Les Roches on track and on the move

Les Roches Four Year Accreditation BSc in International Hospitality Management

In Boston, MA USA, the 112th. Annual Meeting of the New Association of Schools and Col- leges, Inc. USA, was a memorable event for our School.

(left to right) On the 4th December at the meeting of the Commis- Mr Charles E. sion on Technical and Career Institutions it was Combs, announced that the Swiss Association Hotel Les Roches Management School “Les Roches” had received Dean of Studies accreditation from the Association as a Four Year Ins- Mr Ronald titution delivering its own Bachelor of Science in Carpenter International Hospitality Management. and Mr Arthur Harris Les Roches has therefore become the first Hotel Visiting Peer Review Committee: Management School in to receive accre- Chair : Mr Arthur Harris, Professor and Department Head of Business Administration, New ditation at baccalaureate level. Hampshire Technical Institute, NH Assistant Chair: Joy Veaudry, Vice-President, Associate Provost, New England Institute of Tech- This accreditation marks an important recognition for nology, Warwick, Rhode Island, RI the work which has been done by Les Roches faculty, John P. Avery, Superintendent/Director Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School District, MA staff and management. It is also a challenging opportu- Sister Marian Batho, CSJ, President, Aquinas College, Newton, MA nity which will carry the School forward in its constant Charles E. Combs, Chair, General Education, Berkley College of Music, MA endeavour to improve and offer high standards of edu- (NEASC Mission Statement see - page 2) cation to all its students.

Editorial A Special Christmas Greetings Card In the next few weeks a circular will ideas to the successful preparation go out to all of our Alumni. The aim of the recent accreditation process. is primarily to accelerate and finali- se the updating of our address data The Review Commission was impres- bank. At the same time we want to sed by the continued progress of the glean as many professional “tips” Alumni organisation. This is largely from you for inclusion in our due to your help and enthusiasm. constant, internal review of the School’s programmes. In this way Merci beaucoup you can, “at distance”, actively par- ticipate in the further development Next time round, we shall be cove- of the School. You will also benefit ring , , El Salvador from sharing the ideas of your fel- among other countries. Please do low Alumni when we publish the not forget that you too can send in report on the feedback sent to us in articles for publication. You should “Saxon et ses arbres fruitiers” mai 1991. the next editions of “the link”. send them to the address in the little box above. You can also contact us This is a reproduction of a painting by the late Mr Freddie Schnyder. He Accreditation at: was well known to many of you as your expert in Wine Knowledge. A Tel. +41 27 481 95 10 freak accident left him totally paralysed from the neck down but his spi- “the link” is proud and delighted to Fax +41 27 481 51 27 rit was in no way daunted. It took a lot of tenacity for him to complete congratulate all those who contribu- E-mail: [email protected] the tableau - using his teeth only to guide the brush strokes... ted so much of their time, effort and Web: www.vsnet.ch/roches/ the link Pioneers December 1997

Estimado Editor First of all, my congratulations to all A couple of years back, I was invited of you for keeping us informed about by Mr Marcel Clivaz to attend the “Les Roches” and its students. I will Les Roches 40th Anniversary just tell you very quickly about Reunion. Much to my surprise, I myself. found that I was the only one from the group that graduated in 1983. I I am Alberto Volkers and I was one of was told that the addresses had been the 70 students who “opened” the lost in the fire of 1985. I might yet school in 1980. I graduated in Sum’83 decide to settle in the south of and after that I travelled world wide or , but nothing is definite and working in the hotel and tourism busi- in the meantime my address is Berg- ness. I settled down in in sgatan 91 C, 852 336 Sundsvall, 1988, and in 1993, I opened my first Sweden.Tel:0045 60 1297 80 Fax . Mexican restaurant in the city of Snas- 0045 60 128007. I am very pleased vall (350 kms. North of Stockholm). to know that something is being In 1995, I opened my second restau- done to keep the Alumni together rant. I have to say that although the and I hope that I will soon be in economy in Sweden is not all that touch with my classmates. great, our business is surviving well. Best wishes, Alberto. Susanne, Alexander and Alberto

Alexander I. Melas (Sum. ’83) with Martin van Kan (Win. ’84) that Brian (drive the school Janet Tang ’83 is Head of Market- his wife Cheryl Lesley Williams found us on what he calls “the tractor in any Grand Prix!) ing and Corporate Training at the (Sum. ’84) and their little son, Stefa- yahoo search engine”. Over the Pirie is General Manager with Flamingo Institute of Further Edu- 1 no-Ioanni, 2 /2 years, have just moved years Martin has been with Inter Meridien in Jakarta. Mr Lavarini, cation, Selangor to Holland. They were delighted to Continental in London, Abu our representative, met Martin hear about “the link” and are planning Dhabi and Muscat. He did a spell quite by chance on a recent tour Helen Lim announces the birth of a visit to Bluche in 1998. They keep in with Meridien in Jakarta, Mel- in . her third child - a little daughter - touch with Paul Poort (same batch) bourne and Baan Boran. Now he Zara. Congratulations! and Anthony Thomas (one batch is with Hyatt Regency in Sura- Reginald Pereira’83 is Director, 1 later), both of them from Holland. baya. Martin, his wife and 2 /2 School of Tourism and Hospitali- Michael P.K. Tan directs Busi- Alex’s address is Gaffel 1, 6026 DJ year old son were recently in ty Management in Kuala Lum- ness Development for Swisscorp Maarheeze, The . London on vacation. He tells us pur. (M) SDN BHD in Kuala Lumpur

Hello New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. USA Les Roches, Mission Statement The New England Association of assessment of educational effective- Among educational organisations, Schools and Colleges serves the ness. Through its process of assess- the New England Association uni- My name is Lionel Chee, gra- public and the educational communi- ment, particularly as it focuses on quely comprises both schools and duated in 1983 Summer ty by establishing and maintaining institutional self-evaluation and self- colleges. Its structure and activities batch. Presently I run my own high standards of educational excel- improvement, the Association reflect its perception of and commit- restaurant and catering compa- lence through self-evaluation and encourages and assists in improving ment to the unity of education in the ny. While browsing on the peer review. Schools and colleges the effectiveness of affiliated institu- many levels and forms represented web, I thought I’d drop a line which demonstrate that they meet tions. In this way, public assurance is by the membership of the Associa- to my former School. You those standards are accredited and provided as to the quality of institu- tion. contact me via E-mail if you thus become members of the Asso- tions granted membership. need anything from the Singa- ciation. The New England Association is an pore Alumni. Merci et à bien- While initially devoting exclusive advocate of educational quality and tôt, Lionel Chee One of the six regional accrediting attention to New England schools and its improvement, and serves as a associations in the United States, the colleges, in recent years the Associa- public policy resource on issues rela- Ms Joanna Phang Lee Im New England Association is com- tion, recognising the interconnected- ted to the condition of education ’85. Deputy Head of Hospita- mitted to the self-regulation of the ness of the educational enterprise, has throughout New England. It likewise lity Management School academic community by means of also sought to serve educational insti- seeks to sustain and advance the prin- INTEC COLLEGE Penang effective peer review. Through its tutions abroad, particularly at the K - ciples of self-regulation and peer and Arthur Chin ’83 Mana- several commissions, each compri- 12 level. In doing so, it not only review. ger of Mingood Hotel, Penang sing a distinct segment of the educa- encourages their improvement and send their best wishes to tional institutions, the Association excellence, but also advances the idea everyone. develops, makes public, and applies of self-regulation through peer review Adopted May 18, 1995 clearly stated standards for the in regions outside the United States. Board of Trustees Meeting.

2 the link Valais December 1997

Just Married Béatrice Clivaz, elder daughter of Marguerite and Marcel Clivaz got married to Joseph Zumofen, archi- tect, on August 9. They received their guests for a garden reception beside the Les Roches swimming- pool. This was followed by a sump- tuous banquet prepared by the school Chefs and students. The bri- dal couple wish to thank everyone who contributed to making it a most memorable day.

Emilie Hummel-Smith also got married recently. She gave us this news when she paid a visit to the School in October. She is working in the Renaissance Hotel Zurich, at Emilie Hummel-Smith the Reception. Béatrice Clivaz and Joseph Zumofen

The Funnycar Since the inaugural run of the fami- times. However, right up to the last The modern cars have a capacity of liar, old funicular, back in 1911, it day, the original chassis was still 120 passengers, and have a speed has put in 30,210 days of service. being used! which is a crazy 8 metres per second That means that it has trundled up (30 k.p.h.), i.e. double what it used to and down the mountain over a dis- Now the S.M.C. has invested over be! The time taken for the Sierre- tance of approximately 2,300,000 SFr 13,000,000 in ultra-modern Montana run is now 13 minutes in- kilometres! Over the years, the equipment to prepare the funicular stead of 35! That is just as quick as actual cars were changed several for the next millennium. Part of the driving up really fast by car. investment was for new wagons It also means that because the train which will run on a single line. The is so rapid, the Editor will not be At top speed just above Bluche midway station at St Maurice has able to achieve his secret ambition, (Photo: Claude Roh) disappeared. i.e. to hi-jack the funicular!!

De It’s a small world... aux Roches

Barbara Leung and Mr. Eric Favre

A la pâtisserie, nos visiteurs It was once again one of those s’initient à l’art des baguettes... “It’s a small world” moments. The scene was this year’s March Novembre 1997 - Dans le cadre Association Hotel Management Répartis en plusieurs groupes, les ’97 ITB Exhibition in Berlin. d’un voyage en Europe, en vue School Les Roches (la seule école jeunes ont pu découvrir l’école et Mr Favre ran across Barbara d’analyser les opportunités de for- hôtelière visitée en Suisse). Les étu- ses diverses possibilités. Leung (1980-83). Barbara was mation et de perfectionnement, plus diants étaient accompagnés du attending the Fair in her capacity de 200 étudiants de l’université General Captain Chiang Tung Chaque groupe avait pour guide as Accor’s Indonesian Marke- Kaohsiung Hospitality College de Pan, directeur des services de un(e) étudiant(e) taiwanais(e) du ting representative. She sends Taiwan ont récemment passé par carrière et placement, ainsi que cours de 4ème année des Roches her best wishes to everyone. Bluche pour visiter la Swiss Hotel d’autres personnalités. (Bachelor of Science).

3 the link Highlights December 1997

Grand Hotel Park Gstaad: Polo Silver Cup

With the champion.

Dear Mr Müller,

As I have not seen you and your students on your departure, I would like to take this opportu- nity to say thank you for the excellent co-operation during Mr Müller and his team. the Polo Catering in Gstaad.

It was a great pleasure working compliments from our guests and Sincerely yours, with you and your team. All stu- their work was most appreciated. Library dents showed efficiency, pro- GRAND HOTEL PARK GSTAAD In June 1997, a new computer- fessionalism and exceptional We hope to have the pleasure of ised library system was installed. working skills. Most impressive seeing you again next year, and in the Students now have a library card was their motivation, even after meantime, we remain with kind Urs Bührer with a corresponding Bar Code long hours. We received many regards Assistant General Manager Number on the back of it. The student card must be presented when taking a book out. Each book has a Bar Code on it, and laser bar code readers automati- The Valaisan Section of this cally read and check out items to organisation recently held its the correct student’s record. The Annual General Meeting, under system also keeps a check on the guidance of its President, late returns of books and pro- Mr Nicola La Sala, in duces fines letters. Books can Les Roches. This section (with also be reserved “at distance”. its 40 members) is one of eight All in all, the new system makes regional groupings in Switzer- check-in/check-out much faster land. and increases the availability of Among the aims of the Society the library stock. are the maintenance of the high standards of the profession, the Of course, on-site materials - promotion of the training of books, videos, CD’s - will still be young people in the hospitality the core of our information pro- industry and the continued edu- vision, and in this respect, invest- cation of its established mem- ment in new stock has never been bers. All the Les Roches Service higher. Together with improve- teachers are qualified Maîtres ments in facilities - more reading d’Hôtel. Another important role space, Internet points, new prin- of the Valaisan Maîtres d’Hôtel ters/scanners - there is little is that they give the School doubt that the School library is considerable help in providing developing in line with the ove- places for our stagiaires. Mr Hugi, Les Roches In-training Dept. and President La Sala rall aspirations of the School.

4 the link Principal’s Corner December 1997

Dear Alumni, you are most welcome to attend the observed. Informing us of these historic event. could be combined with your com- Board of Governors Another semester has gone by so ments on the School courses - their quickly! So rapidly, in fact, that I This latest exercise of accredita- adequacy and their eventual short- cannot believe that I have already tion has changed the management comings - as you see them now, in been in Les Roches for two full style of the school. Now all par- the light of your industrial expe- years. ties, faculty, staff, and students are rience. involved in the management pro- Up-to-date feedback of this kind is The School has gone through a cess. They participate in a consul- vital for us and can be used and period of significant change. We tant role within our strategic deve- developed in our courses and have now become a Four Year Edu- lopment concept. You, the classes. Everyone in Les Roches cational Institution delivering our Alumni, are also a part of this will deeply appreciate your active own Bachelor of Science in Interna- plan. co-operation and wholehearted tional Hospitality. Besides this, Les More and more, we shall be invi- support. Chairman Marcel Clivaz and Roches is the first Hotel Manage- ting the Alumni to demonstrate Vice-Chairman Robin Spearman. ment School in Switzerland to obtain their loyalty and attachment to the So, please make a point of keeping accreditation at baccalaureate level School. This will be done through in touch and if you intend to visit At an extraordinary sub-commit- from the New England Association the organisation of talks, seminars, Europe, Switzerland or Valais, do tee meeting held in Barcelona, of Schools and Colleges, Inc. USA. participation at the Graduation make sure that you drop by to see Spain on December 3 1997, The first group of students fol- Ceremonies, etc. us. important decisions were made lowing the Bachelor of Science concerning the reorganisation of under our management will gradu- From out there in your daily I wish you all the best of success in the Board of Governors. ate on May 20th, 1998. It will be a dealings in the industry, we would 1998. There will be 13 members. The milestone in the annals of Les welcome all news about the latest Eric E. Favre, next “link” will feature the com- Roches, and if you are in this area, trends and innovations you have Principal plete list of Board Members. There are representatives of the Swiss Hotel Association, of Les Roches, of international hotel chains and private, Swiss, world Radisson SAS wide renowned , of univer- sities and of multinational hotel Hotels World Wide supplier companies. The Board will be convened twice per year, alternatively in Bluche and elsewhere in the world. The Board will seek to enhance the reputation of the School by: - Advising on curriculum content - Providing opportunities for in- trainees and graduates. - Being a source of information to the faculty and owners about changes in the global hospitality industry - Representing the School at national and international meet- ings and congresses.

Robin and Christine Mr Buchner, Mme Luanda and Mr. Favre

Training & Development. agreement with Radisson Hospita- of its employees through innova- There was a large turnout of third Learning Excellence lity Worldwide in 1994, branding tive and exciting training pro- year students for a dynamic pre- its alliance Radisson Hotels grammes sentation of the Radisson Training Radissson SAS Hotels Worldwide - Worldwide (RSH). The alliance program given by Mme Luanda one of Europe’s fastest-growing grew throughout 1996 from 29 to The Radisson SAS Management and Mr Dieter Buchner, Corporate modern hotel and hospitality ser- 82 hotels in 25 countries and the School is a pioneer and trend-set- Human Resources Director. An vices companies - owns, leases, company has set its goal to operate ter in its field. Says Beth-Jeanette interesting highlight was the tele- manages and franchises modern 100 efficient and modern first- Luanda, Vice President Human phone link-up with the Radisson hotels and resorts. Additionally, it class hotels by the end of 1997. Resources based at Radisson in Copenhagen where two Les takes great care in appropriately RSH has hotels in many countries SAS’s Corporate Office in Brus- Roches Graduates Robin Morgan preparing its staff, as its training stretching from Scandinavia to sels, “Because our employees are (Sweden Sum’90) and Christine programmes demonstrate. Malta and from the UK to . our most valuable resource, we Hassler, Denmark (Sum ’94) In addition, it has hotels in , are totally committed to develo- answered the pertinent questions Brussels-based SAS International Jordan, Kuwait, and . RSH ping them and their human put to them by the students at the Hotels formed its co-operative is committed to the development talents” assembly.

5 the link International December 1997

Hong Kong Outing Hot, humid Hong Kong was the On the menu were viande séchée, venue last October 17-19, for a reu- bratwurst, rösti, fondue au fro- nion of good friends from Summer mage and fondue au chocolat. 1995. This was mainly due to the Things were more informal at our efforts of Stephanie Lin from Tai- second dinner which was a good wan. Ten Alumni flew in from Sin- old BBQ thoroughly enjoyed by gapore and Taiwan to join four all of us. friends from HK. Before long we had to say our fare- Basically, we had a relaxing week- wells, but only for 1997. We have end spent catching up on our per- decided to hold our next meeting in sonal lives and professional pro- in Sept/Oct 1998. The gress. Most of us are now in Junior invitation list will be a bit longer, Management positions in F&B and extending to fellow students from other related areas. Otherwise, it all over the world. We hope you can was a shopping, relaxing, lazing join us then! around weekend. Roger Kao. Front row, left to right: Craig Monterio, Stephanie Lin, Marcos Shea, We took a walk down memory Catherine Wu, Tassie Wu and Alice Tsai lane when we had our first dinner Splendid initiative. Back row, left to right: Hiew Lih Keong, (partially hidden) Kelvin Ho. in an authentic Swiss restaurant. Keep it up: Editor Jackie Lau, Sherry Wu, Nok, Lee Tung Ju and Roger Kao

Wine Tasting Bobby’s Babies Evening

The HK Alumni recently organised an evening event at “La Cité” Pacific Place. The meeting was highlighted by the presence of Ms Joanne Sutton, Human Resources Department of the Marco Polo Hotel Group. Also present was Ms Evelyn Oentoro, a Les Roches graduate who is now Director of Search Solutions (Hospitality Recruitment Specialist). Charles Tabalis, now a Sales Manager brought along the wines for tasting. As always, the evening was hosted by Ben Man, Director of Elite Concepts. If you are interested in sha- ring in Les Roches Alumni activities in Hong Kong you should contact Ben or Mme Charpenet “Bobby’s babies” Seen at HK Alumni Meeting last January. Please, send us their names and addresses Bobby.

Grand Stanford Harbour View A home-away-from-home for Les Roches students and travellers

A 1987 graduate of Les Roches and hotel with 554 rooms and 25 suites. Bar for relaxation and musical enter- a native of Hong Kong, Kenneth Lai Guests have easy access to the near- tainment. The Harbour View Lounge was appointed Assistant F&B Mana- by bustling commercial centre and offers an elegant setting with exqui- ger at Grand Stanford in early 1997. entertainment activities, the Exhibi- site live background piano music. tion Centre, the International Airport With such luxurious surroundings Over the years he undertook extensi- and Hong Kong Island. and taking into consideration the ve training in management at the Stanford’s highly efficient and University of Oxford and gained tho- Superb service and accommodation friendly staff, it is no surprise that rough experience in well-respected encompass eight world-class dining Kenneth considers it to be a home- hotels in HK and China. Kenneth outlets. Also on the premises are a away-from home for travellers and admits that he enjoys the challenge of business and office centre, banquet himself. working in this luxury 5-star hotel and conference facilities, an outdoor located in the vibrant and diverse heated swimming-pool, a health It is also the same for other Les heart of Hong Kong. centre, a sauna and a jogging track. Roches graduates who include Ideally situated along the magnifi- Connie Kwan, (Winter ‘90 ) Sales cent Victoria Harbour, Grand Stan- Hotel guests can visit the Harbour Manager and Nicolas Lam, (Sum- ford is a very fine and well-known The lobby View Lounge or Tiffany’s New York mer ‘91) Duty Manager.

6 the link International December 1997

Indian Menues One of the delights of Indian Finally you could finish off with about orange quish or that popu- pannking with hanni or banan menus is the amazing English that popular Scottish dish, pord- lar Indian drink Thumps Up? panecake, or treat yourself to names you see! You can start off ge, or maybe you would like leeches and cream, or even seme- your morning with a bowl of porch with hunney. Chinese dishes offer a whole new nolina pudding! Corn Flaks (useful if you’re range of possibilities, including going to shoot down planes). Or Soup before a meal? How about mashroms and bambu sooghts, Travellers have sent in lots more perhaps you’re an electrician and French onion soap or that old spring rolos, American chopsy, menu suggestions like tired fruit would like some Corn Flex! favourite - crap soup? juice (tinned you know!) plane Or Scotch brath, and maybe some tost (the stuff they serve on Indian Even before your Corn-whatever, muhhutoni, or perhaps start with Airlines), omelet and gegan, two you should take some tea. Now a parn cocktail? eggs any shape, loose curds, has a large variety of types curds bath, tomatoe stuff, of teas to offer. You can try bed Follow that up with some amazing scrambled eggs, chicken poodle tea, milk tea, light tea, ready interpretations of Western dishes soup, screambled eggs, pain- tea, mixed tea, tray tea, plain like the restaurant that not only apple cream and chocolat pad- tea, cutting tea, half set tea had Naèpoleon sapaghetti but ding. and even (of course) full set also some Stalin spaghetti. Per- tea. haps a seezling plator or vege- The real treat would be to try table augrotten sounds more like something Colonel Saunders Eggs offer other possibilities: it? Or simply a light meal ? Well, hasn’t even thought about yet - half fried eggs, pouch eggs, (or why not have a sandwich or a fried children!! eggs poach), bolid eggs, scrim- vegetable pup? Feeling strong? vege chapsey, Chines snakes bled eggs, skamai eggs and egg Then you want a carate salad or a vegetable chop off, vigitiable Ed. Thanks for this humorous tost, sliced omelette, skerem vegetabl cutlass. nuddles, plane park fried rice. contribution. Perhaps you’ve seen boil eggs, bread omelt or sim- Finally for dessert, you could try some bad spealing missteaks too. ply eggs. If you want a drink then how apple pai, apple filter, sweet You can scent them to us!

The 3 R’s Rajinder, Rakesh & Ravi

Rajinder and Mr. Sherry Rakesh, Rajinder, and Ravi Marcelo Politti has every rea- son to be showing how happy Respected Sir, I hope the Indian students are Food Chicken Chain based in he is. He recently published a It was indeed a great pleasure to keeping up our name and excel- N.Y. and opened recently in Man- two-page article on the secrets meet you again in Bluche after an ling in whatever they do in school. hatten.) He has another one in one of successful restaurant mana- interval of four years. of the busier and fancier malls, gement in the well-known Bra- News about the 3R’s.... Well as “Galleria”, in NY. Ravi is also zilian “Revista dos Bares & I was too busy after my sojourn in you can see my business affairs married and works with Rakeesh Restaurantes”. Bluche to write before now. Business keep me on the go world wide. as the Operations Manager. commitments took me to Switzer- Rakeesh is married. He and his He is seen here celebrating his land, , then on to the States wife Meena have a little daughter Best regards to you and all former new position as General Mana- (New Jersey - Seattle - Las Vegas - - Preesha. Rakeesh has taken over classmates of the 3 R’s. Rajinder ger of Playcenter, Sao Paulo. New York) - and back to Zurich! the franchise for Ranch 1 (Fast Saigal (Sum ’83).

7 the link International December 1997

Scandinavia From Stockholm we have heard “Symphony” (rated No 1 by years away from Bluche. Well, about the recent beginnings of Condé Nast). On top of that, this branch of the “Les Roches Alumni Sweden thanks to the Alex von Pachelbel, travelling family” did more than its share efforts of Sofia Ellhammar. on a promotional tour for Les of talking that night! The Roches in Scandinavia was also accounts of their experiences at The presence in town from far in town. home and abroad made the time away places of a few Alumni, slip by very quickly! However, coincided quite by chance with Vikings have a tendency all those who were present deci- the date of the meeting. One to fly far and wide! ded that it would be the first of was just back from Singapore, many meetings to come. Now one from the “Four Seasons” in With such a widely travelled plans are firmly afoot to make (clockwise): Alexander Kirshakov-Vestersten Chicago, yet another had just group, you can imagine that Alumni Sweden a reality. (Sum ’94) Manager at the Patrick’s Bar, Madelei- flown in from Los Angeles for a there was a lot to talk about (as ne Barck (Sum ’91) Sales Manager at the Grand winter holiday, after working on always!) when Les Roches Editor Hotel Stockholm, Jonas Kjellqvist (Sum’90) Bar board the Crystal Cruise Liner Alumni get together after a few Manager at the Cadier Bar at the Grand Hotel, Helena Wittlegren (Sum’92) working as a Crew Accountant and responsible for 550 employees on board the Crystal Cruisliner “Symphony”, Marika Ander (Win ’95) Reception at the Radisson SAS Strand Hotel Stockholm, Susanna Dahlqvist (Sum’93) currently working as F.O. Manager at the Palace Hotel, Sofia Ellhammar (Sum’92) see article, Sofia Hjelmstedt (Win ’95) returning from Chicago where she was Assistant Manager at the Four Seasons, Mattias Edlund (Sum’92) Restaurant Manager. Others who wanted to be present but couldn’t make it were Linda Skanberg, Asst. G.M. at the Diplomat, Samuel Nyman, Bar Manager at the Villa Pauli and Linda Abrahamsson (Sum ’95) from Gothenborg.

Sofia Ellhammar (Sum’92) was so kind as to organise the Alumni get-together in the First Hotel Amaranten where she is currently Helsinki acting as a Regional Sales Direc- tor for the hotel chain. Helsinki - This ‘mini’ meeting came about as the result of some After graduation she worked at last minute phone calls. Most of our Finns work outside of . the Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix/Ari- (clockwise): Antti Sakari Sihvo (Win’95) takes care of the Restau- zona as an F&B Manager, then rant “La Carte”, Alexander von Pachelbel (Sum ’92) Marketing came back to Sweden, starting as Dept. at Les Roches, Fanny Nylund (Sum ’95) currently doing a Bar Manager in one of the first- her Masters in Accounting, and Filippa Bredenberg (Sum’92) class restaurants in Malmö, then who took over her father’s export/import company where she is moved to Denmark where she now acting as Managing Director. was G.M. of the Prinsens Hotel, Sofia Among the absentees were Miina Elg (we just could not trace and after managing the Reserva- her) Kirsti Charlotta Nikander (Sum ’93) who opened “La tions Dept. at the Radisson SAS in Stockholm where she conti- Carte” restaurant in a beautiful, old building in Borga and David Royal Viking Hotel in Stock- nued as the Front-of-the-House Paajanen is at the Conference Centre at Telia Telecom in Kalmar, holm, she opened TGI FRIDAYS Manager. Sweden.

Australia Tony McInnes is now Cost Control- 1989 to 1991 - both summer and In the past months we have also ler at Radisson Resorts of Port Dou- winter batches. They also hope to heard from Mark Parche in Woolla- glas, . This is the largest contact other Australian Alumni and maloo. There was news too from Radisson property in the world. His send their greetings to all who someone in Mt. Butler Chalet wife Helena is the General Manager remember them. Hotel in Victoria, who inadvertent- of the same resort. They were mar- ly forgot to give his name. Qui ried in in 1992, worked at Lachlan Sleeman says he just wan- est-ce? Jospar Hanberg is at Hyatt Regency Dubai for three years ted to touch base and let us know the Regent of Sydney. Beatriz and then at the Hyatt, Canberra for that he is at Stamford Plaza Adelaide Barrenechea Moraza is F&B Co- one year. They have a little son as F&B Manager. He adds that if any ordinator at Forum The Grace Hotel Daniel, now three years old. Tony students with a pertinent visa are at Cherrybrook NSW. Phoebe A and Helena would like to hear from looking for employment in this area, Harcourt is Sales Executive with The Nick Hyans, Laurence and their anyone who attended LR between they should contact him. Small Hotel Company, Sydney. little Elodie

8 the link International December 1997

Turkey November 10 - Sena PIR of Winter most interesting. We really had a lot As a result of the meeting, we plan to ’92 Batch reports that our Alumni in fun! meet every month to build up Alum- have been active of late. Fol- Present at the inaugural meeting ni Turkey. Yasemin Tamer, seconded lowing up on the recent visit were Kaan Uguralp (Win ’92), by Gozde Cogendez will be in char- of Mme Marie-Christine Clivaz, Melis Korkud (Win’95), Yasemin ge. We are excited about this and they organised a highly successful Tamer (Win 92), Roben Saragil really pleased to have caught up with and enjoyable reunion in Istanbul. (Win ‘88), Sunny Gunes Yunuk each other again. Among other After a few changes of dates and (Win ’90), Sena Pir (Win ’92), things which they envisage is to try venues, our happy group finally Pinar Ulusoy (Win ’92), Felix and find other students from Les Yasemin Tamer and Sena Pir came together at the “Borsa Restau- Huerta-Murillo (Win ’92), Iren Roches who are in Turkey. rant”, well known in downtown Duraman (Sum ’90) Gozde Cogen- Personal requests : Sena would like HK/USA, Gozde wants to hear Istanbul for its fine Turkish cuisine dez (Sum ’92) Erdal Pelenyoal. Not to hear from Fidelis Manikis, Sunny from Jackie/Australia and Marwan/ and elegant atmosphere. present (but faxed their excuses), wants to hear from Miriam Geels, (period - summers 91/93). Seeing our old friends (some of Rolf V. Kenda (Win ‘90 from Irem wants to get in touch with Roben would love to have news them a bit more grown up from Les ) and Ali Tatveren. Now Manmeet Chahal from India, about Jérome Nirsimloo, Vancou- Roches days...) and talking about back in Lebanon, Kamal Cherafed- Yasemin is looking for news from ver, B.C. Felix sends his regards to old Les Roches adventures was dine did a lot to get things going. Moses and Ana Cristina Estrada Mr Rasja. Thanks in advance.

(left to right) Melis, Sena, Kaan, Sunny, Mr. Emilio Lavarini, Irem, Felix and (left to right) Felix, Pinar, Erdal, Sunny, Gozde, Roben, Yasemin and Irem Mme Marie-Christine Clivaz

Germany company - others were SRS, Petra Steinle remembers her years Mr Alex von Pachelbel, Summer Pan Pacific, Oberoi, Park Plaza, at Les Roches so well because they ’92, has been working as an Edu- Mövenpick.) were so meaningful to her. She cational Consultant for two years One year ago her husband Jorg was says that her meetings with Les now with Les Roches Marketing transferred to Barcelona, a lovely city Rochians count not as much for Office. Alex travels a good bit in which they feel very comfortable their frequency as for their quality. organising educational seminars and where she set up her own free- After a grand holiday in Tulum/ throughout Northern Europe. Just lance company. She has many pro- Yucatan Mexico, taking in the back from a Scandinavian tour, he jects in the pipeline and things are beach, the seafood, dozens of Pina brought with him a lot of news rolling ! Coladas, entertainment and shows, about our Swedish and Finnish sports at the Club Robinson, she is Alumni. Tina and Petra Over the years she has kept in touch now back in the Sales Dept. at the with her friends from Les Roches City Hilton in Munich and drea- Daniella Freund Klumbis and (Olga Delgado, Elisabet Alabart ming of a new job somewhere Tina Groth both visited Bluche Aparaci, Tina Groth, Petra Stein- abroad. this year. le.) Just recently, in conversation with Tina is at present Director of a new friend in Barcelona, the name Karin Honsberg-Antonioli. Karin Convention Sales at the Sheraton David Paajanen (also of 1990) was and Valeriano got married in August Hotel Frankfurt. mentioned. What a small world it is! ’97 near Munich. They have been After leaving school in 1990, Daniella’s new friend had been working for one and a half years now Daniella got married and lived in David’s next door neighbour for for the Kempinski Grand Hotel Francfort for five years where she years! Now David is in contact Europe in Marketing Services, St. worked mainly at corporate level through E-mail. ( see Finland article) Petersburg, Russia. in software and distribution solu- Finally, Daniella will be willing tions for different companies. to help ex-students who are in This closely-knit group is looking Amber van Zijl and Alex in the (Trust International was her last Barcelona. for news about ”SeñoRiita”. Swissôtel, Amsterdam

9 the link International December 1997

Mme Susanne Kaloudis and Mr guished presence of Mr Walter Sébastien Kantaros were recently Bopp, Chargé d’Affaires at the - appointed as the official representa- Embassy of Switzerland, in Nicosia. tives of Les Roches in Greece and Alumni Greece on the move! Cyprus. They give presentations and seminars for the School throughout Another well-attended meeting was the length and breadth of Greece and held in Athens late November. The its Islands. arrangements for a Grand National Meeting in 1998 of all the Alumni Several successful Alumni meetings from this part of the world are now have been organised in the areas they under discussion. visit regularly - notably in Iraklion, Rhodes and Cyprus. Sébastien, an (left to right) Alumnus himself, reports that the Mme Marie-Christine Clivaz, response has been excellent. Konstantinos Dendrinos (Sum ’88) Corfu Palace Asst. Manager, Mme Suzanne The Alumni have given a big Kaloudis and Sébastien Kantaros. helping hand, for example, by their presence at the Cyprus Fair earlier this year. Through their participation at the presentations, they give a first- hand account of life in Les Roches and can answer all the questions put (left to right) in Cyprus: Dimitra to them by the attending public. Demetriou, Julia Phedonos Vadet, Jeanette and Anislakis Efstathiou, In Nicosia, Cyprus Mme Marie- Aris Aristoteles, Mme Kaloudis just Christine Clivaz joined Mme Kalou- behind Alice Solomonidou, Sébastien dis and Mr Kantaros to give a seminar Kantaros, Mme Marie-Christine on the School. A highlight of this Clivaz, Mr. Walter Bopp, Jiannakis informative evening was the distin- Papageorgiou and Petros Mavros

“Everything loo- ked fine and good - Taiwan just like yesterday and I felt that I was We should learn more and more back home. I was about different cultures. It enables us Jui Chia-Yi Philip so happy to see my to be a little more than just competent teachers, my old professionals in the international friends and the new young people hotel industry. We also have to be who have taken our place in School. human beings who understand and A good Cultural Night was the high- respect each other. light of my visit. It is also one of the better things we do in School because Coming here made me feel how great it helps us to learn more about our it is to be part of Les Roches. I’ll be neighbours. back again when I can.” Last Les Roches Alumni party held on 1st October ’97 at the Exchange Club

Kuala Singapore Roundup All’s well with the Singapore Alumni who continue to meet regularly every Lumpur first Tuesday of the month at The Provignage. 30 Robertson Quay, No 01-12/13 Riverside View (Tel 834 1490). Mr Lavarini, Cheam Recent news is that Kit Lim has had a baby girl. Congratulations. Chean Yhen, Lim May En, Mrs Helen Lim, Russell Tan has gone back to Taiwan to take up a new challenge there. Mrs Palmer, Thien Russell was a driving force in the launching of the Alumni here. Devoted and Shirley and Saira Kim ever enthusiastic, he was a real ambassador for us. ( Thanks Russell for the Soon Hyong excellent job you did. Mr Sherry.) Newcomers who are going to do their bit for the Alumni in Singapore School representatives Mme Arlette Palmer and Mr Emilio Lavarini include Ms Giorgia Marchetti, Ms Shan Kanagasingham, Ms Nandeeta Rai, were delighted to attend a recent Alumni Get-together, organised by Saira Ms Suantini Harsono, Mr Shean Yoke Chai Sean, Mr William Jacques, Kim Soon Hyong with the able assistance of Shirley Thien, to develop the Ms Shannon Lee and Roger Kao (see article on Hong Kong page). Alumni in .

10 the link Grads write in... December 1997

Dear Mr Sherry, HK, got married and joined the I am Lynna Wong from Hong family business in which I am still What a pleasure to see the Les First, I hope you are fine and in Kong of the June ’94 graduating involved. Roches Page on the Web. Finally, a good health. Thank you for the class of June ’94. Please keep sen- great way to keep in touch with the copy of “the link” you sent. It is ding me the latest news of “Les school that taught us “a way of life”. always welcome to hear about Roches” through “the link”. other “Les Roches” Alumni. In SNOWFLAKES... Well, after graduating from Les addition I wish to extend my Thank you and take care, Roches in 1993, I came to Rhode congratulations to you and your Lynna Island in the USA to get my Bache- team for the success of “the link”. ? lor’s of Science. The true depth of the working knowledge gained at Tracking down former students is You’re funny... Les Roches struck not only me, but no easy task. Your publication is ? You’ve got snowflakes the fifteen other graduates from Les just overflowing with informa- To: Messrs. Bider, Cronin, Eberli, On your eyelashes Roches. I received the Bachelor’s in tion! At the same time it is also Martin and Stoeckli. And I’ve got them 1994 and continued to complete my great to hear about the progress Down my back M.B.A. in International Business, of our Alma Mater. Not only is it Hello! I hope you are all fine. And on my nose along with Jai Kwon Lee (S. Korea, growing in numbers but also in I am now a Sous-Chef at the She- Sum 1993). It’s funny... the standards it sets. raton Hotel and Towers in Subang, Kuala Lumpur. Life as a Chef over I was hired by the Hyatt Corporation Time flies so quickly! It seems here is very demanding and busy. Are you winking at me? in 1995, and assigned to the Hyatt just like yesterday that I said Thanks to all the training I got Or don’t you like Regency in Greenwich, Connecti- goodbye to little Bluche. I gra- from all of you, I became the The snowflakes cut. I am currently working as the duated in December ’91. In those youngest Sous-Chef in Malaysia in in your eyes? Assistant Hotel Manager in Connec- six years my hotel posts have a 5-star Hilton. That was in 1993. I think they’re beautiful. ticut which in many ways reminds taken me to Geneva, Manila, It was your belief in me that made me of peaceful and beautiful Swit- Dubai, and having recently immi- me the best. I worked for Hilton zerland. grated, to Vancouver where I am for two years and later worked for You know, some people now in the Front Office team of a Club Med in Sahoro, a Japanese Don’t like the winter. I am still in touch with several of my leading hotel. resort, as a Garde-Manger Chef. They say it’s too cold. classmates via the Internet. Singapo- Later I did a stint on a Club Med They’re funny. re, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Again my sincerest thanks and cruise ship as Ass. F&B manager. Brasil, Kenya and Australia are regards to all the “Les Roches” We cruised in To me, some of the places where Les faculty. taking in Noumea and other Paci- Roches graduates are now making a Snow is like love Monica Santos fic Islands name for themselves. It makes me warm all over... (December ’91) Next month I will be going to Cairo, for a Malaysian Food Les Roches is truly a way of life and Presentation and then on to Hong ? I am grateful that through Internet it ? Kong to work there. Thanks for is keeping the spirit alive amongst us everything, From a “Les Roches” Year Book all. Dear Mr Sherry, Tunku Farazil Les Roches was perhaps the best Currently the US market is expe- Thank you very much for your time I ever had. I still have very riencing a shortage of qualified indi- letter of October 27, 1997. fond memories of Bluche, the fel- viduals for mid-level management ? low students, and the staff. Of positions. We are currently recrui- It was really very nice to hear Dear Mr Sherry, course, I haven’t forgotten the ting students from Hotel Schools in something again from Les Cultural Night when we sang Europe and have recently received Roches, because however long How have you been? It’s been a “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”. students from Lausanne, Paris, ago it was that I was there,“ It is long time since I was in Bluche - That night brings a smile to my Greece, Germany and Spain who are not just a school, it is a way of nearly ten years or so. face every time I think about it. completing 18 months’ internship life...”. Anyway, I would love to get in with us. During my travels all over the Had I known that Les Roches had contact with some of my friends of world, I have met several people a homepage of its own, I would those days. Finally through Inter- If any one is interested in doing an from Les Roches. It is so funny have written earlier. A friend of net and you, I may have a chance internship with us please do write that you keep meeting them in the mine in Switzerland told me about to get in touch with them. It’s great me or E-mail me at [email protected]. strangest of places. I will make it. I paid it a visit and found the to see what you are doing for the sure that they all receive the names of a lot of people with Alumni. Please keep it up. Please add my name to the growing Alumni Association reply cards. whom I thought I had virtually lost My address for those who wish to list of students in the Association. All the best with the organisation contact. contact me is: Javed Abdullah of the Alumni Association and if 1703 Tai Hang Terrace, 5 Chun Fai Thank you Les Roches for putting there is anything I can do to help, I was in Summer Batch (1983- Road HK Tel Home 852 2415 me on a great track and successful please do not hesitate to contact 1986). I left Switzerland in 1987 0904 Office Fax Tel 852 2721 career in the hospitality industry. me at any time. and came to Hong Kong, and a 8776 Office Fax (852 2367 Best regards, year later went off to work with 5526).Thank you and best regards, Dev. D. Lall Amber van Zijl Hyatt Regency, Macau as Banquet Javed (Summer ’93) Dear Editor, Manager. After that I returned to Dear Friends at Les Roches,

11 the link One year course December 1997

Tour de Suisse Associate Diploma in Hotel they toured the Old Town and visited Operations Management, Class of the Clock Tower and the Bear Pit. 1997-98 - Barcelona, London, In Schaffhausen they made an over- Milan, Paris, Vienna - any of these night stop at the romantic Youth Hos- could have been the mid-term break tel in Laufen Castle. The next day, destination of the Modular Class. the famous Munot Fortress was They decided to follow up on Alain visited before going on to St. Gallen. Bachmann’s brilliant and original Here they went to the Convent Libra- idea. He had prepared an attractive ry and the magnificent Cathedral - and diversified program to allow his both of these historic buildings are classmates to see more of Switzer- classified by UNESCO as World land (through Swiss eyes) than just Cultural Treasures. Highlight of the Bluche and Montana-Crans! visit to the Cathedral, and a welcome The 16-strong group started off in surprise for the group, was the thirty Enjoying a night out at San’Nick’s Bern, the capital of Switzerland, minute organ concert performed just with a delicious lunch at the famous for them! mountain to spend the night in Davos unique resort of Bürgenstock. What Restaurant Fédéral. In the afternoon The happy group continued up the so well known as a fantastic ski resort a breathtaking view there was of and also as the venue for the annual the Alps and the Lake of the Four World Economic Forum. Cantons! The Victoria Jungfrau Bad-Ragaz and the splendid, newly Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken re-opened Hotel Quellenhof, a Lead- was the culminating point of the ing Hotel of the World was the next tour. The flagship of the Swiss hos- stop. Such is the splendour of the pitality industry pampered the Hotel that many of the students Modulars with a tour of the luxuriant wanted to apply there for their premises, laid on deluxe rooms or ‘stage’. One of Alain’s aims was to suites and topped off everything with present Swiss folklore to his foreign a delicious Gala Dinner. Everyone classmates. Where better to do it than relaxed at the state-of-the-art Spa in Lucerne? Flag-throwing, Alphorn- and dreamed of eventually working blowing, yodelling and a traditional in such a magnificent Hotel. cheese fondue were all enjoyed in one All good things come to an end and of the town’s many typical Swiss res- the group was unanimous in its (left to right) The Gala Dinner at the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel Interlaken: Sibe, taurants. recognition of Alain’s excellent Hiro, Trina, D.J., Alma (partially hidden), Georgios, Ruchir, Pradeep, Rhini, Deepak, A short, refreshing trip by boat initiative and his minute organisation Millie, Alain, Rhona, Per, Amanda (partially hidden), Fred. took our intrepid travellers to the of such an unforgettable tour.

(left to right) Back row: Monette Aguas, Quezon City, PHILIPPINES Au revoir... Aileen Manalo, Manila, PHILIPPINES Wang Lina, INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTER, Dalian, Liaoning Wang Lanyun, HOTEL MANAGEMENT COLLEGE, Tianjing Guo Suping, QINGHAI HOTEL, Xining, Qinghai Wang Hong, DALIAN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, Dalian, Liaoning These young Chinese managers are about to complete their one year of Wang Hong, XUANWU HOTEL, Nanjing, Jiangsu studies in Les Roches. Upon arrival, they lost no time in integrating and Jin Qing, BEIJING CENTRAL GARDEN HOTEL, Beijing have been very popular with their fellow students and teachers. They are Kang Yan, MINZU HOTEL, Harebin, Heilongjiang Luo Jia, FORSHAN GOLDEN HORSE HOTEL, Forshan, Guangdong returning to China after a year of profitable studies. They will be our Zhu Hong, HOTEL SOFITEL HYLAND, Shanghai second major group of Alumni in PR China. Our best wishes go with Xie Bin, DING SHAN GARDEN HOTEL, Nanjing, Jiangsu them for the continued success of their careers in the hospitality industry. Xu Jin, JINJIAN HOTEL, Chengdu, Sichuan Zhou Yongli, ANSHAN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, Anshan, Liaoning Zou Min, MIN SHAN HOTEL, Chengdu, Sichuan

Front row: Zuo Shen, HOTEL SOFITEL HYLAND, Shanghai Wang Qiang, BEIJING CENTRAL GARDEN HOTEL, Beijing Chen Yongqing, ZHEJIANG TOURISM SCHOOL, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Jiang Guorong, BAMBOO GROVE HOTEL, Suzhou, Jiangsu Hu Ligang, XUANWU HOTEL, Nanjing, Jiangsu Wang Xiaolai, CHONGQING HOTEL, Chongqing Jin Yang, SHENZHEN BAY HOTEL, Shenzhen, Guangdong Wang Dongfong, BEIJING HOTEL, Beijing Li Huaxing, ZHUHAI HOLIDAY HOTEL, Zhuhai, Guangdong Zhao Baoguo, SHANGHAI INSTITUTE OF TOURISM, Shanghai Wu Guoqiang MIN SHAN HOTEL, Chengdu, Sichuan

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