CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF
Canadian High School in Switzerland For seven decades, Neuchâtel Junior College has empowered students to Step Ouside – embracing the world, building lifelong friendships, and becoming leaders of tomorrow!
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THE VISIONARY BEHIND THE DREAM:
HONOURING LEONARD WILDE Seventy years ago, adventure-loving Englishman had a bold idea. Leonard Thornton Wilde, a man of deep intellect, rich humour, and an unquenchable passion for history and travel, envisioned something unique: a school that would bring young Canadians across the Atlantic to complete their final year of high school while immersed in the culture, language, and geography of Europe. In the mid-1950s, Mr. Wilde travelled across Canada, pitching his dream to parents and students. By September 1956, his vision became reality when 39 trailblazing Canadian students arrived at the train station in Neuchâtel to begin an unprecedented academic adventure. To those early classes, Mr. Wilde was far more than a principal; he was the heart and soul of the school. He was a master storyteller with a sharp wit, known for leading student trips across the continent, sitting at the front of the bus, pointing out historical landmarks, and instilling a sense of courage, curiosity, and independence in every student. Tragically, in September 1965, the community suffered a heartbreaking loss when Mr. Wilde and student David Darling were both killed in a car accident. The loss of their founder and a beloved classmate shook the young school, but the foundation built over those first nine years proved unbreakable. When the school faced this unthinkable tragedy, the governance boards, dedicated faculty, Swiss host families, and passionate alumni stepped forward to ensure Mr. Wilde’s dream lived on. They protected the core promise of the school while stewarding it into a thriving, world-class institution. Seventy years, over 5,200 graduates, and countless memories later, Leonard Wilde’s adventurous spirit lives on in every student who steps outside the familiar to discover who they are. For 70 years, NJC has been shaped by the people who have called it home—that means you. Your year. Your classmates. Your adventures. The friendships you made, the places you discovered, and the moments you still talk about today. Together, those stories make up the living legacy of Leonard Wilde’s dream. Thank you, Mr. Wilde, for daring to dream of Neuchâtel Junior College for us all.
Leonard Wilde Head of School (1957 - 1965)
David Darling Student Class of '66
“The future is bright, and its best guarantee is to be found in the fact that since our founding in 1956, we have managed to attract in sufficient numbers that serious and inquiring type of student whose presence here is so necessary. My message must then end on a note of real and heartfelt gratitude to all those who have taken pains to understand what we, at Neuchâtel, are trying to do and who, by a spirit of loyal co-operation and trust, have given us the hope and courage to carry on. May there be many such students in the future.” Leonard Wilde, June 1965 Neuchâtel Junior College
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I would like to convey my warmest greetings to everyone celebrating the 70th anniversary of Neuchâtel Junior College. For seven decades, Neuchâtel Junior College has been dedicated to providing an immersive and stimulating learning environment and to empowering students to achieve their full potential. This anniversary provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the school’s accomplishments and look to the future. I would like to commend the teachers and staff for their commitment to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that await them. I wish you all a memorable anniversary celebration and continued success.
The Right Honourable Mark Carney, P.C., O.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada Ottawa 2026
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Neuchâtel Junior College
A MESSAGE FROM THE
HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear NJC Community, As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Neuchâtel Junior College, I find myself reflecting not only on the remarkable history of this school, but also on my own journey with NJC. More than twenty years ago, I began my international teaching career here, never imagining I would one day have the privilege of returning as Head of School. To come back to Neuchâtel in this role, at such a significant moment in the school’s history, feels both deeply personal and extraordinarily meaningful. When Leonard Wilde helped establish Neuchâtel Junior College seventy years ago, he had a bold vision: to create an educational experience that extended far beyond the walls of a classroom. He understood the extraordinary growth that can happen when young people are encouraged to step beyond what is familiar, immerse themselves in another culture, and discover what they are capable of. Generations later, that spirit remains at the heart of NJC. Our students come here to learn, but they leave with so much more: greater confidence, independence, curiosity, perspective and, perhaps most importantly, a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Today, our purpose is to ignite a lifelong sense of adventure, courage, and purpose through an extraordinary, immersive education. While the world around NJC has changed tremendously over the past seven decades, that fundamental promise has endured. The stories captured in this book are a testament to it. They represent thousands of students, families, faculty, staff, and friends who have shaped this school, carried its lessons with them, and helped create the remarkable community we celebrate today. As we honour our first seventy years, I am equally excited about what lies ahead. We have the opportunity to build upon an extraordinary legacy while continuing to evolve for a new generation of students. My hope is that NJC will always be a place that asks young people to be courageous, to remain curious, to engage meaningfully with the world around them, and to embrace the possibilities that come from stepping beyond what they already know. It is an immense privilege to help lead NJC into its next decade. To everyone who has been part of the school’s story over the past seventy years, thank you. This milestone belongs to all of you. May we celebrate what has been, cherish the friendships and memories that have endured, and look forward with great confidence to the adventures still to come. Warmly, Philippe Caron-Audet Head of School Neuchâtel Junior College
Neuchâtel Junior College
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A MESSAGE FROM THE
GOVERNANCE LEADERS Celebrating 70 Years of Impact, Embracing the Future For 70 years, Neuchâtel Junior College has given young people something truly distinctive: the opportunity to step outside the familiar, experience the world with new perspectives, and discover more about themselves. It is an honour to help steward the school’s impact and to plan for its exciting future. With curiosity and courage, our students choose a new journey that transforms their lives, instills independence, and develops skills that help them thrive in university and in life. They do not make this journey alone - they learn quickly how to help each other and they are well supported by loving families, our incredible teachers, staff and host pensions, and our alumni, friends and volunteers. We all join and support them on these pathways of discovery and learning. We hear ‘best year of my life’ stories from grads in their 20s and in their 80s. The life-changing impact of the Neuchâtel experience is real. As governance leaders, our responsibility is to ensure that Neuchâtel Junior College provides impactful experiential education for future generations. We ask our students and families to have curiosity and courage. We must do the same as we strive to provide unique learning opportunities designed for the future. Our exceptional school leaders, faculty and staff will maintain the highest standards of education and a unique student experience. With your help, we will also strengthen access and opportunity and ensure that our school remains relevant, resilient and ambitious. Celebrating this milestone, we express our gratitude to the alumni, families, faculty, staff, pension families, donors, volunteers and friends whose commitment has sustained our success over seven decades. Community is the heart of both the School and the individual experience. Together, we will build upon this extraordinary foundation and continue to ignite lifelong learning, purpose, friendship and adventure. Thank you. Merci. We look forward to continuing to step outside along with you! Sincerely, Neuchâtel Junior College Governance Leaders
Kelley McKinnon Parent ’18 & ’19 Chair, Canadian Advisory Committee
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Bryn McCrossan-Maire ’92 President, Conseil de Fondation
Neuchâtel Junior College
Katie Reese Chair, Neuchâtel Junior College Fund
1950s HEAD OF SCHOOL
Seventy Years. Thousands of Journeys. One Legacy.
Mr. Leonard Wilde (1957-1965)
Welcome to the decade-by-decade story of Neuchâtel Junior College. On these pages, we celebrate 70 years of graduating classes—the adventures, inside jokes, life-changing trips, and enduring memories contributed by our global alumni community. Explore the timeline, revisit your year and see how the NJC spirit has evolved across seven decades.
The Swiss people were naturally curious to see “Les Canadiens” the day after our class arrived in Neuchâtel. A group of us had strolled along the lakeside that warm September day, so excited to have finally arrived in Neuchâtel after travelling five days by ship to get there. The next day we were astonished by the uproar our group promenade had caused! One of the girls had worn Bermuda shorts; this was not at all unusual for us, but the Swiss strongly disapproved. There was actually an article in the local newspaper detailing this faux pas! It was 1956...70 years ago! And so it began...the realization of Leonard Wilde’s dream of establishing a Canadian School in Switzerland, affording young people such an extraordinary opportunity to travel and learn. Neuchâtel Junior College was entirely unique. It was not a ‘finishing school’. It was not a year off. It was co-educational, it was Canadian, and it allowed us to complete our final year of high school abroad. There was truly nothing like it. As the trailblazers with no established patterns to govern decisions, perhaps our year was the best of all. We followed Leonard Wilde all over Europe and North Africa, filled with the spirit of freedom, discovery, and adventure. This new school was so extraordinary that we were the subject of an article in the Toronto Telegram. The Swiss graciously accepted us, and we developed lasting relationships with our Messieurs and Mesdames; our pensions truly became our homes.
There were no individual telephones to make an overseas call. One had to book a time at the downtown Post Office, and it was incredibly expensive; no one ever phoned home! Then, when the Ontario Grade 13 & McGill Senior exams took place in June, all telephone calls to and from Neuchâtel were suspended so that students in Canada could not take advantage of the time difference to gain access to the exams before they wrote them!
The school has grown and evolved over all of these years, but it has carefully preserved Leonard Wilde’s dream. The experiment in 1956 was a success. Happy 70th Anniversary, NJC!!
1957
1958
1959
Gathering in Montreal before sailing across the Atlantic aboard the Empress of England, our trans-Atlantic crossing became our orientation, a chance to establish friendships that would span decades. In 1957, isolated from home with only handwritten letters on onion-skin paper, we adjusted to living with local families, learning French around Madame’s dinner table, and navigating a new continent. Whether gathering in the foyer, exploring Europe on school bus trips to Morocco and Italy, or forging bonds in our pensions, our year at Neuchâtel Junior College was a deeply transformative adventure that shaped the trajectory of our lives forever.
Neuchâtel Junior College
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1960s HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mr. Leonard Wilde (1957-1965) Mrs. Grace McNaughton (1966) Mr. James Thayer (1966-1973) A toast to the teachers, staff, host families, and generations of students who have made 70 years of NJC history truly extraordinary.
It’s not easy to find many common class memories from so long ago, but at least some of us still remember Mr. (Don) Attridge passing no judgement as we shared the first legally available British paperback edition of Lady Chatterly’s Lover while on the bus on our way to Italy.
1960
1961
Here’s to 70 years of world-class travel, Swiss fondue, host family bonds, and the unforgettable thrill of independence.
1962
Cheers to 70 incredible years!
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1963
1964
Different years, different journeys, same unforgettable home away from home!
Neuchâtel Junior College
Within the first month of our arrival in September 1965, we faced the untimely deaths of Mr. Wilde, Founding Principal, and one of our classmates, David Darling, which both had a profound impact. In retrospect, it is amazing that the NJC administration transitioned so well and our year proceeded as planned. In 2016, our class raised funds for a display case at the foyer in David’s memory. Based on 2016 reflections, the NJC year encouraged independence and inspired a love of travel and culture. We also loved the French language and the food! School trips were amazing, although we were quite a challenge for our teacherchaperones! NJC changed many of our lives, and the memories live on. We mourn those who have passed away (about 20 people). We look forward to reuniting with about 35 of our 104 classmates in October.
Our Class was truly extraordinary. Under Principal Leonard Wilde, curfew was strictly kept; he had everyone convinced he’d know if anyone arrived even a few minutes past 11:30 PM on weekends! Over 60 years later, the Class of 1965 remains deeply connected - gathering every summer in Toronto, skiing in BC each March, and reuniting across the country to laugh, reminisce, and celebrate a truly unforgettable year!
1965
1966
1967
NJC 1967-68 was the most formative year of our lives. With 100 classmates, roommates, and Swiss pension families welcoming us into their homes, we delighted in the remarkable travel sights and adventures: ancient fountains in town squares, skiing with the sun rising over the Alps, holiday trips to the Grenoble Olympics, Spain, Tunisia and the Vatican, Italian pizza and gelato. At 17, observing countries and cultures so different from our own gave us a broader understanding of what we share as well as ways in which we are different. We experienced deep friendships with our classmates and roommates who became like second families. We still hold many of these “Neuchie” friends close and are grateful for the opportunities to reminisce and celebrate together.
Here’s to 70 years of global impact!
1968
1969
A class of 100 scattered across the globe. Six decades later many of us remain in each other’s closest circle of friends. Some of our strongest memories are touring Europe and Morocco in old, round-nosed buses—slowly absorbing the scenery while comparing lunch boxes packed by our ‘Madames’, playing cards, and treasuring blue airmail letters from home. Our year in Neuchâtel opened up the world, teaching us to think, dream, and study in French while building friendships for a lifetime. Neuchâtel Junior College
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A MESSAGE FROM THE
PLANNING COMMITTEE Dear Neuchâtel Junior College Community, Seventy years ago, a bold vision took root in Switzerland. It was founded on the belief that stepping outside the familiar could transform young lives forever. Today, we are pleased to welcome you to celebrate that vision and 70 years of learning, discovery, and impact. Our planning committee had one clear goal: to create an unforgettable evening that honours our shared history and captures that irreplaceable “Neuchâtel feeling”. From digging through archives and rediscovering long-lost photos to curating an evening of music, food, nostalgia, and connection, every detail was designed with our shared experiences and community in mind. For seven decades, you have each shaped Neuchâtel Junior College as a welcoming new home away from home. Your adventures, new friendships, places discovered, and the moments you still talk about today all weave together to form the impact stories of our amazing school. Despite the years separating our graduating classes, working together on this milestone reminded us of a simple truth: our experiences unite us all across generations. Whether your memories are rooted in bus or train rides across Europe, a long boat or plane journey across the Atlantic, late nights sharing fondue, life with host families, or the lifelong confidence born from genuine independence, we all share the same foundation. Together, all of these individual memories make up the collective legacy we are celebrating tonight. Tonight’s celebration is a tribute to every student, alumni, faculty and staff member, host family, parent, and friend who has helped write this extraordinary 70-year story. Thank you for being here, for travelling from near and far, and for keeping the spirit of Neuchâtel Junior College vibrant around the world. Reconnect with friends, share the memories, and join us in raising a glass to our first 70 years and to the exciting future still to come! With warmth and gratitude, The 70th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee Neuchâtel Junior College extends its heartfelt gratitude to the members of our 70th Anniversary Planning Committee. This celebration would not be possible without their extraordinary dedication, vision, and energy. Representing decades of NJC history, this passionate group of volunteers has worked tirelessly to create an unforgettable experience for our entire community. SPECIAL THANKS TO: Amanda Auciello ’13
Gracie Foulon ’14
Carys Baker ’14
Alana Reich ’18
Phil Chambers ’00
Bryan McKenzie ’91
Trish Del Sorbo ’90
Kelley McKinnon, Parent ’18 & ’19
Shannon Farrell ’14
John Ozikizler, Parent ’19
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Neuchâtel Junior College
1970s HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mr. James Thayer (1966-1973) Mr. Larry Barnes (1974) Mr. James Thayer (1975-1986) Who remembers getting seasick on the Empress of Canada sailing out of Montreal, but also meeting classmates who became friends for life? We relied on each other as there was no internet, just occasional airmail letters and cassettes from home. We grew up, gained confidence, and had the best times pubbing at The Shakespeare, as well as skiing, hiking and travelling together. Dave Tait, Don Wood, and Brian Groos began our tradition of reunions in 1995.
Honouring the vision that started it all 70 years ago, and celebrating every class that helped turn a dream into an enduring legacy.
1970
1971
1972
We proudly celebrate 70 years of transformative experiences, growth, and connection.
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Congratulations to NJC on 70 remarkable years of changing lives!
70 years of missed trains, weekend journeys, new horizons, and the bold courage to “Step Outside”.
Neuchâtel Junior College
1973
1974
1978-79 started out with an Air Canada strike, which provided a fabulous bonding experience for a small and mighty crew in Oxford. The balance wasted no time getting to know each other in Villars.
Dare to Dream, Dare to Lead! In 1975, our class produced and performed the famous musical, Godspell, for which we were written up in a local Neuchâtel newspaper!
Musical genres collided in 78-79 with Jackson Browne, James Taylor and Billy Joel accompanying our long Wittwer bus rides in Switzerland, Morocco, and Italy. Classic rock and punk reigning in the school parties and disco ruling the nights. Memorable Teachers: Schinz, Belyea, Brown, O’Reilly (x2). Often heard: • Met l’orange dans la boîte. • The French have a different word for EVERYTHING! • What happened? What happened?...He spoke French! • Where are the Radical Mikes? • Coupe at the Gare? • Café at Au 21? • Une grande bière at the Fleur / Cafe du theatre? • See you at Academix.
Cheers to 70 years of excellence!
1975
Celebrating 70 amazing years of Neuchâtel Junior College!
1976
1977
1978
1979
Celebrating 70 years of learning, living, and growing together.
Neuchâtel Junior College
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1980s
Cheers to 70 years of stepping outside, exploring the world, and building memories that last a lifetime.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mr. James Thayer (1975-1986) Mr. Murray Magor (1987-1989)
So many great memories —1980 to ‘81. The Fête, Halloween, Backgammon—all so much fun! Spain, Morocco, Italy; skiing in Switzerland and France; nights at Academix where we would drink beer and dance. consuming fondue, raclette and chocolat Suisse; or renversée and crème brûlée—ah, absolute bliss!
When you think you’re completely derailed, you’re actually only 45% off track.
It’s been 45 years; that seems like so long, but the bond that we shared still remains strong. We lost some of our classmates along the way and pay tribute to them on this special day. Joachim, Tara, Leslie, and Russ, While you are no longer here with us you are fondly remembered by those in your class; and to you we say “santé” as we raise up our glass!
1980
Generations connected by one extraordinary year. Congratulations on 70 years of Neuchâtel Junior College!
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1981
1982
1983
70 years of shaping future leaders, fostering global perspectives, and connecting hearts to Switzerland. Neuchâtel Junior College
1984
Cheers to the best year of our lives!
The Class of 1989 was a small but unforgettable group fortunate enough to call one of the most beautiful places in the world home for a year. We were also the year with the smallest enrollment in NJC’s history, when there were serious concerns about the College’s future. But what a year it was! Our classroom extended far beyond NJC as we travelled, laughed and discovered many countries in Europe together. We explored the Alps, creating unforgettable memories in Grindelwald, Verbier and Zermatt. Some of our fondest memories were the simplest: the Fête des Vendanges, fondue in the mountains, day trips that became adventures and “5L et frites” at the Gare. We arrived in Neuchâtel as wide-eyed teenagers and left with lifelong friendships, stories and memories. As we celebrate 70 years of Neuchâtel Junior College, the Class of ‘89 looks back with gratitude and affection, never imagining we would one day celebrate this remarkable milestone.
Celebrating 70 amazing years! Congratulations to NJC on 70 remarkable years of changing lives!
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
70 years of missed trains, weekend journeys, new horizons, and the bold courage to “Step Outside”. Neuchâtel Junior College
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A MESSAGE FROM THE
LEAD SPONSOR–70TH ANNIVERSARY To the NJC Community, Ten years ago, I had the distinct privilege of serving as the Lead Patron for Neuchâtel Junior College’s 60th anniversary. Returning today to serve once again as Lead Sponsor for our 70th milestone is both a deeply personal honour and a homecoming. Standing alongside this community a decade later, my appreciation for NJC’s enduring impact has only grown stronger. My own year at NJC was truly transformative. It exposed me to a new culture, language, and way of life, broadening my understanding of what it means to be an active citizen of the world. The lessons learned in Switzerland—embracing new opportunities, gaining independence, and developing a lifelong global perspective—are gifts that never fade. For me, meaningful philanthropy is rooted in genuine personal connection. Supporting NJC as a long-standing donor and lead sponsor is both a joy and a commitment to ensuring future generations of students receive those same life-changing opportunities. Education reaches its highest potential when “the head meets the heart,” and NJC continually succeeds in cultivating not only academic excellence, but character, empathy, and service. To the alumni, parents, faculty and staff, students, and friends gathered tonight: thank you for your shared dedication to keeping the spirit of NJC vibrant across generations. Together, let us continue to champion and empower young minds so they can step outside, realize their potential, and make a positive difference in our world. Warmest congratulations to Neuchâtel Junior College on 70 extraordinary years!
Dr. Daniel Andreae ’72 Lead Sponsor, 70th Anniversary
“My year at Neuchâtel Junior College was transformative. It was a chance to grow, mature, and embrace new opportunities. It broadened my understanding of the world and allowed me to become a citizen of the world. The benefits of this experience, no matter your background or aspirations, are lifelong. I am honoured to give back to NJC”. - Dr. Daniel Andreae ’72
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Neuchâtel Junior College
1990s
RUKUS, blurry nights, pure freedom, questionable decisions, friendship, chaos and first loves. Lenny Kravitz, Nirvana, Aerosmith, Billy Joel. Cafe de Cerf: Popcorn, Cardinal, “New York, New York”, The Garage: Ace of Base and Spin Doctors.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mr. Bill Boyer (1990-1992) Dr. James McMurty (1993-1996) Mrs. Nancy Edwards (1997-2002)
Untethered—no cell phones or email—we sent handwritten letters and relied on each other. Expensive long-distance phone calls home, film cameras and parents sending messages by fax. Skipping class to play Risk on ancient computers. Developing a love for Swiss watches, cheese fondue, and chocolate. Mandatory ski week! Travel every single weekend to discover new places and gain independence.
The best year, the best memories—happy 70th!
And throughout the year, bonding with 94 adventurous friends and creating memories we carry with us for life. See you on the 11:43....
The class of 1990-91 would like to raise a glass for our beloved and admired classmate Sean Cleary, a little over a year after his untimely and sudden death. Sean is part of a multigenerational Neuchâtel family with 2 sisters and a son who also attended. He was a committed member of the NJC community since 1990 and he was a member of the NJC Canadian Advisory Committee. Most of all we would like to remember how he approached everything in life with a strong sense of dedication: to his family, to his profession, to his community, and to fun. To the boot!
Celebrating 70 years of our lifelong friendships!
Forever grateful for our time in Neuchâtel!!
1990
1991
1992
We could talk about the trips across Europe, the waits for a computer to send an email home, the nights (almost every night) at Le Cerf, and so much more. But a picture is worth a thousand words….
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Neuchâtel Junior College
1993
1994
The Class of 1995-’96 arrived in Neuchâtel looking for adventure—and we found plenty of it. European escapes, weekend trips, missed trains and misplaced travel documents, late-night adventures, new cultures and new friends—often with little more than a guidebook, some cash, and the confidence that somehow it would all work out. NJC Highlights from the Class of ’95: • Travel, travel, travel: we took as many trains, planes and automobiles as we could, and had so many great adventures—orientation in Oxford/Switzerland, 36 hours in Paris, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Morocco/Spain, Zermatt, Greece/Italy/Turkey, Cannes, and so many other weekend getaways and ski trips. • Figuring things out on our own: What time’s the train? • Friendship: Lifelong bonds from travelling and living with an amazing group of people. • Teachers: Doc, Habs, Samardzic, Edwards, Hewetson, Egger, O’Reilly, Reith, Stalder. They made learning fun and chaperoned/ helped with all our clubs/sports/trips. • Pensions: Our homes away from home. • Fête des Vendanges: Does anyone actually remember it? • Le Cerf: Where everybody knows your name… anyone in for a 5-litre? • Hackey-sacking and guitar sing-alongs; lots of Tragically Hip. • Swiss food: cheese and chocolate, cheese and chocolate—enough said!
Those adventures became some of our most enduring memories. But what has endured most is the friendships. Thirty years later, that bond is still remarkably strong. We were reminded of it this year when we lost our beloved classmate and friend, Care Davidson. Our class came together almost immediately, raising $50,000 in just a few weeks to establish a permanent travel bursary in her name. It felt fitting. Care embodied so much of what our NJC year gave us: adventure, friendship, kindness, and the confidence to say yes to the experience. Thirty years later we’re still saying YES—and still showing up for one another.
Here’s to the next 70 years!
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
Something truly unique defined our arrival in Europe: leaving our homes across Canada and landing in London just days before Princess Diana’s funeral on September 6th, 1997. Experiencing an entire nation in mourning left an indelible mark on our class. Still on Canadian time, we woke before 5:00 AM that morning and walked to Kensington Palace to pay our respects and sign the official condolence book. Standing in the quiet dawn amid endless seas of flowers and tributes is an experience the Class of 1997 will never forget. Neuchâtel Junior College
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2000s HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mrs. Nancy Edwards (1997-2002) Mr. Norman Southward (2003-2009)
Always Neuch!
Cheers to 70 incredible years!
70 years of history. 70 years of community. Congratulations to Neuchâtel Junior College.
Cheers to the best year, the best memories, and 70 years of NJC!
2000
2001
2002
Wishing NJC the happiest 70th anniversary!
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Neuchâtel Junior College
2003
2004
Cheers to 70 remarkable years!
2006 was the year the song “Love Generation” was on repeat; “Hey Baby!” had everyone shouting “Heeeeey… Hey baby!”; and airports somehow felt like a regular part of life. We were a group that genuinely loved spending time together, and somehow, 20 years later, many of those friendships are still going strong.
2005
Cheers to 70 years of stepping outside!
2006
Here’s to the year that taught us to step outside, explore, and grow. Happy 70th, NJC!
2007
2008
2009
Joyeux 70e anniversaire, NJC! Thank you for the best year of our lives!
Neuchâtel Junior College
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2010s HEAD OF SCHOOL
Congratulations on 70 years!
Mr. Bill Boyer (2010-2018) Mr. Andrew Keleher (2019-2026)
Thank you for the journey of a lifetime!
Thank you for an incredible, life-changing experience!
2010
2011
2012
Happy 70th anniversary, NJC!
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Neuchâtel Junior College
The year we stepped outside and found ourselves!
2013
2014
Here’s to stepping outside and seeing the world! Happy 70th, NJC! Seventy years of courage, curiosity, and a lifetime of memories.
Félicitations, NJC! Forever grateful for the best year of our lives.
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Cheers to 70 years of stepping outside and discovering the world. Santé!
Santé!
Neuchâtel Junior College
27
2020s HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mr. Andrew Keleher (2019-2026) The class of 2022 celebrated being a group that pushed boundaries and tested limits. This could certainly be seen as a good thing, as we stepped outside our comfort zones and created new memories. It involved a lot of new travel for some students, exploring new countries on “indy’s”, and most notably, hosting NJC’s very first prom. Of course, pushing boundaries wasn’t always a good thing—just ask Mr. Keleher about the pranks we pulled on April Fool’s Day! We never claimed to be the perfect class, but we made sure our year was memorable. Harry Styles released “As It Was”, which was played almost daily on the famous “Gritaly” trip—an opportunity for friendships to flourish through exploration, plus a couple of serious cases of heat stroke, and some good naps on the way back to the hotel. Post-graduation, some of us have attended university together, become roommates, or travelled cross-country to see each other again. No matter what, we are still connected, even if just through our group chat.
Our class had a way of making even the most ordinary days memorable. Whether it was saying “bonsoir” to each other first thing in the morning or hearing about the latest adventures of the Bartians, there was always something to laugh about. We all got along really well, and it was such a wholesome year of getting to know each other and making memories. Some of our favourite moments were pizza nights at Zoe’s, Jackie, Annabel, and Kate’s pension, hanging out at the lake, the Faucon, and our last night in Nafplion, Greece. Looking back, it was all the little inside jokes, traditions, and everyday moments that made our class so special.
Cheers to 70 years of inspiring students to step outside, take risks, and grow!
2020
2021
2022
Here’s to stepping outside and seeing the world! Happy 70th, NJC!
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Neuchâtel Junior College
2023
Congratulations on 70 years! As the class of 2024, we are so lucky to be able to reminisce about travelling Europe together as part of a 70-year legacy. Discovering new cities and turning every moment into a story worth retelling—from our shut-down hotel party in Bruges, to the ban on electric scooters, and the French wall of shame. NJC gave us independence, lifelong friendships, and a year that changed how we see the world— something no classroom alone could accomplish. To the teachers and staff: thank you. As we are joined by more and more alumni choosing to step outside, we can’t wait to see what comes next.
“We all know the motto at NJC is ‘Step Outside’ but as the year progressed, those words became more than just letters on a brochure. Stepping outside became a way of life. A challenge to chase. An invitation to grow. We faced the unfamiliar, and in doing so, we grew as individuals, discovering new versions of ourselves. Braver. Kinder. More curious. More open individuals.”
On our final school trip to Normandy, the whole class was gathered under the sparkling-lit Eiffel Tower. We all cherished the moment as we laughed and reminisced about our time together as a class. Only those who went in 2026 will truly get it, but our year wouldn’t be the same without the famous song, “Why Oh Why” by Teo Del Sorbo. Our class was lucky to be the last group under Mr. Keleher’s lead, and we are so fortunate that we got to see his true personality as well as share special moments with him, including the Dare to Dream dunk tank, his being interviewed at the Olympics, his coaching basketball, and much more. Mr. Keleher made the most of his final year. What an incredible journey it’s been for him and the class of 2026. We love you, Mr. Keleher, and we wish you all the best!
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2025
Neuchâtel Junior College
2026
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THANK YOU TO OUR
GENEROUS SPONSORS Neuchâtel Junior College extends its deepest gratitude to our sponsors for their incredible partnership. Thank you for helping us make this historic evening an extraordinary success as we celebrate seven decades of history, community, and impact. 70TH ANNIVERSARY GALA SPONSORS Platinum Lead Sponsor
Mövenpick Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Experience Sponsor
Dr. Daniel Andreae ’72
RBC Harbour Group John Grant ’79 & Chris Newall ’91
The Globe & Mail
G/Hardy Travel & Kathleen Hardy ’93
Alphornist
Auction
Cheese Fondue Station
Chocolate Fondue Station
Bank Julius Baer & Co Ltd.
Switzerland Tourism, SWISS & Laura Fairweather ’80
SevernWoods Fine Homes
IG Private Wealth Management
GOLD SPONSORS
Event Planning
Welcome Drink
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Henley Capital Corporation
SILVER SPONSOR
Jim Carr ’62
BRONZE SPONSORS
Photo Booth
Decor
Entertainment
Sparkling Water
Araconas
Suzy Porter ’93
CornerHouse Books Rosseau
Clearly Canadian
ZERMATT TABLE •
Santé! - Robyne Balanuik, Bill Boyer, Heidi Gollert, Andrew Keleher, John Phillips, Parent ’12 & ’14, and Megan Watt
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Jeff Craig & Class of 1979
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Kelley McKinnon
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L’amitié n’a pas d’âge Chris Donald ’83
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Sally Morris - CAC Alumni
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LA CAVE AUX MOINES 1990 Trish & Nick Del Sorbo, Mike Doner, Adam Koven, Kari MacKay, Kirsten Mahaffy, and Trina Turberville
L’amitié n’a pas d’âge Chris Donald ’83
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Lia DelZotto
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Neil Smith - Class of 1980
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NJC 1990-91: To the boot: Bryan McKenzie
FÊTE TABLE •
Bienvenue et merci d’avoir contribué à créer ces souvenirs d’il y a 45 ans! - Ralph Deter ‘81
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Café du Théâtre! Class of 1980 Sarah MacDonald
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Class of 1964 Bruce Mitchell & Marsha Baillie
AUCTION SPONSORS •
Jamie Anderson ’72
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Direct Travel
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Ryan Lumbers
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Deirdre Billes ’83
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Shannon Farrell ’14
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The Magpie Cakery Baking School
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Cesana Family - 2025 & 2026
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Mina & Massimo Fortis
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Kirsten Mahaffy ’90
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Ms. Helen Ching-Kircher & Porsche Centre Downtown Toronto
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G/Hardy Travel & Kathleen Hardy ’93
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Bryan McKenzie ’91
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Kim Cole ’86
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Harlo Group
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Lauren Nunziata ’12
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Czorny Family - 2026
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Mary Louise Huebner ’75 & Canada Cutlery Inc
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Alana Reich ’18
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Beatrice de Montmollin ’65
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Vikram Kapoor
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Switzerland Tourism & Laura Fairweather ’80
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Neuchâtel Junior College
40 Years OF CRAFTING MEMORIES
LU X U RY B E S P O K E T R AV E L
Extraordinary journeys, thoughtfully curated. Family Getaways Luxury Cruises Golf, Ski, Wine & Safaris Specialized Group Travel
CONNECT WITH US K ATHLEEN HARDY NJC ‘93 INFO @ GHARDY TRAVEL .COM +1-833-288-3557
GHARDY TRAVEL .COM
70 YEARS OF NEUCHÂTEL JUNIOR COLLEGE. Generations of Extraordinary Experiences.
YOU ARE OUR BEST REFERENCE. Many prospective students first hear about Neuchâtel Junior College through someone who has experienced it firsthand. Share your NJC story with your network and help inspire the next generation of students. Connect them with our admissions team at admissions@neuchatel.org.
www.neuchatel.org