Saturday, 29 November 2025 – Erlinsbach (AG)
On Saturday, 29 November, the Cornell Club of Switzerland came together for a memorable Thanksgiving celebration paired with our 39th Annual General Meeting, hosted in the beautiful surroundings of the Landhotel Hirschen in Erlinsbach (AG).
With 42 attendees overall, including 4 children and 24 participants in the afternoon museum visits, the day was filled with art, connection, and heartfelt Big Red spirit.
Art, Ingenuity, and Inspiration
Our Thanksgiving gathering began earlier in the day in nearby Aarau with two guided tours of the Paul Gugelmann Museum, offered in both English and German. Alumni and guests delighted in discovering the whimsical kinetic sculptures of Swiss artist and inventor Paul Gugelmann. His playful yet thought-provoking mechanical creations, blending precision engineering with imagination and emotion, sparked curiosity, conversation, and smiles across both groups.
AGM: Reflecting on the Year Ahead
We then reconvened at the Landhotel Hirschen for the Annual General Meeting (AGM), chaired by our President, Dr. Christophe Zimmerli (LL.M. ’00), followed by a welcome apéritif. The AGM offered an opportunity to reflect on the past year, review the Club’s financials, and hear a preview of the exciting events planned for the year ahead by our Board. It was a fitting way to close the year together as a community while looking ahead with enthusiasm to what lies ahead.
A Thanksgiving to Remember
The evening culminated in our much-anticipated Thanksgiving Dinner, a true highlight of the day. It was especially meaningful to celebrate this cherished holiday tradition in Switzerland, complete with beautifully presented, locally raised Swiss turkeys, cranberry sauce, and all the classic trimmings.
We were warmly welcomed by Albi von Felten, owner and General Manager of the Landhotel Hirschen and a dear friend of our Club’s President Christophe Zimmerli (LL.M. ’00), whose hospitality set the tone for the entire evening. Albi generously shared personal stories about the history of his family’s restaurant and hotel, now in its fifth generation, adding a deeply personal and authentic touch to the experience. The food and service were impeccable, reflecting the Hirschen’s commitment to seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine and genuine Swiss hospitality.
With Gratitude
A heartfelt thank you to Albi von Felten and the entire Landhotel Hirschen team for hosting us with such warmth and care; to everyone who joined us for this special day; and to our President, Christophe, for organizing the entire event. It was truly a joy to gather with alumni, families, and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving together.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to build connections within the Cornell community here in Switzerland.
Go Big Red!