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

Kick off the reunion weekend with a warm welcome back to Franklin! Join us for a light breakfast and an informal gathering where you’ll reconnect with current students, faculty, and fellow alumni. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for a weekend full of celebration, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

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

A special assembly with President Samuel Martín-Barbero, honoring our founders and celebrating the achievements of 55 years of Franklin. We will also look ahead, sharing highlights of the 2030 Strategic Plan and exploring the exciting future that lies ahead for Franklin.

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

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at local well known Ristorante Giardino pizzeria. This optional, informal gathering is a great opportunity to connect with friends and fellow alumni, share stories, and savor authentic pizza in the familiar surroundings of Sorengo.

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

An informal dinner for alumni and friends at the Kaletsch Campus Grotto and Lawn. Do you remember the first time you had a glass of Merlot del Ticino, Polenta, or Luganiga? This informal cocktail-style dinner will feature delicious foods from Ticino and offer a chance to mingle with old and new friends while savoring Ticino’s culinary delights. 

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

We all remember the unforgettable boat cruises from our student days—now it’s your chance to relive that magic! Picture yourself cruising across the serene waters of Lake Lugano, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, while catching up with fellow alumni.
This traditional boat cruise apéro will provide a relaxed, scenic setting to enjoy the region's beauty and reconnect with old friends. It’s the perfect precursor to the Gala Dinner, with the stunning Hotel Splendide Royal just a short walk away to continue the celebration!

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

The highlight of the 55th Anniversary weekend, the Gala Dinner is an evening of elegance, connection, and celebration at the prestigious Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano. Set in this stunning lakeside venue, the evenings begins with an aperitivo on the veranda with sparkling prosecco and delectable hors d’oeuvres. Guests will then indulge in an exceptional four-course dinner, as we raise our glasses to 55 years of Franklin’s legacy and the lifelong friendships that define our community. As the evening unfolds, the celebration continues with music and dancing, as a live DJ keeps the energy high ensuring a night of laughter, nostalgia, and new memories. A true tribute to the Franklin spirit!

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

Join us for a delightful brunch to close out the 55th Anniversary Global Alumni Reunion in style. This special gathering will offer a chance to reflect on the weekend’s celebrations and look ahead to the exciting future of Franklin University Switzerland. As you enjoy delicious food and great company, you’ll hear from university leaders and fellow alumni about the next chapter in Franklin’s journey. The Celebration Brunch will be the perfect way to share one last moment with friends old and new, savor the memories of the weekend, and toast to Franklin’s enduring legacy and bright future. It’s an event not to be missed—bring your Franklin spirit and be part of this unforgettable conclusion to an incredible reunion weekend.

Discover the captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning views that make Bergamo truly special. Our journey begins at Accademia Carrara, taking you on a 1.5 hour journey through 500 years of Italian art from the Renaissance to the 19th century. After lunch, we will move to Città Alta, the city’s historic heart and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll stroll through charming cobbled streets and take in the breathtaking vistas from the medieval walls.

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

No visit to Bergamo is complete without a sweet treat, so we’ll stop for ice cream at the birthplace of stracciatella, offering a true taste of the city’s culinary legacy.

Discover Moncucchetto, a renowned urban winery where history, passion, and innovation intertwine in a stunning architectural setting designed by acclaimed Swiss architect Mario Botta, known for his distinctive modern style that blends with the natural surroundings.

Enjoy a guided cellar tour followed by a curated tasting of two white and two red local wines, perfectly paired with bread, grissini, cold cuts, and cheese. Gain insight into the Lucchini family's ongoing passion for Ticino's terroir, now carried forward by their sommelier daughter, Alessandra, and her husband.

Milan is a city where art, history, and culture intertwine seamlessly, and 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 is not just a museum but a living archive of Italy’s artistic heritage. Explore this extraordinary collection with Nickolas Neibauer ’05. Engage with centuries of creativity, set within the historic Palazzo Brera, a center of Milanese culture and learning.

Following the tour, partake in 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. Originating in the 18th century, this practice of enjoying a light drink paired with small bites serves as a moment of relaxation and connection. Experience this quintessential Milanese custom in a vibrant setting, just as locals do at the end of their day unwind over a classic Italian aperitivo in the heart of Milan.

For generations of Franklin students, Valle Verzasca has been more than just a picturesque landscape - it has been an integral part of their journey. Revisit this meaningful location with Professor Emeritus Armando Zanecchia, who has been leading academic travels at Franklin for over 27 years.

Walk along the Art Path, a scenic trail that weaves through Valle Verzasca’s lush surroundings, highlighting the intersection of nature and creativity.

Enjoy a traditional Ticinese lunch at Grotto Efra in Sonogno, a family-run establishment renowned for its commitment to locally sourced, zero-kilometer ingredients. Here, participants will enjoy an authentic taste of the region, in an atmosphere that encourages conversation and camaraderie.