Interview with the Regional President

Interview Interview with the Regional President

We asked our Regional Presidents for an insight into their paths towards a more active involvement in the Zuoz Club current experience in the regional groups and for any aspiring suggestions for anyone willing to get involved in developing our community further. We open this series with an interview with Patricia Anklin-Aue, President of the East Coast Regional Group.

IN WHICH REGIONAL GROUPS WERE YOU ACTIVE AFTER YOU GRADUATED?

After my graduation from the Lyceum in 1975 I moved to Zurich for my studies. For the first two to three years I wasn’t very active in the Zuoz Club. I needed a break from everything Lyceum and Zuoz! But soon we started attending the international events in Zuoz as well as regional ones.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A REGIONAL PRESIDENT?

I later volunteered to join the Board of the Zurich Regional Group as a member. Great fun, especially thanks to the highly motivated other members. Later on, I was elected to the International Board and represented the US for 16 years. I still attend the meetings as a regional group president without voting rights. When we moved close to Boston in 1988, we started attending the yearly fall event in New York City. Within a short time I was «sliding» into deeper involvement, since the former president of the regional group chose to be less engaged.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FOR THE REGIONAL GROUPS?

I found pretty soon that a range of various and difficult characteristics – also from other regional groups - were not very conducive to my goal of reanimating the regional group at a fast pace. Among others was the fact that there are no other board members to rely on or to share the work and the fun. It’s me (and my husband supporting my endeavours and helping out). This brings me to a very important point for all of you who plan to get more involved in the Zuoz Club. Make sure that your partner is on board and attends too, otherwise it won’t work.

DO YOU HAVE SUPPORT FROM OTHER OLD BOYS AND YOUNG GIRLS?

As far as costs are concerned: This regional group does not charge yearly membership fees, which means that each event is selfsupporting (each attendee pays an equal share of the total tab), with the exception of the Holiday Cocktail in NYC, where we are very appreciative guests of Old Boy Ralph and Cornelia Heins.

WHAT TRANSFORMATION HAPPENED IN THE REGIONAL GROUP?

The USA East Coast group went through a transformation of its membership over the past 30-40 years. Only a few US citizens attended the Lyceum in the last century, so the group depended mostly on Old Boys moving permanently to the US from other countries. Actually there is quite a number of expats living in the US, but only a few are active and engaged in the Club events. So a shout-out to all of you expats to get involved once we are «back in business»! We need you!

During the last few decades and with the rising importance of the IB in Zuoz, a larger group of graduates are attending colleges and universities especially at the East Coast. I am very appreciative of their enthusiasm and their attendance at the events in Boston and New York City – mostly right after graduating from LAZ. It is with great pleasure that I meet everyone. What an interesting group of people and mix of cultures and nationalities coming to the US for studies. However, the draw-back is that we are losing many of them after four years or so and have to rebuild the group on a rolling basis.

DO YOU HAVE OTHER INSPIRING POINTS FOR FUTURE REGIONAL PRESIDENTS AND BOARD MEMBERS?

Regional presidents or board members are tasked with continuously maintaining personal relationships and contacts. Being persistent goes hand in hand with «getting on members’ nerves» with personal reminders to attend. As far as I am concerned, it has been a very enriching experience for over 30 years! I can only recommend to take a dip into volunteering for regional group boards or presidencies. Long lasting friendships and contacts with Young Girls and Old Boys who have graduated before you or with you or after you will be your reward.