seen on the scene
New Swiss Honorary Consul John Bernhard
Introduction
Swiss Consul General of Atlanta Peter Zimmerli flew to Houston not only
for a two-day conference, but also to welcome the new Honorary Consul
John Bernhard as well as to honor the outgoing Honorary Consul Margrit
Young-Zellweger. The event took place at The Rice University Media Cen-
ter where guests were entertained by the Rice Mariachi Band. Present were
representatives from the City of Houston, the Office of the Foreign Mission,
the Consular Corps, the Swiss Community and friends.
Consul General introduced the incoming Honorary Consul John Bernhard.
He also thanked the outgoing Honorary Consul Margrit Young-Zellweger
for 11 years of dedicated service which included hosting many Swiss cultural
events, representing the Swiss community by volunteering in the Houston
community with members of the Consular Corps, attending many events
hosted by the City of Houston as well as other consular events. Additionally,
she welcomed and hosted several tours and seminars of Houston when the
Swiss Ambassadors and General Consuls visited.
Outgoing Honorary Consul Margrit Young-Zellweger thanked the Swiss
government for giving her the opportunity to serve Switzerland from abroad.
She was honored to serve and enjoyed her years in the role of Honorary
Consul stating that she never knew what the day would bring which made
the job both rewarding and fulfilling. She concluded by thanking the Swiss
American Society, her family and especially her late husband Dr.Ron Young
for all their help and support throughout her tenure. The outgoing Honorary
Consul concluded her role by introducing the new Honorary Consul John
Bernhard and wishing him the very best for the coming years.
The incoming Honorary Consul Bernard expressed his appreciation to the
Swiss Confederation in selecting him to serve his country. He introduced
himself and talked about his professional advancement over the years as an
artist as well as his success in the publishing world of art photography books.
The evening concluded with a toast to HC Bernard wishing him great suc-
cess in the coming years as Honorary Consul and representative for the Swiss
abroad.
30 iF Magazine | April 2018