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Alumni Newsletter - March 2026

Page 1


Alumni

MARCH2026

Director’s Letter

DearAlumni,

Aswestepintospringandthefinalmonthsoftheacademicyear,Iwanttotake a moment to reflect on what has already been a wonderful season of reconnection It has been such a pleasure meeting so many of you at our reunions – hearing your stories, sharing memories, and seeing the ISB spirit cometolifearoundtheworld

We are now looking ahead with great excitement to our final reunion stop in Paris, our Former Faculty and Staff Spring Lunch, and the second edition of our all-alumni reunion, Summerfest, on campus this June It’s shaping up to be a trulyspecialday,bringingourglobalcommunitybacktogetheratISB Allalumni from every class are invited to join, with special celebrations for those marking bigmilestonesintheir5-and10-yearreunions!

Onapersonalnote,SummerfestwillbemyfinalreunionasISBDirector,which makes this gathering even more special to me It would be a real pleasure to connect with as many of you as possible and celebrate the incredible communitythatmakesISBsounique–sodon’tforgettosignup!

Back on campus, our Classof2026isnearingthefinishline and preparing to embark on exciting new adventures around the world They are a remarkable group of students, and we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and thebrightfuturesaheadofthem.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who support ISB through the Annual Fund Your generosity plays a vital role in sustaining and strengthening the exceptional learning experience we offer If you are able to contribute,wewarmlyencourageyoutoconsidersupportingtheAnnualFund andhelpingISBcontinuetothriveforfuturegenerations.

Thankyou,asalways,forbeingsuchanimportantpartoftheISBcommunity Ihopetoseemanyofyousoon!

Withwarmregards,

ISB NEWS

ExcitingChangesfortheLowerSchool

Starting in August 2026, the Early Childhood Centre and Elementary School will come together as the ISB Lower School. This change creates a more connected experience for our students, a clearer pathway for families, and allowsstafftocollaborateevenmorecloselyasoneteam.

LeadershipUpdate:

Together,theywillguidetheLowerSchoolwhilemaintainingISB’spersonalised approach to learning, strong student relationships, and developmentally appropriatepractices.

We’re excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings to strengthentheexcellentworkalreadyhappeninginourLowerSchool!

ISB NEWS

48thAnnualISBInternationalFestival!

What a day to remember! From 25+ country booths serving up incredible traditional flavours to captivating performances and family-friendly fun, every momentwasburstingwithenergyandculture

Youcanfindallthephotosfromthedayhere.

CallingAllISBMusicians ISBArtsisLookingforYou

Wereyoupartofmusic,orchestra,band,oranyperformingartsatISB?Doyou stillplayaninstrumenttoday?

We would love to hear from former ISB musicians who might be interested in reconnectingthroughmusic.Ifthatsoundslikeyou,pleasetake30secondsto filloutthisshortform We’llbeintouchifopportunitiesarise!!

Oursoon-to-bealumnioftheClassof2026aresettotakeon theworld,withuniversitydestinationsacrosstheglobe.

ALUMNI VISITS

KarlaCampbellClassof1984

PhilSpencerClassof1983

CurtKohlheyer -Classof1976

KathleenKannarFreeman attendedISBinthe1960s!

Classof1965

Bonnie Sher, a former ISB substitute teacher and ES General Office staff member, enjoyed a wonderful visit to campus last year, reconnecting with teachers and sharing memories of her children Whitney(Classof2004)andAustin(Classof2002).

If you recognise any familiar faces and would like to reconnect, please email us – we’ll be happy to help make it happen!

JeanineCallahan

SUMMERFEST2026 willalsomarktheofficialkick-offofISB's 75thAnniversarycelebrations!

WHATTOEXPECT

A vibrant day back on campus filled with celebration, from a Brussels walking tour and friendly athletics competitionstofungames,andgreatfoodanddrinksat ourfoodtruckfestival.

PLANYOURTRIP

Good news! We have a 10%discountcodeforB&BHotel Louisewiththecode:ISBSummerfest2026.

This code can be used on the selected dates (from 10/06/2026 until 15/06/2026) and should be added on stage 4 just before check-out on their website - make suretherearenospacesbeforeorafterthecode.

RSVPHERE

TheClassof1976isorganising their50threunionin Greenville,SouthCarolina, from30Octoberto1 November2026.

Alleventswilltakeplaceatthe HyattindowntownGreenville, awalkableareaclosetothe airport.

Findbelowadedicated websiteprovidesdetails,hotel booking,andregistration:

RSVP HERE

REUNIONS RECAP

LONDON ISST8 REUNION

Whatbeganasanideainspiredbydecadesofcollaborationbetweentheeight international schools ISB, FIS, ASL, MIS, ZIS, ASH, AISV, and ASP, became a lively andmeaningfuleveningthankstoyourpresenceandenergy!

STOCKHOLM REUNION

Itwasfantastictoseemembersofourcommunitycometogetherin Stockholm,somereconnectingafterdecades,allunitedbytheISBspirit.

Don’t forgetto followuson Instagram @alumnisb

MENTORINGNOTICEBOARD

MENTORSREADYTOHELP

Film

MichaelBodie(Classof1994):ProfessorattheUniversityofSouthernCalifornia’s School of Cinematic Arts (Media Arts + Practice), with a background in filmmaking, theatre, and digital storytelling. Formerly with the Sundance Institute, he continues to work as a filmmaker and theatre artist. Offers insights into film, media, and creative industries, as well as guidance for students interestedinpursuingstudiesandcareersincinematicartsandstorytelling.

Music

GabrielBolaños(Classof2003):ComposerandProfessorofMusic Composition at Arizona State University, with a PhD from UC Davis and a BA from Columbia University. Offers mentoring in contemporaryconcertmusic,composition,andguidanceforthose interestedinpursuingacademicpathsinmusic.

Design

Timm Fenton (Class of 1984): Creative leader and designer with extensive experience across consumer product categories, specialising in brand identity, innovation, and strategic design (2D and 3D) Offers guidance for studentspursuingcreativecareersandenteringthedesignindustry.

Psychology

StuartChalin(Classof1982):Clinicalsocialworkerwithabackgroundin philosophy and psychology, following a diverse career path across multiplefields.Offersguidanceforthoseinterestedinpsychology,social work,andnavigatingnon-linearcareerjourneys.

MENTORSREADYTOHELP

Engineering

LisaNicki-Perry(Classof1981): ISB alum with over 40 years of experience in theelevatorindustryinNewYorkCity,workingwithcompaniessuchasOtis andKONE.Skilledintechnicalsales,clientrelations,andprojectmanagement. Passionate about mentoring women in technical and engineering-related fieldsandsupportingstudentsexploringthesecareerpaths.

Military

Will Hendrickson (Class of 2003): ISB alum who attended the University of Virginia before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 2009. Now a Lieutenant Colonel, he has deployed multiple times and brings extensive leadership and international experience. Offers mentoringandishappytosupportfellowISBalumniandstudents

ISBNEEDSYOURHELP

LookingforInternsinBarcelona?

If your company is looking for motivated interns (3–6 months), please reach out to us! We’d love to connect you with talented studentseagertogainexperienceandcontribute

Not long ago, we reached out to you about whether these tunnels really existed – and we’ve already received some fascinating stories! But we’d love to hearevenmore…Ifyourememberanythingelse:

TELLUSWHAT YOUKNOW!

AlumniVoices

MichaelBodie(Classof1995)

Michaelisafilmmaker,theatreartist,and professor at USC, with experience at the Sundance Institute and across film, music, andimmersivetheatre.

He describes his time at ISB as deeply formative, particularly through the theatre programme, which set the foundation for his career. The school’s academic rigour and international perspective helped shape his path in the creativeindustries.

His advice: embrace the unique ISB experienceandvaluethefriendshipsyou build –theywillstaywithyouforlife.

AlisaGroenen(Classof2006)

Alisa lives in Washington with her two children andworksasaFinancialControlleratawealth management company. A CPA by training, she is also actively involved in her community, supportingyouthcheerprogrammes.

She describes her time at ISB as incredibly special, shaped by strong friendships, diverse perspectives, and a lasting sense of community. Alisa credits ISB with fostering her curiosity and independence, qualities that guidedhertowardacareerinfinance.

Her advice to students: embrace every opportunity and value the diverse community aroundyou,thoseexperienceswillstaywithyou longaftergraduation.

AlumniVoices

AshleyGramolini(Classof2006)

Ashley is a High School English teacher who has worked internationally in the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and now Peru. She is also a yoga instructor and ultramarathoner.

She reflects on ISB as a place that allowed her to explore multiple passions while building lasting friendships. Through experiences like ISST, ISTA, and MUN, and the support of dedicated teachers, she felt encouragedto“doitall.”

Ashley credits ISB with preparing her strongly for university and beyond, both academically and personally. Her advice to students: make the most of every opportunity and fully embrace both academicsandextracurricularlife

BorgarLøvoldIhle(Classof2020)

Originally from Oslo, Borgar joined ISB in 2018 and is now pursuing an MScinStatisticsatthe London School of Economics. He was recently awarded the 2025 Best Master’s Thesis Award fromNorgesBank.Clickhereforthearticle!

He reflects on ISB as a rigorous and engaging academic environment, where supportive teachers and motivated peers made learning both challenging and enjoyable. His studies in Economics, Global Politics, and Mathematics playedakeyroleinshapinghisacademicpath.

His advice: stay curious, read widely, get involved, and make the most of your surroundings.

We can ensure that ISB continues to lead in education, to nurture well-rounded individuals, and to make a lasting differenceintheworld.BycontributingtotheISBAnnualFund, youplayavitalroleinhelpingusfulfilourmission.

THANKYOUFORBELIEVING INTHEPOWEROFEDUCATION

ISBAN F

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