior years. I enjoyed his casual attitude and being able to informally stop by his office for a chat. Mr. Drrschmidts photography classes were fantastic. I went on a couple of photography trips with him, also to Venice, with a small group of students. Black and white photography was a novelty to me, and I truly enjoyed learning how to take photos and to develop them in the dark room under his tutelage. At present, I am focusing on figuring out my next steps. I would like to be able to apply my international background in a truly meaningful way to what I do in life. I currently work at an advertising agency in New York as a project manager. Recently, I have been offered a position in London and will most likely take the offer, so that I can be closer to Europe and, more importantly, visit Lugano, of course! from different countries. Had I not had my experience at TASIS, I would probably not be working on such an international scale. Mr. Drrschmidt introduced me to the world of photography as art. Europe was a wonderful classroom, and photography was an excellent way to document a chapter of my life. Ms. Guanieri, a young ESL teacher, was very nice and patient. Although we werent the best kids and gave her a lot of hard times during her first year at TASIS, she always had a smile and cared about us and about what she did. I am now focusing on two things: my family and my career. I have a wife and a 20-month-old son. Having a family gives me a whole new level of responsibility and the kind of love that I never felt I had. Professionally, I am happy with what I do. In the future, Im planning to start my own company and am looking forward to doing something that hopefully makes this world a better place even if only slightly. Rei Inamoto 92 Rei has been working in the advertising industry for over 10 years, and is now the Chief Creative Officer of an ad agency called AKQA. He has won numerous awards in the industry and is one of the judges at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival this year. He currently lives with his wife, Amy, and son, Kai, in New York. Yu Inamoto 92 Yu has been studying at the Harvard Graduate School of Design for the past two years and will be finishing his Masters degree in June 2010. He has his own architecture studio in New York. He and his wife, Paola Martinez 93, live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and they had a baby boy named Luca in February 2010. They will also be moving back to New York

Rasini (Italy), A Strange and Wonderful World
TASIS was a safe haven, a place where I felt special and appreciated. TASIS was focused on the individual: each of us was encouraged to express our individuality, to be different, and also to be tolerant toward difference. Seeing difference as a strength, and not a weakness, affected my attitude toward the world and toward myself. It is difficult for non-TASIS graduates to believe me when I tell them that my high school encouraged us to give speeches during assembly and to dance on a boat in Lake Lugano. They dont understand that my school took us skiing in the winter and on week-long trips to Florence and Capri. But the memories I cherish most are grounded inside the TASIS theatre. The feeling of working with a group of special people on this huge and wonderful work of art, the way we transformed Hadsalls former balcony into a mysterious and exciting place: those are the moments I most remember. And the cast parties at Casa Fleming that would go on well past our check-in time. In the classroom, I remember Jim Campbell he just had a way of getting you to understand US History that fascinated me. Brigitte Hartzell not only taught me French but also opened a window into French literature and culture. I remember John Levetts sense of humor and jokes during PE. Cynthia
Karla, Paula, and Michelle Martinez
Muhlhofer (Austria), A Vibrant Oasis of Tranquility
Lunch on the sun-soaked terrace of the Villa De Nobili; a stroll around the narrow streets of Certenago; a gaze at the spectacular vista from the terrace of Monticello. TASIS is unique in shaping the minds and hearts of young people. It is a vibrantly active oasis of beauty and tranquility, and it is this combination that so well describes the TASIS philosophy, which has been instrumental in shaping us as people. Like other schools, TASIS excels at imparting knowledge and skills to make students successful. But what made the TASIS experience so invaluable was the environment of beauty, on the campus itself, as well as within the larger campus of Europe, and the activities that the School offered. Whether in sports (for Veronika), music (for Toby), or theater (mostly for Mathias, but to some extent for all three of us), TASIS taught

TASIS TODAY - 50

Whisenant was a wonderful advisor, attentive to all aspects of my life, listening without judging and treating me like an adult. My math teachers, starting with Stephen Prentice and ending with OB (Bill OBrien) were fantastic they made me love mathematics. I still remember some of Bill Eichners lectures during Middle School In-Pro, and Mr. Aeschliman. who made me understand and love Art History. If I hadnt had the opportunity to do theatre at TASIS, I probably would not have ended up making it in my profession. Candace Owen-Williams and Kay Hamblin were my first drama teachers, and although my true education in drama came later on, the foundation that was set in those years was very important. Now, when I teach improvisational comedy classes, I think about all the improvisation we did in Kays class in 10th grade, and when I go to high schools and teach young people about Shakespeare, I still think back to the first play I was in at TASIS, Macbeth, which was my first exposure to that strange and wonderful world. Ollie Rasini 99

mountain, and the rest on a hill in a little haven of perfectly sensible ideals. Most dont return 10 years after leaving school and find themselves, once again, over dinner at the Eichners home, feeling at ease like back then. And just think that we may have grown up and have come into ourselves, but can always return home. Sofia Rasini 99
The Common Goal of Excellence
As the youngest of the family I was actually involved in TASIS life longer than the rest. I spent six years at TASIS as a student, but felt the spirit three years before I started as my older sisters were always involved in TASIS activities. Our mother worked on the theater sets, and often brought me to campus, so I already knew about the snack bar and Rosemarys cookies with Nutella. Once I started at TASIS, I met Ms. Whisenant, who was my dorm parent and advisor for many years. She supported me and put up with my teenage rebellion as did Ms. Lucchini, who always had something to say about my behavior. My most treasured TASIS memories are connected to travel: In-Pro to the four corners of Europe, one unforgettable trip to Jordan, and long drives in the TASIS vans with the soccer team, and La Moubra in CransMontana, my favorite weeks of the year. I grew up inside the TASIS community, and now, eight years after my graduation, I appreciate the true effects of my TASIS past. TASIS gave me a great understanding of a multicultural world, and that it is possible to create unity while maintaining differences. TASIS gave us freedom of expression, especially in the arts, and the opportunity to try so many different things, to look beyond borders, and to be part of a community whose common goal was to push us to excel in whatever we might decide to pursue. Thea Rasini 02
We Can Always Return Home
My first few steps on campus were into Villa de Nobili, the year before I entered TASIS as a seventh grader. During my six years at TASIS, the labyrinth of De Nobili became the theater for much more than meals. My class-mates and I may have walked in to De Nobili from Italy, Japan, or Saudi Arabia, but we left as part of TASIS. By the time I left, it seemed normal to me to know about the rest of the world, to want to travel further away every time, because I knew of people that came from those places, and those places were realities, not just concepts. Though I graduated from TASIS 11 years ago, I am still learning from it. It was precisely the way we were taught by most of the faculty members that made me grow up with certain ideas about the future, to see an array of possibilities ahead. The dedication of some teachers who have spent much of their careers at TASIS blurred the lines between their own families and the students. It was never strange when I found myself snowboarding with the Stickley family, at dinner at Frosts house, or having geometry explained by Mr. Prentice while his son Leo was jumping on a trampoline. We were allowed into their families. David Badgley, Horst Drrschmidt, Cynthia Whisenant: They have kids across the globe that have now turned into friends and who, when in need, still mentally summon their conversations or creative advice given years ago. Most kids wont be eased into reading Shakespeare after meditating at the beginning of English class. Most arent as fortunate as I was to spend two weeks of the year on top of a

now working on adding ESOL to my certification. I did the CELTA program in Barcelona the summer of 2008. Eric Amundson writes, The Amundson family has been doing very well. Weve expanded to four with the addition of Clara Genevieve in April 2009. Our son Ethan is five, and he insists he wants to be a hockey player when he grows up. This may well suit the Washington, DC climate with the amount of snow that has dumped on us this year. We are looking forward to the 20-year TASIS class reunion in Florida in October and cant wait to see everyone! 37
Kristina Malcolm writes, After spending nine years in San Francisco, working on hotel design and renovation projects all over the world, I decided to change gears a year and a half ago. I left both the industry and San Francisco behind, landing in the Washington, DC area to pursue graduate education and employment opportunities in the arena of sustainable international development and humanitarian aid. As focused as I was on my new direction, I somehow managed to get steered onto a slightly different course when I met Charles Griffith, who is now my husband. We got married in a tiny ceremony, backcountry skiing in Telluride, Colorado, and are expecting a little boy in May. We are living a few hours south of DC, in Norfolk, Virginia, and enjoying a slightly milder winter than the snowbound capital. Life has been a whirlwind of moving, marrying, preparing, renovating, and it will likely become even more topsy-turvey in May, when the baby arrives, but we are very excited to meet the little guy. Once things settle down, I plan to balance family life with my goals to make the world the best place it can be, in any way I can. As for TASIS connections, living in the DC area and
staying in Virginia has given me a chance to spend a great deal more time with my mother, Elisabeth Malcolm (former TASIS faculty member), which has been wonderful! Until now, we hadnt been less than 3,000 miles apart since my first year in college when she took the year off to be in the States. Shes very excited about becoming a grandmother for the 11th time. I have also stayed in very close touch with Kathy (Nicholson) Duang, who is living in San Francisco and doing wonderful work with The Hewlett Foundation. We just got together again on my last trip to San Francisco at the beginning of February, after barely missing each other in Park City during the Sundance Film Festival, which Kathy attends every year. I have been in touch with Genevieve Astrelli 89, who also lives in San Francisco with her husband, Alex, and they just had a baby boy, named Nigel, in January. In addition, I ran into Holly Morse Caldwell on Christmas Day. She has two beautiful little boys that I had the pleasure of meeting as they romped in the fresh DC snow. As it turns out, in the small world way of TASIS, Holly and her family live only a block away from my sister-in-law in Georgetown. On a different note, the 20-year reunion - unbelievably - for the Class of 91 is coming up a year from now and Gina Jose and I will be getting word out to our classmates to start the planning. If anyone would like to suggest a location or wants to be involved in the planning, please contact me: kmalcolm44@gmail.com. 38 Sarah Warner tells us, JeanFrancois Hardy 90 and I are living in Boulder, Colorado, with our two kids, Sophie, who is 8, and Felix, who is 6. Life is busy and constantly evolving. I have my own business but I still miss teaching and would love to teach again during the TASIS summer program. Michelle (Brauner) Salazar is living in Selangor, Malaysia with her husband

Spring 2010 - 71

Jorge Salazar. 39 Hulya Sen was able to meet up with Cristina Rigomonti, Miki Schroder, Jimmy Narang and Michael Krause in 2009. Cristina, Jimmy and Mike were all in Istanbul for different occasions so it was nice to catch up. 40 Monique (Bushore) Ruyle shares, My daughters are 6 (Nicolasa) and 3 (Jesse Dakota). Ed and I have been married for eight years. I am currently the director of a hospice & palliative care program and recently became the acting executive director over our Home Care division. We have about 450 staff serving patients in two counties here in the Seattle area. I love reconnecting with other TASIS alumni via Facebook. 41 Sophie Desplaces had a reunion with Miki Schroder and Rahul Narang during her holidays in Dubai. 42 Aaron Kaupp won Top General Manager of a Luxury Hotel back in December. This award is the Oscars of the hotel industry. http://www. luxuryta.com/tradeshows/winners-luxury -travel-advisors-awards-excellence2009-announced 43 Stephen Surpless is living in Lugano with his wife and daughter. He works for a hedge fund that is based in Lugano.
Leonardo Silveira and his wife, Ana Paula, are expecting their second son, Luca, in July. Leonardo is currently living in Brazil. Erica (Rogers) Maggi had a baby girl named Juliet Rose on January 12, 2010. Brandon Royal wrote in January: In April, I married fellow TASIS grad, Anna Marutollo 93, and its all very exciting. I am living and teaching at a college in Toronto, and things are going well. Anna and I are thinking about teaching in the TASIS England summer program, which would be terrific. Alejandra Lejarza writes, After TASIS, I returned to Mexico finish high school and then went to Paris for a year to study French. Then I returned to Mexico to do my Bachelors Degree in marketing. My first job was in Avon Cosmetics as a brand analyst. Ive also worked in direct sales in companies at Avon, Fuller, and Tupperware as brand marketing chief. This has all inspired a passion for beauty and I plan to start my own spa business. I love travelling and meeting new people. Recently Ive spent time living in Australia, Canada, and Boston. I still keep in touch with some TASIS people like Rei and Yu Inamoto, Paola Martinez, Sean and Wesley Kim, Yukiko and Makiko Sato, George Hong, and Francisco Diaz 91. TASIS was one of the best
experiences Ive ever had in my life. I will definitely send my children there. 44 Lizzie Jarvis writes, My daughter Ella, 4, started school in September, just as my son Frank turned 1. I combine my stay-at-home mum role with a portfolio career which includes running, coaching and personal development workshops, and some youth project work. I also won two TV game shows at the end of 2009! In November I visited Margo McClimans in Italy; we had a great time as always. 45 Nina (Skunca) Lama was married in October 2009 to Osvaldo Lama, and on the 8th of January 2010, she gave birth to a baby boy named Matteo. They all live happily in Geneva. Martin Bowie lived in Lugano until the end of 2008 and then moved to London with his partner Veronica and daughter Victoria. He is a senior manager at a corporate service provider company. 46 Toshie Yamashiro gave birth to baby boy named Jack Leo Kahane on February 2, 2010. Toshie writes, Just a quick update with some photos. My husband (Brad) and I went back to Japan in October 2009, which happened

TASIS TODAY - 74

learn to have much in common, especially the value of friendship and respect for human beings. We created very strong ties that we will maintain for many years to come. Last year I visited Europe twice to meet with friends. Im now working as a contributing editor for Vogue. Ive also written for newspapers. I miss Mrs. Fleming. She will remain immortal in all of us. 60 After living and working in various locations around the world, Tatiana Lucchini married Montagnola native Lorenzo Balmelli at St. Abbondio on October 10, 2009. Numerous TASIS friends were in attendance. Robin Fink is based in New York and working in ophthalmology in the field of artificial eye transplants.
Sharon Divino-Leffler visited TASIS in September with husband Brett Leffler. She enjoyed showing him where she spent her 9th Grade year in 97-98 and wrote, Maril was very gracious in showing us around the campus. It sure has changed in the past 11 years! The school looks great! Brett and I also visited the Cote dAzur, Provence, and Bellagio for our one-year wedding anniversary. 62 Oliver Rizzi-Carlson reports, I am currently in New York working on the peace platform of the campaign of the Green Party candidate for mayor. I finished my studies in peace education at the University for Peace in July.
blogspot.com). 64 Huberta Bauer is now working for Gift-Library.com, an online luxury shop for women, men, baby, home, beauty and indulgence. She is living in London. 65
Aleksandra Milosevic writes, I have been working for EUObserver. com as a conference manager and have been organizing high-level political events (conferences, seminars, roundtables, etc.). After TASIS, I attended Vesalius College (VUB and Boston University) in Brussels with a degree in International Management and a minor in Communications. I also finished an MBA at the United Business Institutes (UBI) in Brussels with a concentration in leadership and change management. After the MBA I started a DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration) at the UBI, which I should finish in May 2010. 61
Alex Zanecchia is working as an Apple software consultant for Shoulders Corporation in Washington, DC, where he advises on new and current technologies and supports various government contracts. He enjoys working remotely from Charlottesville, Virginia and continues writing and producing as much music as he can. His talented girlfriend, Lizzy DiMattia, whom he met almost three years ago, recently graduated with a Masters in Education from the University of Virginia and plans to teach high school history. They are planning European travel in 2010. 63 Tanya Arditi is living in Washington, DC and shared with us her very entertaining blog (http://seeninpassing.