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The Rotary Club of Albion had a wonderful treat on August 11, 2022. An exchange student from 50 YEARS ago was in town visiting his host ‘mom’ and asked if he could speak at the upcoming meeting. Philippe and his 'mom' are pictured left.Until September 2019, Philippe was Deputy Assistant State Secretary for Bilateral Economic Relations at the State Secretariat for 
Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Swiss Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. He was in charge of bilateral trade and investment relations with the Americas and held the diplomatic title of Minister. Philippe is a well-published author, with focus on export performance, world trade and international relations.
Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Swiss Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. He was in charge of bilateral trade and investment relations with the Americas and held the diplomatic title of Minister. Philippe is a well-published author, with focus on export performance, world trade and international relations.While Philippe was an AFS exchange student for the 1972-73 academic year, he reflected on how he developed a strong bond with the Rotary Club of Albion family. He spoke warmly of his experience in Albion and how it opened his eyes to the non-academic aspects of education (arts, sports, music) and left these takeaways:
- “The United States play a leading role in the world to promote peace and democracy and will continue to do so for decades as the most important economic and military power in the world. Today, this is highlighted with the massive military aid of the United States to Ukraine.
- The United States will need more than ever faithful allies in a more and more polarized world.
- Switzerland and the United States are called “Sister Republics”. The fathers of our constitutions, the Swiss one in particular, have inspired themselves from our political systems. Our bonds are strong.
Switzerland is the 6th largest foreign investor in the United States with more than 480,000 well-paid jobs, and ranks first in research and development outlays. The administration of Presidents Obama, Trump and now President Biden all expressed significant interest in the very low unemployment rate of Swiss youth. It relies on our apprenticeship system which absorbs two thirds of the 16 year-old people. Based on the Swiss experience and on bilateral agreements covering dual education, the United States government seeks to expand apprenticeship in the country cooperating with Swiss firms.
In my capacity as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Affairs, I negotiated various agreements with the United States. My AFS background was extremely useful to establish at the outset a good relationship, discuss matters, sense limits and make my points. We always came up with good compromises for both parties.
The bonds between our two countries are strong and will remain strong.
- Rotary is an outstanding institution to contribute to a better understanding between people around the world.
- Never hesitate to create new bonds at home and abroad. It is with young people today that we shape a peaceful, prosperous and tolerant country and world for tomorrow.”
ANOTHER treat. Philippe’s US ‘mom’ happens to be the Rotary club of Albion’s former accompanist, Millie Gavenda! Club members joyfully welcomed Millie and enjoyed having accompaniment to their singing - even breaking out some harmonies! After enjoying one last treat, Swiss chocolate, the club presented Philippe with a Rotary Club of Albion exchange flag!
**Mr. Nell holds a PhD from the Graduate School of International Studies of the University of Denver and Masters from the Universities of Fribourg, Carleton (Ottawa) and Denver. He is Privat Docent at the University of Fribourg where he dispenses courses.