International Boarding School

Ten questions for our notable alumnus Rudy Alpers

1) What have you been up to since you left Rosenberg?

Since I graduated from Rosenberg in 1989, I did quite a lot of interesting things. Highlights were living in Palm Springs, California and running summer camps for ARIANA in Seefeld (Austria). At the moment I am working in the real estate business and representing Rosenberg around the world (Mexico City, Moscow, Mumbai etc.).

2) What was the best thing about your time at Rosenberg?

Studying and living in a multicultural and multilingual environment. Rosenberg is a beautiful place with a great view of the mountains. Rosenberg campus looks like a fairy tale. Remember Nussbaum, Ulrichshof and Ekkehard? We were taught respect, tolerance and discipline, it's a part of the "Rosenberg spirit". Mr. van Betteraey, Mr. Besancon and other teachers were enthusiastic in teaching us and always had an open ear to listen to our wishes and problems. To meet school friends at the 125th anniversary celebrations of Rosenberg in 2014 was very special to me. The lightening show & the fireworks were bombastic!

3) Which is your favourite city?

My favourite city is Rio de Janeiro. Rio is the most beautiful city of Brazil, maybe even of the whole world. Rio stands for: Copacabana beach, Caipirinha, Samba, Corcovado and Carneval. An incredible place for vacation.

4) What is your favourite spot to hang out?

I love hanging out in the Black Forest, which is very close to my home town of Karlsruhe. We often go for biking and hiking with our dog in the vineyards. The Black Forest is known for: Cuckucks-clocks, Schwarzwälder Kirsch cake and of course wine. You can experience wine tastings in historical wine cellars with Schwarzwälder Schinken (ham).

5) Which place that you have never been to, is on top of your list to visit?

Megacities are fascinating me a lot. On top of my list are: Seoul and Tokyo. Both cities have strong cultural traditions and are very modern at the same time. Their architecture is very inspiring.

6) Looking back at your own school time, what advice do you have for current Rosenberg students?

Try to do as many things as possible: skiing, sightseeing around Switzerland and be part of the Rosenberg Ball. It's a breathtaking show for the whole family! Not to forget summer camp in the Swiss mountains in Arosa. For those who like to experience Rosenberg: Winter camp. You'll love it!

7) Which person inspires you?

I get inspired by all persons who are working hard to be experts in their fields, like Frau Monika Schmid.

8) What is precious to you?

Family, long term friendships, our dog and health.

9) What are your projects for the future?

While traveling around the world I was lucky to experience international cuisine (borsh, enchiladas, madras (indian soup) etc). As cooking became my new hobby, I want to improve my cooking skills.

10) Complete this sentence: "To learn to live is…“

to dance in the rain :-)