Director’sLetter
DearISBAlumni,
Aswemovefurtherinto2025,wearethrilledtoreflectonallthathashappened andallthatisstilltocome Ithasbeenafantasticyearsofar,andwehaveso manyexcitingeventslinedupfortheISBAlumnicommunity!
Inthecomingmonths,wewillbegatheringtogetherinNewYork,Toronto,and Seattle forouralumnireunions,andwecan’twaittoreconnectwithallofyou. Theseeventsarealwaysfulloffun,laughter,andcherishedmemories,andwe arethrilledtobringeveryonetogetheragain.Plus,don’tforgetourFFSGSpring Lunchandthe5&10YearReunioninMay.There’strulysomethingforeveryone this spring! And mark your calendars for the International Festival in June, a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate our vibrant ISB community
We are also excited to share that the ISBAnnualFund has been re-launched, supporting our mission of providing exceptional, personalised education for everystudent.Withyourhelp,wecancontinuetomakealastingimpactonthe nextgenerationofISBstudents
We can’t wait to see you at one of our upcoming events, and thank you for stayingconnectedandsupportingISB!
regards,
JamesMacDonald ISBDirector
S E E Y O U S O O N !
Time:18:00
Friday,11April
*PleaseRSVPbeforeMonday,31Marchat16:00CEST
Alumni Events
FFSGSpringLunch
Date:Thursday,8May2025
Time:13:00
Registerhere
5&10YearReunion
Date:Saturday,17May2025
Time:16:00
Registerhere
Date:Sunday,8June2025 S E E Y O U S O O N !
InternationalFestival
JAMES SIDGWICK TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARD
Each year, our alumni select a winner from a list of teachers who have taught at ISB for at least 5 years. This year ' s award will celebrate an EarlyChildhood CentreorElementarySchoolTeacher
Named after James Sidgwick, who served as Deputy Headmaster at ISB (1956-69) as well as Headmaster of theElementarySchool(1969–88),theawardwascreated by members of the ISB Alumni Community to recognise thededicationandprofessionalismofISBteachers.
FFSG VIRTUAL REUNION
AhugethankyoutoeveryonewhojoinedourvirtualreunioninJanuary!Itwas so great to reconnect, share memories, and catch up with old friends. Your presence truly made it special! We can’t wait to see some of you again in personfortheSpringLunchinMay!
Don’t forgetto followuson Instagram
ISB NEWS
FromouryoungestlearnersintheECCtoourgraduatingseniorsinHighSchool, there’salwayssomethingexcitinggoingon.Here’saglimpseintowhat’sbeen happeningineachsectionoftheschool:
ECC
At ISB, we believe every young learner should have the opportunity to experience the magic ofSTEMaspartoftheirjourneyinourschool In our Early Childhood Centre, we introduce children to STEM through hands-on projects that build resilience, problem-solving, collaboration,andcreativethinking
ES
The Elementary School at ISB is a vibrant journey of discovery, where curiosity leads the way Through engaging learning experiences, hands-on projects, and a supportive environment, students develop essential skills whileexploringtheirinterests
MS
The Middle School at ISB is a place intentionally designed to meet the unique developmental needs of the adolescent learner. Students extend their independent learning skills in a personalisedlearningenvironment.
HS
The ISB High School is where learning comes together, guiding students as they shape their futurepaths.Withmultiplepathwaystosuccess,itfostersindependence,personalchoice,and growth beyond the classroom. Click here to read the ISB Pathways Storybook and discover incrediblestoriesofourstudents’journeys!
Also, the map below shows the early acceptance university offers for our graduating class, as forJanuary2025
MENTORINGNOTICEBOARD
MENTORSREADYTOHELP
Business&FinanceMentors:
Hans Hahne (Class of 1970): Business and Finance Mentoring. After retiring from running 11 McDonald’s franchises, Hans brings a wealth of knowledge in business finance, marketing, HR, and operations He can guide you in financial planning, business strategies, and the gastronomical industry
Benjamin Fitch (Class of 2001): Career Advice and Job Search Support. Ben, who runs his own B2B media sales consultancy, offers insights into career choices, CV refinement, and job hunting, particularly for those entering the media and advertising industries.
William Thompson (Class of 1978): Career and Life Vision Design. With extensive experience in finance, William can assist in career and life planning, negotiation, networking, and executing strategies. He offers mentoring in finance, investing, and financial technology.
Robert Bohn (Class of 1977): Global Food Science and Packaging Industry Mentoring Robert, with years of expertise in food science, food packaging, and processing, is ready to offer mentorship to those pursuing careers in the global food industry
Nicholas Kaiga (Class of 1998): Hospitality Industry Mentoring. Nicholas, an expert in hospitality and business development, offers mentorship in guest relations, sales, operations, and enhancing customer experiences within the hospitality industry
MENTORINGNOTICEBOARD
MENTORSREADYTOHELP
Law&EducationMentors:
Athena Mavroyiannis (Class of 2010): Education and Career Path Guidance Athena, currently legal counsel specialising in intellectual property at Lindt & Sprungli, offers guidance to those considering law, business, or IP sectors for their education and career paths
Carter Hamilton (Class of 1988): Academic and Career Advice in Engineering Carter is an Associate Professor in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering He offers guidance on pursuing academic paths and careers in engineering, helping students transition from school to professional life
Entrepreneurship&Sports:
Eben Johnson (Class of 1982): Start-up and Entrepreneurship Mentoring. Eben, an experienced entrepreneur and faculty member, specialises in helping start-ups with market research, team building, and securing funding. He offers guidance on creating successful business models and reaching profitability quickly.
Alessandro Pryce (Class of 2013): Career Guidance in the Sports Industry. Alessandro, who has worked with Adidas and the International Olympic Committee, offers mentoring on entering the sports industry and pursuing careers that align with passion and purpose.
MENTORINGNOTICEBOARD
MENTORSREADYTOHELP
IT&TechMentors:
Cory Longenecker (Class of 1997): Career Path Guidance Cory, with expertise in IT management and business administration, enjoys helping young people navigate career changes, especially how to leverage skills across different fields
Stephen Hilbert (Class of 1996): Networking and Mentorship With an MBA and a background in biotech business and finance, Stephen offers support to alumni navigating careers in biotech, finance, and tech He is open to networking and providing career guidance.
OtherProfessionalMentors:
Donald Cunningham (Class of 1969): Laboratory Guidance. Mentoring in laboratory work, research strategies, and scientific career development. He is available to support those entering the scientific field.
Eleni Milissis (Class of 2010): Support for Students with Learning Disabilities. Eleni, an advocate for students with learning disabilities, is passionate about helping students with challenges like dyslexia. She offers mentorship on overcoming these hurdles to succeed academically and personally.
MENTORINGNOTICEBOARD
Nora Kaul Hoelgaard (Class of 2022): Just some fun info! She attended the EuropeanForumAlpbachlastyearandhighlyrecommendsthisopportunity.Held intheAustrianAlps,theforumbringstogetherworldleaders,experts,andchange makersfortwoweeksofinsightfuldiscussionsonglobalissues.Checkheremore informationtobepartofthenextgenerationshapingEurope’sfuture
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!
Shouldyouneedanyfurtherassistance, don'thesitatetocontactusatalumni@isb.be.
AlumniStories
“My name is Noemie, and I am a sustainable fashion designer and content creator based in London After studyingBusinessManagement,IlaunchedNoeDresses, mymade-to-orderslowfashionbrand,whereIsharemy designsonsocialmedia.
MytimeatISBwasaperiodofgrowth.Injustthreeanda half years, I formed lifelong friendships and had experiences that continue to shape me a decade later The hands-on, entrepreneurial spirit at ISB taught me that creativity can be applied to anything. My love for fashion design actually grew from my passion for theatre and costumes. I still remember making my firstever costumes—gloves for the Spiders in The Ash Girl Being trusted to contribute artistically gave me the confidencetopursueacareerindesign.”
-NoemieJouas,Classof2017
“Almostfiveyearsago,IleftBrusselstostudyAerospace EngineeringatTUDelft.AfterearningmyBSc,Ijoinedthe Brunel Solar Team, where I’ve spent the past six months designingandbuildingacarpoweredsolelybythesun.
Now, as Technical Manager for the Nuna 13 project, I applythesesameskillstopushtheboundariesofsolarpowered vehicle design ISB not only shaped my academic path but also gave me the creativity and resilience to innovate in the field of sustainable engineering. Even years later, my ISB friendships remain strong,andthelessonsIlearnedcontinuetoinspireme.”
-ThijmenGod,Classof2020
SHARE YOUR STORY!! HOWDIDISBSHAPE YOURJOURNEY?
AlumniStories
“MytimeasateacheratISBwaswonderful,yetvery wet two years, filled with great experiences. My wife, Nancy Brenner, also taught at ISB, and I now work withnewteachersinlocalschools.
Coaching basketball at ISB was a highlight of my career, leading to 14 more years of coaching in the U.S. and the Netherlands. One of my proudest moments was in 1983 when our team won the Department of Defense All-European Varsity Girls Basketball Tournament—an incredible achievement astheonlyinternationalschoolinthecompetition.”
-MichaelHolmes,FormerTeacher
“My time at ISB was truly inspiring Working alongside incredibleprofessionalslikeDickHallandAngelaPurcell gave me valuable insights into what makes a top-tier international school. Witnessing the impact of Model UN firsthand led me to implement it in many schools afterwards
One of my most memorable moments was stepping into Mike Crowley’s journalism class. The students were completely immersed collaborating, debating, and working like real journalists, even in his absence It was an incredible display of collective intelligence and engagement, a moment that has stayed with me ever since.”-
BarbaraSmith,FormerMSteacher
HOWDIDISBSHAPE YOURJOURNEY?
CHECK OTHER STORIES
AlumniStories MalcolmCromarty
FormerHeadof MiddleSchool
1971-2001
In February, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Malcolm back to ISB and catching up on all things past and present! Now well into his 89th year,heandhiswife,Marion,areenjoyinglifebetween Canada and Arizona, staying active, travelling, and even competing in golf croquet a sport Malcolm not 5 years ago but also helped establish in munity.
Here’s a recent photo of Malcolm alongside MikeCrowley,whosteppedintohisshoesas MiddleSchoolHeadafterhisretirement.
TwogenerationsofISBMiddleSchoollegacy together proofthattheISBspiritcarrieson! And guess what? You’ll have the chance to see both Malcolm and Mike at our Toronto reunionon5April
Don’tmissit!
HerecentlyfinishedfifthintheCanadian OpenGolfCroquetTournament!
“It’salwaysgreattocomebacktoISB.I washerefor30yearsandIenjoyed everyminuteofit.”
“Oneofmyfavouritememoriesis hiringteachersatthebeginningof theircareersandwatchingthem becomeincredibleones.”
Malcolm Cromarty 2025
AlumniStories
ThePotatoMuseum: AUniqueISBLegacy
Did you know that the world’s first museum dedicatedtothepowerfulpotatowasfoundedright hereatISB?
In 1975, Tom Hughes, an ISB Elementary School teacher (1973-1979), launched The Potato Museum with the help of his Grade 5 students. What began as a class project has grown into a global initiative exploring the history, culture, and impact of the potato.
Today, Tom and his wife, Meredith Sayles Hughes, continuetheirworkthroughThePotatoMuseum,The FoodMuseumOnline,andTheFoodHeritageCenter. Their collection considered the world’s most comprehensive—has been featured in major exhibitionsandresearchinstitutionsworldwide.
As this year is the 50th anniversary of The Potato Museum, Tom hopes to reconnect with former students and ISB community members who helped ve to
AlumniStories
Timm Fenton’s US Cross-Country Ride for ALS Research
On 1 May, ISB alum Timm Fenton from Class of 1984 will embark on an extraordinary solo, unsupported bike ride across the U.S. to raise funds and awareness for ALS research. His journey, Pedals vs. ALS, will support critical researchattheALSTherapyDevelopmentInstitute(ALSTDI).
Inspired by his late mother, Jan Fenton, who battled ALS with grace and resilience, Timm will cycle from Oregon to Virginia, covering the entire TransAmericaBicycleTrail.Thisrideisnotonlyapersonalchallengebutalsoa powerful way to honour those affected by ALS and rally support for vital research
FOLLOWHISJOURNEYAND SUPPORTTHECAUSE
AlumniStories
Lookingtostayconnectedwithyournetworkinamoremeaningfulway?
MeetUBQT:thesocialappdesignedtobringpeopletogetherinreallife.
Co-founded by ISB alumnus Jonathan L. Hasson (Class of 1996), UBQT (pronounced"ubiquity")helpsyoueasilycatchupwithclassmates,friends,and colleagueswhereveryouare.Whetheryou'replanningameetup,sharingtravel plans,orfindinglike-mindedpeers,UBQTmakesiteasytostayconnectedwith thoseclosetoyou.
Learnmoreaboutitontheirwebsite! DownloadUBQT:IOS/
InLovingMemory
FORMER EMPLOYEE - THIERRY HENNEBERT
It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the death of Thierry Hennebert, who has passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in the Swiss Alps, in the canton of Valais
He joined ISB in 1993, and was a passionate advocate of outdoor education. His PE classes included biking in the forest and orienteering treasure hunts, both innovations at the time. Further afield, he led many student trips to the mountains in France and Switzerland, teaching them so much more than ‘just’ skiing.
In 1994, with the support of Walther Hetzer and Dick Hall, he designed and supervised the building of the climbing wall, still an important feature of campus life. For seven consecutive years, he took students to Corsica, where they hiked for a week on the very challenging GR20 trail.
Thierry will be fondly remembered by many for the life-changing opportunities which he offered them. We send our condolences to his former wife, Treacy Shields, who accompanied him on every trip.
InLovingMemory
HONORARY TRUSTEE - JIM ROSENSTEIN
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Jim Rosenstein, a valued memberoftheISBcommunityandadedicatedsupporteroftheschool.
AsaBoardofTrusteesmember,alittleleaguebaseballcoachforafewyears, and a longtime volunteer at the Brazilian booth during the International Festival,hecontributedgreatlytoISB’smissionandgrowth.Hiscommitmentto ISBwasalsoreflectedinhisson,Philip(Classof2007),whospent15yearshere, fromnurserythroughgraduation.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones, and we are gratefulforthelastingimpacthehadonourcommunity.
FORMER STUDENT - NICHOLAS WEIR CLASS OF 2015
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Nicholas Weir, Class of 2015. As his 10-year reunion approached, we were looking forward to reconnectingandcelebratingwithhim Ourthoughtsarewithhisfamily,friends, andallthoseintheISBcommunitywhoknewhim.
Wesendourdeepestcondolencestohislovedonesduringthisdifficulttime.
ISBANNUAL FUND
