ToISBAlumni :HappyHolidays!
DIRECTOR’SLETTER
DearISBAlumni,
As we approach the end of the year, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the incrediblemomentswe’vesharedasacommunity Thisseason,Ihadthepleasureof reconnecting with many of you at our Alumni Reunions in Tokyo and London. It was truly heartwarming to see the energy, enthusiasm, and shared memories that make ourISBalumninetworksospecial.Thankyoutoeveryonewhoattended,yourpresence madethesegatheringsunforgettable.
You remind us of the power of the ISB community and the impact our alumni have worldwide As we look ahead to next year, we are excited to keep building these connections with more reunions, mentoring opportunities, and ways for you to stay engagedwithISBandeachother.
While our alumni community continues to grow stronger, life at ISB is as vibrant as ever To see what’s been happening on campus, I invite you to take a look at our Annual2023-2024Report.Ithighlightswhatanincredibleacademicyearwehadand theprogresswe’remakingasaschool.
Wishingyouajoyfulholidayseason!
JamesMacDonald ISBDirector
ISBNEWS
ALUMNIRECENTEVENTS:TOKYO,JAPAN
On Friday, 1 November 2024, the ISB Alumni Community gathered at the Embassy of Belgium in Tokyo for an unforgettable evening celebrating connections, memories, andsharedexperiences Over200alumnifromalloverJapanjoinedusforanevening fullofgoodvibes.
We were honoured to have ISB Director James MacDonald join us for this special occasion,alongwithourbelovedJapaneseteacher,MarikoIshida,whohelpedmake the night such a success The evening was filled with laughter, stories, and a shared senseofprideinourISBroots.Itwastrulyanighttoremember!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and made this gathering so memorable. We cherish our visits to Japan and look forward to seeing you all again soon. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our 75th Anniversary Celebration in Brusselsin2026!Wecan'twaittowelcomeyoubacktowhereitallbegan!
ISBNEWS ALUMNIRECENTEVENTS:LONDON,UK
TheISBAlumniReunioninLondontookplaceonFriday,29November2024,inBrewDog Canary Wharf The evening brought together alumni from various years for a truly specialevening.Itwasawonderfulopportunitytoreconnect,reflect,andcelebratethe incrediblecommunityweallshare
We were thrilled to have ISB Director James MacDonald, Middle School Head and AssistantDirectorMikeCrowley,andDirectorofAdvancementFannyChanjoinusfor theoccasion.
A big thank you to all the alumni who attended. Your energy and enthusiasm made the event unforgettable. We’re already looking forward to the next reunion and can’t waittocontinuecelebratingtheISBlegacywithyouall
ISBNEWS
ALUMNIINSTAGRAMLAUNCH:@ALUMNISB
Since 2024 was such an incredible year, we knew we had to end it in style, with BIG NEWS: We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the officialISBAlumniInstagramaccount!
This new space is all about sharing stories, staying connected, and celebrating our incrediblealumnicommunity.
Send us your stories, photos from reunions, or anything you’d like to share with the ISB Alumni family Let’s make this account a vibrant showcaseofourglobalcommunity.
DON’TFORGETTOFOLLOWUS!
ALUMNIAPP
We’dliketoremindyouabouttheISBAlumniWebApp,asimpleandconvenientway tostayconnectedwiththeISBCommunitywhereveryouare.
TheappgivesyouaccesstotheAlumniDirectory,eventupdates,andopportunitiesto engage with fellow alumni It’s a great way to keep up with ISB news, reconnect with friends,oroffermentoringsupport.
ISBNEWS
FIRSTSNOWOFTHESEASON
On 21 November, ISB experienced its first snowfall of the season – A magical blend of autumn and winter! The colourful autumn leaves mixed with the fresh, white snow madethecampuslookabsolutelystunning.Studentsandstaffalikeenjoyedthecrisp airandthefirsthintsofwinter’sarrival,makingitadaytoremember Wi atISB!
Tod We sai
Tostayinformedaboutmostrecentschoolupdates,pleaseclickheretoreadthelast CommunityUpdatewesenttotheISBcommunity.
UPCOMINGEVENTS
Getreadytoreconnectandcelebrate!Thisyear,ISBhasanincrediblelineupofalumni eventsplanned,fromreunionstospecialgatheringsoncampusandaroundtheworld Wecan’twaittoseeyouthere!
WALKINGDOWNMEMORYLANE
ALUMNITESTIMONIALS
“My time at ISB was pivotal in shaping my career, giving me thechancetodevelopmycreativestyleandbuildconfidence in my craft, which laid the foundation for my work in design ThediverseIBcoursesexpandedmyperspective,allowingme tounderstandtheconnectionsbetweendifferentdisciplines–a skill that has been invaluable in working across industries suchasmedia,automotive,andretail.TherelationshipsIbuilt at ISB continue to inspire and support me in my professional journeytoday”
- Mike Albers, design leader, entrepreneur and STEM ambassador(Classof1999)
FORMER FACULTY TESTIMONIAL
“WorkingatISBwasawonderfulexperienceAfterI becametheHeadoftheMiddleSchoolIbeganto hiremanyCanadianteacherswhowerejust starting their careers. It gave me much satisfactiontoseethesebeginningteachers matureandgoontoresponsiblepositionsinother internationalschoolsaroundtheworld.
There were numerous memorable moments, manyofthemassociatedwithalargegroupof youngandenergeticteachers.BeingtheHeadof theMiddleSchoolrequiredagoodsenseof humourISBwasmycareer”
-MalcolmCromarty,FormerHeadofMiddle School(1971-2001)
MENTORING
GIVINGBACKTOTHEISBCOMMUNITY
Mentoringisapowerfulwayforalumnitosupporteachotherandthenextgeneration of ISB students Whether you ' re sharing career advice, helping with job searches, or offering personal insights, your experience can make a significant impact. Below are somesimplewaysyoucangetinvolvedandgivebackthroughmentoring
MENTORING NOTICE BOARD
If you find a mentor who aligns with your needs and you'd like to connect, please feel free to reach out to them through the AlumniPlatform Should you need any further assistance,don'thesitatetocontactusatalumni@isbbe
WorldofWork
ISB is once again organising the World of Work programme, an initiative that provides our Grade 9, 10, and 11 students withvaluablereal-worldworkexperience
Howcanalumnihelp?
We are seeking host companies or organisations in Belgium that can offer two-week, full-time, unpaid work placements to our students between 23 June and 22 August 2025 By hosting a student, you’ll give them a chance to contribute to real projects and gain practical insights into your field If interested,fillinthisform
CallingAlumniinSportBusiness!
AreyouworkingorpursuingacareerinSport Business? The BTEC Sport team is looking to connect with alumni and community members to share their experiences with currentstudents
Your insights into sports business, from technological advancements to customer engagement,canhelpinspireandguideour students. Whether through virtual Q&A sessions, sharing case studies, or contributing to project-based learning, your involvementwouldbeinvaluable.
Interested?Filloutthisformtogetinvolved!
MENTORS READY TO HELP: Business
MaxHerberg-Classof2016:USPrivateEquityLawyerwithaFirst-ClassdegreeinLawfrom OxfordUniversityAvailabletodiscusstheUKUCASLawapplicationprocess,theLNAT,and corporatelawyercareerpaths
FrederickJordaan-Classof2014:FinancegraduatefromUPenn,workingatWarburg Pincus,aprivateequityfirminNYC.OfferingadviceonstudyingatUSuniversitiesasan internationalstudentandcareersinfinance
AustinSher-Classof2002:MBAfromCambridgeandlecturerineconomics.Mentoringin economics,finance,landmanagement,andrealestatecareers.
AntonioLopes-Classof2011:FIFA-licensedsocceragentOpentomentoringstudents interestedinsportsmanagementcareers
CreativeFields
Gloria Yehilevsky - Class of 2013: Composer and percussionist pursuing a PhD in Creative Practice (Music). Passionate about helping aspiring musicians with admin, career planning, auditions, and decisionmaking.
SarahBasha-Classof1998:Marketing and communication professional passionate about helping others connect with their purpose, especially in cultural industries or marketing fields.
STEM&Technology
PublicService&Education
Thomas Pinnington - Class of 2007: Public service professional in consular and crisis communications for Global Affairs Canada, passionate about inline skating, lacrosse, family-building, and exploring long trails Offering insights on publicservicecareersandlifeadvice
Xi Mao - Class of 2013: Experienced English teacher, radio personality, and business consultant Offers career guidance and advice in education, media,andinternationalrepresentation
NekaneMedrano-Classof2018:Master'sstudentinAssistedReproductiveMedicine.Keen to inspire young people interested in medicine and biology, including careers in embryology,reproductiveadvising,orclinicalresearch.
SergioValdés-Classof2013:Electricalengineerataglobalconsultingcompany Offering mentorshipforschool,career,orpersonaldevelopment
AlexVanHoeken-Classof1986:MiningengineerandCEOwithaninternationalcareerin the mining industry Happy to provide advice for those curious about mining or internationalcareers
MarkDurham-Classof1978: Experienced in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition in the Life Sciences Industry Offering career advice and insights for those interested in Life Sciences
ALUMNI SEEKING FOR A MENTOR:
MargaretOlmsted-Classof2017:
NYC-based freelance copywriter specialising in fintech and e-commerce: Seeking for career guidance from a marketing/copywriting professional. She is unsure on whether to continue freelancing or move to an agency or in-house role, particularly in fintech. She’d love to connectwithamentortodiscussnextstepsandstrategies.
MOVIE WENEEDYOU!
We’recallingonouramazingalumnitohelpinspirethenext generationofISBstudents!
OurgoalistoshareyourjourneyafterISBwithcurrentHighSchool studentstoshowthemtheexcitingpathstheycanpursue.
HOWCANYOUHELP?
Createashortvideo(max.1minute)sharingyourstory YourcareerpathafterISB,achievementsormilestonesyou’reproudof,reflections onhowISBshapedyourjourney...
Filmingonaphoneisfinebutmakesureyouhavegoodlighting, clearaudio,andengagingbackgrounds.
Thesevideoswillbeshowntohighschoolstudentstohelpthem dreambig,exploreopportunities,andseewhat lifeafterISBlookslike.
GIVINGTOISB EVERYCONTRIBUTIONCOUNTS!
Support for the ISB Annual Fund is an important way in which our global community helps enhance the ISB experience, year after year. Your contributionsenrichourlearningenvironmentandfacilities,providingstudents withthebestpossibleeducation
Through generous gifts from parents, alumni, faculty and staff, and friends around the world, we invest in a wide range of projects and programmes. Theseinvestmentsenablesignificantimprovementsthatbenefiteverystudent andshapethefutureofourschool
Everygift,nomatterthesize,makesadifference!
WhenyougivetoISB,you’renotjustdonating,you’reinvestinginourstudents’ futuresandhelpingISBcontinuetoinspireandempowerthenextgenerationof leaders.
We have big plans for ISB’s future, and your support is critical in helping us achievethem.Don’tforgettostaytunedforupdatesonourinitiativesandhow yourcontributionsaremakinganimpact!
WeinviteyoutovisitourwebpagetoexplorethewaysyoucansupporttheISB AnnualFund,andforanyquestions,feelfreetoreachusatalumni@isb.be.
Thank you for being an essential part of our global community and for your continuedsupport!
