Festive Celebrations for Webster Geneva’s 40th

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On the 21st-23rd March Webster Geneva Campus celebrated with alumni, faculty and staff, in the days leading up to a 40th Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser. Events recognized academic department alumni and their achievements and showcased some of the university’s current activities and initiatives.

MBA Alumni Dinner

On Thursday, Dr. Michal Paserman and the Walker School of Business and Technology welcomed MBA alumni back to campus, as groups reminisced and exchanged testimonials (aided by slide shows and videos). Prof. Dominique Jolly, WSBT Head of Department, delivered a highly engaging and interactive keynote presentation on Technology Innovation in China. Faculty members, past and present joined as video messages were broadcast to attendees, including one from the former Department Head of the WSBT, Prof. Deniz Saral.

Welcome Reception for Webster Geneva Campus Alumni & Friends

On Friday evening, Webster’s President Dr. Beth Stroble, Provost Dr. Julian Schuster, and Vice Provost Dr. Nancy Hellrud of International campuses joined alumni, faculty and staff for cocktails over an apero held at the Four Seasons Quai de Berges. Several toasts were offered, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit and power of transformation that continues to define Webster’s international legacy, and a warm welcome was extended to our returning alumni.

Department Presentations and Alumni Panels

Saturday morning, alumni panels were hosted by a few departments, which included a celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Webster’s Master in Healthcare Management — the only degree program at Webster to be delivered in French. The Healthcare Management’s impact in this field is not to be underestimated; nor should its future be, as the program, under the direction of Francoise Maillard, recently acquired multi-year research funding approval. Hospital administrators, nurse practitioners, doctors, and insurance managers across Swiss Romande owe their graduate-level credentials to this innovative program, which has provided important training for healthcare leaders across the Lake Geneva region.

The Walker School also hosted a panel on Digital Transformation, with five alumni panelists, namely: Ilia Kolochenko (2007), Founder and CEO of High Tech Bridge, which focuses on machine learning use in Cybersecurity; Wayel Ahmed (2010), ITS Relationships Manager at IATA; Bob Yang (2002), Head of IT at European Broadcasting Union, Lawrence Chu (2003), IT department at NBK Banque Privée (Suisse) SA; and Emmanuel Doffou (2013), who works independently in music and creative digital communications. Panelists and guests discussed the implications for work and life from different emerging and disruptive technologies, with a debate about how resultant business paradigms may (or not) add value as they continue to transform nearly all sectors of industry.

The Psychology Department also hosted a session for students and alumni, led by Prof. Vlad Glaveanu and Catherine Butterly, who manages the Master in Counseling program. The meeting included presentations from four alumni of the Counseling program and was followed by a discussion of current workplace realities and possibilities for psychologists and counselors in Switzerland. Past and current students as well as faulty were present in the audience.

Photos by Polina Flenova & Kris Sortini.