Newsletter - Spring 2025

Here's what has happened in the first quarter of 2025 and what's to come!

In Memoriam: Jean-Claude Peterschmitt (1933-2024)
 

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Jean-Claude Peterschmitt on 8 December 2024 at the age of 92. Jean-Claude had a long and distinguished career both in Switzerland and the US. He received an engineering degree from the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (Zürich) and an MS from the MIT Sloan School of Business. His professional career began at Arthur D. Little's European Operations Research Group. He later joined Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), where he worked from 1967 to 1988, playing an instrumental role in the expansion of DEC's European operations, including serving as Vice President-Europe and Chairman of the European Board of Directors.

After living and studying in the US, Jean-Claude became a member of the American International Club of Geneva in 1969 and was one of the longest-serving members in the entire history of the Club. The AIC will remain eternally grateful to Jean-Claude for his devotion, loyalty, and volunteering spanning over 50 years. In recognition of his outstanding service, the Club bestowed upon Jean- Claude a lifetime membership as AIC Honorary Vice President. During his long tenure, he remained a cherished and valuable member of the AIC Executive Committee, faithfully attending and contributing to our meetings, including his last one in November 2024!

Among his many accolades, his role as a member and Chair of the AIC Speaker's Committee will be remembered as his greatest contribution to the Club's success. Jean-Claude was directly involved with recruiting over 500 speakers to our flagship luncheons. Among the many high-profile names that Jean-Claude recruited include Peter Ustinov (British actor), Shimon Peres (Israeli Prime Minister), Dr. Ruth Westheimer (American therapist and talk show host), Helmuth Maucher (Chairman and CEO of Nestlé), Yehudi Menuhin (American violinist and conductor), Tim Kain (US Senator) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (actor and former Governor of California).

As we celebrate the life of Jean-Claude, we also extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time of mourning. The AIC sent a delegation to the farewell ceremony (la cérémonie d'adieux) on 21 December 2024.

In loving memory,

Phillip Sundquist
AIC President

Civic Concerns Committee

We’re delighted to share recent highlights and upcoming initiatives from the Civic Concerns Committee.
 

Thanksgiving Fundraising Dinner Success

Our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, held in November 2024 at Auberge de la Mère Royaume Restaurant, was a wonderful success! We extend heartfelt thanks to our generous donors who supported the evening’s Silent Auction, which raised CHF 3,500 for our Civic Concerns partner, Youth Underground.

New Charity Partner Update

We are proud to share that Cancer Support Switzerland has been selected as the AIC’s new Civic Concerns partner. After a thoughtful and thorough due diligence process, the Executive Committee has approved this meaningful partnership. Stay tuned for a special message from our AIC President, who will share more about this new partnership and the difference we can make together.

2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament – Save the Date!

Get ready for another unforgettable day on the green! Our 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025. Registration opens Thursday, May 1. As always, the event will combine fun, networking, and a shared spirit of giving, with proceeds going directly to Cancer Support Switzerland.

Mentorship Program

We are happy to announce that Mr. Michael Parmly has assumed the role of Chair of the AIC Mentoring Program (MP), starting in January 2025. Michael has deep knowledge of the Club’s MP, having participated both as a mentor and member of the MP Committee since the launch of the program in 2021. In addition, the AIC is pleased to give updates on its two successful mentoring programs:

The AIC Mentoring Program

The Club just completed the 4th annual cycle of its original mentoring program and hosted thank-you drinks for all participants. This program brings together AIC members, both young professionals (mentees) and seasoned professionals (mentors). The Club will launch the 5th annual cycle starting in May 2025 and running until March 2026.

The Webster/AIC Mentoring Program

Following the successful launch of the joint Webster/AIC Mentoring Program in November 2024, this new program will complete its 1st annual cycle in April 2025, coinciding with the academic calendar. This joint initiative between Webster Geneva Campus and the AIC unites Webster undergraduate students (mentees) and AIC professionals (mentors). The 2nd annual cycle will commence in October 2025.

More information about the program here.

AIC’s long tradition of attracting outstanding speakers has continued in 2025, and the Events Calendar is off to a strong start with several high-quality gatherings. Find out about our 2025 initiatives and events that have been held so far here, and view photos from all our events here. Read a few highlights below.

Murten/Morat Festival of Lights (January 24–25)
The AIC Geneva, in partnership with AIC Zürich, co-sponsored a weekend visit to Murten/Morat to experience the enchanting Festival of Lights in this charming medieval town, recently named the Swiss Village of the Year 2024. Members stayed at the nearby historic Münchenwiler Castle Hotel, a former monastery beautifully transformed into a modern hotel.

Luncheon with Dr. Ryan Guffey (February 18)
Dr. Ryan Guffey, Director-General for Global Campuses at Webster University, shared expert insights on “The United States International Higher Education Sector – 2025 Forecast.” His highly informative presentation focused on four key drivers of the sector: (1) economic impact, (2) economic capacity building, (3) knowledge transfer, and (4) non-U.S. citizen employment vehicles.

Luncheon with Michael McKay (March 14)
Michael McKay - independent communications and public affairs consultant, and charismatic former Chairman of the Geneva Chapter of the British Swiss Chamber of Commerce - reflected on 13 years of broadcasting and his popular podcast, The McKay Interview. The audience was captivated by stories from his favorite interviews, featuring figures such as Adolf Ogi (former President of Switzerland), Mary Robinson (former President of Ireland), Sir Jackie Stewart (Formula 1 World Champion), and Sir Peter Marshall (former UK Ambassador to the UN).