Alumni News -- Opportunity of a Lifetime -- My Global Perspective -- Class Notes
Alumni Hosted at Deutsche Bank for Breakfast
Nearly 40 ASSIST alumni were the guests of Dr. Heine Leberling, Managing Director, Deutsche Bank Düsseldorf, for an elegant breakfast and a chance to reconnect with one another and with ASSIST.
On Friday, September 5, alumni representing ASSIST classes ranging from 1972/73 to 2007/08 gathered around one table at Deutsche Bank headquarters in Düsseldorf. Dr. Leberling, father of Alex ’00 and Stela ’02, both of Dublin School, New Hampshire, hosted the gathering. Dr. Leberling presented a most interesting overview of the bank’s worldwide business strategies. ASSIST President Bob Stanley also presented on ASSIST Today and Tomorrow, allowing alumni an insight into ASSIST’s current and proposed strategies. The final presentation was received from ASSIST Förderverein Chair Jürgen Heidgen, who urged alumni to support ASSIST into the future by joining the Förderverein. ASSIST Germany leader Rosemarie Wegner also attended.
Alumni Director Eleanore Boyse worked diligently with Dr. Leberling to put together this wonderful event. ASSIST is embarked on a series of regional gatherings, organized by Eleanore, to draw together alumni, their families, and other supporters of ASSIST. Please watch your e-mail inbox for e-invitations – and e-mail Eleanore at eboyse@assist-inc.org for more news.
ASSIST Alumni Visit the Home of Dr. Kazickas
By Justas Balciunas ’05, Sewickley Academy, PA
This summer, a gathering of ASSIST Alumni and students, spending their last summer days before their year in USA, had a different perspective than all others. We were honored with an opportunity to meet Dr. Joseph Kazickas and his family in his home in Vilnius.
The program started with a question and answer session led by ASSIST students of classes 2005 to 2007, together with Mr. Zenonas Bedalis, Executive Director of the Kazickas Family Foundation in Lithuania. The meeting then transferred to the residence of Dr. Kazickas – the main sponsor and supporter of Lithuanian students spending a year in member independent schools. It was a memorable experience to meet Dr. Kazickas with his wife and family, visit his wonderful house in Vilnius, discuss the future of ASSIST, and things done or places visited during the year while studying there.
During that time, we were surprised to find out that the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, John A. Cloud, would come for a few minutes before going to another meeting. He did not hesitate to give his own memories and advice about places we had been and schools we had studied in.
It was a great opportunity to meet a person who makes it possible for Lithuanian students to take part in ASSIST, and we are very thankful for Dr. Kazickas and the Kazickas Family Foundation for this chance, as well as the wonderful gathering.
Detmold Reception
On August 26, 2008, ASSIST alumni/ae gathered for a "family-style dinner" at the rustic restaurant, Weiben Ross in Detmold. Thanks to our generous host, Dr. Alfons Gunnemann (St. Andrews 73/74) and his two sons (also ASSIST St. Andrews alumni!), we started off the event with a delicious tea followed by a sumptious buffet. the 15 alumni/ae participated in programs between 1973 and 2008. We were especially pleased to have Stephan Krebs (University School, 78/79) and Jan-Hendrik Goldbeck (Wayland Academy, 1993/94) join us from neighboring Bielefeld. Hermann Mehlig (Asheville School, 2001/02), Rainer Hesse (North York Academy, 1972/73), Kerim Tarman (Wilbraham & Monson Academy 96/97) were among those who travelled miles to attend the event.
