Photos: Raphael Faux
Christophe, Marie-Noëlle, and Philippe Gudin, left to right.
Samuel and Unni Turrettini in Avrone sunglasses.
100 Winters in Gstaad
Le Rosey Fêtes Long-Time Collaboration with Alumni and Locals Standing ovation–1000 clapping hands for the farewell speech of Philippe Gudin. He was only 26 years old when he started as director of Le Rosey, one of the world’s foremost academic institutions. Thirty-five years later, he passes the crown and sceptre to his son Christophe, 28 years old. BY JANUARIA PIROMALLO
"Swiss values, internationalism, family ownership and a holistic education,” said Mr Gudin, during his speech, “this has been the legacy of Le Rosey since it was born in 1880.” Despite its current fame, the school had a quite humble beginning–which began with just three students: an Italian, a German and a Swiss. The instruction was primarily focused on teaching French and business. In 1915, to escape the damp and dull winters by the lake, Henri Carnal, the son of the founder, decided to move the school to Gstaad for the season. The Palace Hotel had just opened its doors and the ski lifts did not even exist yet. The first problems they encountered were too much snow and not enough fresh vegetables. They installed the school in Chalet Rex (which today is the main office). One of their first activities was starting a hockey team together with Gstaad, which later won the Swiss championship. Step by step, the “ésprit roséen” or Roséen spirit, was built. This philosophy insists that education must include sports, arts and concern for the others, all wrapped in good manners. Now, Philippe and his wife Anne Gudin, have just retired, having achieved so much more.
"The bond of lasting friendship and shared experiences across a multitude of nationalities and cultures is the essence of the AIAR (Association Internationale des Anciens Roséens)," said Monica Coppola in her speech following Mr Gudin. Ms Coppola speaks from first hand knowledge–three generations of brothers, sisters and cousins in her family have studied at Le Rosey. At this, their annual alumni weekend, the Rosey full programme started on Thursday, February 12 with a meeting with heads of admissions of American and English Universities including Dartmouth and Cambridge, at Alpin Nova. On Friday at the Wasserngrat, the famous ski race took place among students, alumni, and parents. Prize giving with beautiful crystal trophies and a variety of food including raclette and sugared crepes was served under a tent. In the afternoon, a hockey match on Gstaad's rink was held.
For the biggest event of the school’s “100 Winters in Gstaad” celebration, the Alpengala tent was transformed into an enchanted forest. Approximately 1000 guests were present for a dinner planned by Marie Noëlle Gudin, Rosey Foundation Manager and daughter of the outgoing Philippe Gudin. Students and alumni were seated next to local entrepreneurs like Lorenz Bach and national deputy Erich von Siebenthal. Completing the evening, a young student played rock quitar while the "Golden Singers" performed onstage. As the perfect souvenir of the evening, Edoardo Francia, head of trendy Italian sunglass company Avrone, made a special edition for the school. The proceeds from the sales all went to a good cause–to help fund the building a new school in Mali that will serve children in need. Bravo Le Rosey–here’s to another 100 years in Gstaad!
Les and Penn Sicre.
LIFESTYLE // GSTAADLIFE // ISSUE 2 // FEBRUARY 20, 2015
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