Monthly Archives: June 2020

Jun
11
2020

Message from Inge & Francis Clivaz

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When Inge and I arrived in Versoix, on a beautiful spring day in April 1960, we didn’t think, BUT REALLY NOT 60 years later, that we would find ourselves in this magnificent campus of nearly 2’000 students which has become one of the jewels of Swiss private education. The worldwide reputation of the Collège du Léman is such that it has inspired and served as a model for the creation of several campuses around the world: Brussels, Cheng Du in China, Dubai, Kigali in Rwanda and Manhattan in New York.

Sixty years ago we opened the doors of the CDL to receive our very first students: beautiful Hala, Zeena from Baghdad and the very shy Carine from Tel Aviv. These young girls were followed day after day by students from all over the world! Since the first day, we have lived together in perfect harmony.

Your origins, your social background, your diverse religions were a source of constant enrichment and gave rise to magnificent exchanges. Your well-being and academic performance were always at the centre of our concerns.

Your deans and professors came from all over the world. Think of Mr. Marchi (Italy), Mr. Nawar (Egypt), Mr. Salamin (Switzerland), Mr. Boschert (USA), Mr. Gale (England), not forgetting Chief Robert (Holland) who all contributed greatly to the cultural diversity of the campus.

During your years at the CDL, you have forged bonds of deep friendship for life.

You were like our children! You are forever part of this wonderful family at the CDL. We are always happy with your family, social and professional successes and are so proud to see you put into practice on a daily basis what we have taught you all these years: respect for others!

We would like to remind you again of the college’s motto which is: “Educate and teach in a spirit of openness and tolerance so that its students become citizens and leaders of a world respectful of differences”.

We send you our warmest messages and hope to have the pleasure of seeing many, if not all, of you again in June 2021 in Geneva to finally celebrate the 60th anniversary.

Versoix, May 2020,

Inge & Francis