Page 8 - NJC 60th Gala Program

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Dr. Beat Nobs, Ambassador of Switzerland
Dear alumni, parents, friends and staff of Neuchâtel Junior College.
It is my great pleasure to congratulate Neuchâtel Junior College to its 60th anniversary. Having reached this milestone bears witness to the quality of the institution and its staff over the course of so many years.
The value of a Canadian independent school near the picturesque shores of Lake Neuchâtel is undoubtedly attested for by all your current students and esteemed alumni. Living with a Swiss host family in a multilingual environment, discovering the natural beauty of our country, its bustling cities, medieval towns, high peaks and green pastures: I am sure that this and the participation in both educating and entertaining field trips within Switzerland and across Europe all contribute to an unforgettable year. I am convinced that the fond memories of Switzerland are a common bond that unites all NJC alumni and that many friendships continue for a lifetime.
At a time when “innovation” is the buzzword of choice, the stimulating combination of young and keen students with a foreign environment already plants a promising seed for greater things to come. Students of NJC expose themselves to a diversity of ideas, immerse themselves in a challenging environment and dare to surround themselves with people who think differently. They demonstrate initiative and an open-mindedness that will help them in finding innovative solutions and make their own career a success. Upon graduation, they have acquired valuable tools for their future academic and professional careers with a succinctly global outlook and a distinctly international mindset.
The contact with foreigners is not only advantageous for young Canadians, however. I would like to note that it is of equal benefit for Swiss people. As you will know, education plays a central role in Switzerland where grey matter is the country’s main natural resource. Thus, the opportunity to interact with Canadian students is also of value to the community of Neuchâtel. In a certain sense, students at Neuchâtel Junior College are ambassadors for Canada while they study in Switzerland, as they bring their Canadian way of life to Switzerland. After their graduation and upon their return to Canada, they become ambassadors for Switzerland as well, in that they share their Swiss stories and experiences with their fellow Canadians. This word of mouth advertising is simply invaluable and, as Ambassador of Switzerland, I can naturally only encourage you to spread the word even more.
I have no doubt that tonight’s Gala will be a most pleasant occasion for many a friendship born in Switzerland to be renewed. May the funding efforts during this evening be a resounding success so that the next generation of students will have the benefit of this unique learning experience.
Happy Anniversary! Dr. Beat Nobs
Message from the
swiss ambassador to Canada
NJC 60th Gala Program