On Thursday, March 29, 2012, SYA Spain Interim Resident Director John Rosen, Spain faculty, staff and students welcomed fellow SYAers from around the globe to take part in the celebration of the official naming of our new home in Zaragoza, Casa Foster 64. The celebration was the capstone of a three-year capital campaign.  

More than 100 guests attended, including founding SYA Spain teacher Ángel Vilalta, SYA Spain Resident Director 1993-97 Francesca Piana, former president Woody Halsey, former SYA Spain faculty Becky McCann, notable Campaign for Spain donors Nicola Bulgari, SYA Spain 1986 alumna Natalia Bulgari, Carlos and Malu Alvarez, and alumnus from the first SYA Spain graduating class in 1965, Stephen Foster. Also in attendance were SYA President Jack Creeden, the Board of Trustees, Resident Directors from Europe and Asia, faculty, neighbors and friends.

"We're here tonight not only to celebrate," said Jack Creeden. "We're here to thank the many generous donors who helped make this dream a reality. I'm delighted, thankful and so proud of what has been accomplished here, and I look forward to what this environment will provide for many students in the years to come."

SYA Spain students Alma Prelec (Buckingham, Browne & Nichols School) and Conor Cook (Harvard-Westlake School) shared thoughts about their year studying abroad, followed by a lively a cappella performance presented by fellow students Destinee Forbes (Miss Porter's School), Tiarra Riggins (The Taft School) and Cassie Willson (The Taft School). 

Guests viewed a video of the reconstruction of the new space, listened to remarks from several guest speakers and listened to a Spanish-themed piano recital played by current Spain faculty Oriol Bastardes. 

As the donor wall was revealed, a toast was offered by SYA Spain Resident Director Griffin Morse. Cutting the ceremonial ribbon were Stephen Foster ES’65 and Natalia Bulgari ES’86, the duo who poured tremendous amounts of their time and talent into making the space into a dynamic learning environment. 

Several days of dedication events and special moments with students and faculty honored SYA’s first school and its new home, Casa Foster 64. View the progress as renovations were being made in the video series Dropping Anchor.

See videos and photos from the renovation.

Please click here for a sampling of photos from the event.