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After arrival and informal socializing, guests entered the main assembly hall and were greeted by Eleanore Boyse, Director of Alumni Relations. The program was then entrusted to Martina Fietz, Walnut Hill School ’77, who moderated a thoughtful exchange of views on the German-American partnership. The principal speakers were Friedrich Merz, member of the Bundestag and father of Phillipe, Woodberry Forest School ’99, and Christoph Heusgen, Western Reserve Academy ’72, Foreign Policy Advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel. This lively exchange was followed by a champagne reception, sponsored by the Kölnmesse.

Guests then returned to the dining room, where seating was organized by ASSIST school,  to engage the second part of the program. Rosemarie Wegner, leader of ASSIST Germany, welcomed guests back to their seats. She was succeeded by Fritz Schramma, Lord Mayor of Cologne, who offered a warm welcome on behalf of the city and drew parallels with Cologne’s and ASSIST’s histories.

Guests were then treated to the first of two musical interludes, this one featuring Ulrich Roman Murtfeld, Phillips Academy Andover ’87, who gave a virtuoso performance on the piano. He played three pieces by Chopin, Brahms and Debussy – all of which were well received by an appreciative audience.  Ulrich's many accomplishments can be viewed on his website, www.ulrichroman-murtfeld.com.

The next presentation came from Richard Hall, Chair of the ASSIST Board of Directors, one of 13 Directors and staff members who flew from the States to participate in the Reunion. Dick began his remarks in German, learned specially for the occasion, and spent time reflecting on ASSIST’s successes and thanking those who have contributed so much to the program.

A second musical interlude was then offered by Nils Wülker, Northfield Mount Hermon School ’95, a jazz trumpeter who was accompanied by Lars Duppler on the piano. Nils and Lars played three original compositions that were most impressive.  Nils' website, www.nilswuelker.com, exhibits his various recordings, videos and concerts.

After a delicious dinner, featuring a mixture of German and American (hamburgers, ribs!) food, the program resumed with remarks by Richard Montague, father of Achim von Klitzing, Milton Academy ’85, and a former member of the ASSIST Förderverein. Mr. Montague began his remarks in English and then proceeded in German. He urged alumni to remember what they owed to ASSIST and called upon them to support the organization with volunteer help and gifts made to support the work of ASSIST and the Förderverein.

Jürgen Heidgen, Chair, and Sean Harris, St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School ’95, Treasurer, next offered thoughtful remarks on the role and history of the Förderverein. Jürgen is retiring after a magnificently successful tenure of leadership with ASSIST, first as leader of ASSIST Germany with his wife, Gisela, and now as Chair of the Förderverein. Sean Harris is expected to succeed him at the spring meeting of the Förderverein. Each thanked the many people who have made the ASSIST experience possible for Förderverein Scholars – 292 students supported by the ASSIST Förderverein with funds totaling $923,452.

As a special surprise, Sean invited to the podium Dick Hall and ASSIST President Bob Stanley to make a presentation to Jürgen. Dick presented a plaque to Jürgen with a resolution from the ASSIST Board to honor Jürgen’s significant contributions to ASSIST’s work in Germany. Gisela was also invited to receive a bouquet of flowers. All guests spontaneously took to their feet to thank and honor the Heidgens.

The program concluded with remarks from ASSIST President Bob Stanley. After noting the significant contributions made by ASSIST over 40 years – “taking America’s finest schools and helping to make them better” – Bob challenged ASSIST and its alumni to reengage and extend the power of their ASSIST experience by joining together in further service. The power of the Alumni network, organized in support of society, is a primary goal of ASSIST as it plans its next 40 years.

Following the formal program, Alumni took pictures by ASSIST school, circulated to greet old friends, and then repaired to an upstairs reception area, where they enjoyed dancing, and to an outdoor terrace, affording magnificent views of the Rhine, Cologne and the Cathedral.

To view the full program, please CLICK HERE.