A MILESTONE CELEBRATION

Franklin alumni from around the world gathered in Lugano for the 55th Anniversary Global Alumni Reunion from May 23–25, 2025, enjoying a weekend filled with reconnection, celebration, and unforgettable experiences. This milestone event was a meaningful opportunity to catch up with old friends, create new memories, and honor Franklin's enduring legacy.

In the days leading up to the reunion (May 19–22), alumni who arrived early or attended Commencement took part in special Alumni Academic Travel Experiences. These immersive excursions — to Valle Verzasca, Milan, Bergamo, and Moncucchetto Winery — captured the spirit of exploration and camaraderie that defines the Franklin experience.

 

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS
A Franklin Welcome: Breakfast with Students and Faculty

Friday, May 23, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

The reunion weekend began with a warm welcome back to Franklin, featuring a light breakfast and an informal gathering. Attendees had the opportunity to reconnect with current students, faculty, and fellow alumni—setting an uplifting tone for a weekend filled with celebration, camaraderie, and memorable moments.

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Presidential Assembly: Honoring our Heritage, Embracing Tomorrow

Friday, May 23, 2025, 11:15 am – 12:30 pm

A special assembly with President Samuel Martín-Barbero honored Franklin’s founders and celebrated 55 years of achievement. The event also looked ahead, featuring highlights of the 2030 Strategic Plan and offering a glimpse into the exciting future of the University.

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Reunion Weekend Pizza Lunch at Ristorante Giardino

Friday, May 23, 2025, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Guests enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the well-known Ristorante Giardino pizzeria. This optional, informal gathering provided an opportunity to connect with friends and fellow alumni, share stories, and savor authentic pizza in the familiar surroundings of Sorengo.

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A Taste of Ticino Buffet Dinner

Friday, May 23, 2025, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

An informal dinner for alumni and friends took place at the Kaletsch Campus Grotto and Lawn. The cocktail-style gathering featured traditional foods from Ticino—including Merlot del Ticino, polenta, and luganiga—and offered a relaxed setting to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones while enjoying local culinary specialties.

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Boat Cruise Apéro on Lake Lugano

Saturday, May 24, 2025, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

We all remember the unforgettable boat cruises from our student days! The traditional boat cruise apéro offered alumni the chance to relive a cherished Franklin experience. Cruising across the serene waters of Lake Lugano, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, participants enjoyed a relaxed and scenic setting to reconnect with old friends. The event served as a fitting prelude to the Gala Dinner, with the Hotel Splendide Royal just a short walk away to continue the celebration.

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Gala Dinner

Saturday, May 24, 2025, 7:00 pm – 1:00 am

The highlight of the 55th Anniversary weekend, the Gala Dinner was an evening of elegance, connection, and celebration at the prestigious Hotel Splendide Royal in Lugano. Set in a stunning lakeside venue, the evening began with an aperitivo on the veranda, featuring sparkling prosecco and delectable hors d’oeuvres. Guests then enjoyed an exceptional four-course dinner, raising their glasses to 55 years of Franklin’s legacy and the lifelong friendships that define the community. The celebration continued with music and dancing, as a live DJ kept the energy high—creating a night filled with laughter, nostalgia, and lasting memories. A true tribute to the Franklin spirit.

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Together at Franklin: Celebration Brunch

Sunday, May 25, 2025, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

The Celebratory Brunch marked a fitting close to the 55th Anniversary Global Alumni Reunion. This special gathering offered a moment to reflect on the weekend’s celebrations and look ahead to the future of Franklin University Switzerland, highlighted by the unveiling of the new Donor Wall. Guests enjoyed delicious food and meaningful conversations while hearing from university leaders and fellow alumni about the next chapter in Franklin’s journey. It was a final opportunity to connect with friends old and new, savor shared memories, and toast to Franklin’s enduring legacy and bright future.

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REUNION WEEKEND PROGRAM

The 55th Anniversary Global Alumni Reunion offered a dynamic weekend of events designed to celebrate Franklin’s past, present, and future. From informal gatherings and shared meals to special moments of reflection and celebration, the program provided numerous opportunities for alumni to reconnect, reminisce, and look ahead together. With a variety of settings—from lakeside cruises to campus traditions—each event created space to enjoy meaningful conversations, strengthen bonds, and honor Franklin’s enduring spirit and bright future.

Dive into each day's program to discover more about the events and experiences planned.

Friday, May 23, 2025

  • A Franklin Welcome: Breakfast with Students and Faculty
  • Presidential Assembly: Honoring Our Heritage, Embracing Tomorrow
  • Reunion Weekend Pizza Lunch at Ristorante Giardino
  • Franklin Forward: Student-Led Campus Tours
  • A Taste of Ticino Dinner
READ MORE

Saturday, May 24, 2025

  • President's Walk and Talk
  • Soccer Game
  • Boat Cruise Apéro on Lake Ligano
  • Franklin Gala Dinner
READ MORE

Sunday, May 25, 2025

  • Together at Franklin: Celebratory Brunch and Donor Wall Unveiling
READ MORE
ALUMNI ACADEMIC TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Discover Bergamo - May 19, 2025

In the days leading up to the reunion weekend, interested alumni discovered the captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning views that make Bergamo truly special. The journey began at Accademia Carrara, with a 1.5-hour tour through 500 years of Italian art, from the Renaissance to the 19th century. After lunch, the group continued to Città Alta—the city’s historic heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—strolling through charming cobbled streets and taking in breathtaking vistas from the medieval walls.

Leading the exploration was Tomaso Rizzi, Vice President for Finance and Administration—and a Bergamo native—who shared his insider knowledge of the city’s hidden gems and artistic landmarks.

The visit concluded with a sweet stop for ice cream at the birthplace of stracciatella, offering a true taste of Bergamo’s culinary legacy.

Vineyard Tasting - May 20, 2025

On Tuesday, May 20, alumni had the opportunity to visit Moncucchetto, a renowned urban winery where history, passion, and innovation come together in a striking architectural setting designed by acclaimed Swiss architect Mario Botta, known for his distinctive modern style that harmonizes with the natural landscape.

The experience included a guided cellar tour followed by a curated tasting of two white and two red local wines, thoughtfully paired with bread, grissini, cold cuts, and cheese. Participants also gained insight into the Lucchini family's enduring dedication to Ticino's terroir, now carried forward by their sommelier daughter, Alessandra, and her husband.

Guided Tour of Pinacoteca di Brera - May 21, 2025

The Alumni Academic Travel planned for Wednesday, May 21, took participants to Milan—a city where art, history, and culture intertwine seamlessly. Few places capture this essence better than the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy's most prestigious art galleries. Home to masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian, the Pinacoteca served as both a museum and a living archive of Italy’s artistic heritage. Guests toured this extraordinary collection with Nickolas Neibauer ’05, Director of Advancement and Alumni, engaging with centuries of creativity within the historic Palazzo Brera, a long-standing center of Milanese culture and learning.

Following the tour, the group experienced one of Milan’s most cherished traditions: the aperitivo. More than just a pre-dinner drink, the aperitivo is a social ritual deeply rooted in the city’s culture. In a vibrant local setting, guests relaxed and connected over light drinks and small bites, just as Milanese locals do at the end of the day—unwinding in true Italian style.

The Traditional Valle Verzasca - May 22, 2025

For generations of Franklin students, Valle Verzasca has been more than a picturesque destination—it has been a meaningful part of their Franklin journey. In the days leading up to the reunion weekend, alumni had the chance to revisit this iconic valley alongside Professor Emeritus Armando Zanecchia, who has guided academic travels at Franklin for over 27 years.

The group followed the Art Path, a scenic trail winding through the valley’s lush landscape, where nature and creativity meet in harmony.

The day concluded with a traditional Ticinese lunch at Grotto Efra in Sonogno, a beloved, family-run restaurant known for its dedication to zero-kilometer, locally sourced ingredients. Set in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the meal offered guests a genuine taste of the region and an opportunity to reconnect through shared stories and lasting camaraderie.

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