An enthusiastic group of TASIS alumni from the Class of 2006 and their guests returned to campus for a milestone 20-year reunion on the evening of June 6. Alumni checked in near the main entrance to campus, and a few had the immediate reaction, “It’s changed so much!” They quickly learned—during the presentation in the Palmer Cultural Center and throughout the campus tour—that while the institution has grown, the spirit and vision of Founder M. Crist Fleming (now held true by her daughter Lynn Fleming Aeschliman) continue to guide the school’s growth. Before the presentation, a photo was taken in front of the newly restored Casetta—a building these alumni remember well—and a full group photo was taken in front of the Palmer Center, with some of the attendees recalling that it was being built when they were in their senior year.
The alumni were eager to catch up with classmates before moving inside the theater for a short presentation. Director of Institutional Advancement Bill Eichner opened the presentation and touched on the fact that Mrs. Fleming was still very active when this class was here. He looked out over the audience and joked, “Some of you got into a good amount of trouble!” while also noting that the values that were in place when Mrs. Fleming founded the school are still held dear today. Associate Director of Advancement KC McKee took over after Bill’s salute to discuss where the school is today and where it’s headed. Next up was an extensive tour of campus, starting with the MCF Library. The alumni particularly appreciated seeing the library, the opening of which they all remembered from 2005! Following the tour, the guests spilled onto the Villa de Nobili terrace with the view of Lake Lugano below, and then their Senior Prom lawn shot was recreated with De Nobili in the background. It was then time to move to the Casa Fleming garden for aperitifs, dinner, and lively conversation over the TASIS yearbook from 2006, with a slideshow rolling in the living room with photos from the group’s time as TASIS students. One highlight was Phillip Astein recreating his iconic spring 2006 TASIS Today cover!
