Appreciation: Farewell Pierre Joliat
Mit der deutschen Sprache ist es wie mit meiner Frau: Ich verstehe sie, aber ich beherrsche sie nicht.» Mit diesen Worten, gesprochen in einem hoch sympathischen Französisch-Akzent und mit einem Lächeln im Gesicht, hat Pierre manch eine Sitzung mit Deutsch- und Westschweizer Beteiligten begonnen und damit gleich die Brücke über den Röstigraben geschlagen.
Yes, he knew how to inspire the SAWI family on both sides of the language border with his ideas like no other. And he had plenty of them right from the start.
In 1969, at the young age of 29, Pierre Joliat took over the management of the Swiss Training Center for Advertising and Information, as the SAWI was then called. There is no doubt that Pierre was and became more and more of a stroke of luck for the SAWI/CSEPI. With his arrival in Biel, the SAWI launched the first generation of the legendary day school. For 40 young people, this marked their entry into the fascinating world of advertising. Even today, many graduates of the day schools hold key positions in the industry. It was not yet referred to as a management school, but ultimately Pierre's SAWI child, the day school for advertising assistants, was just that. In collaboration with Prof. Richard Kühn, Pierre designed and launched the part-time marketing planner training course. Another pioneering act by SAWI. Brilliant SAWI years followed, with half the industry traveling to the training center in Biel. The first major anniversary under the aegis of Pierre Joliat was the unforgettable 20th anniversary of SAWI, which was celebrated at the Kongresshaus Biel. As SAWI expanded and with the arrival of Jürg Engi, Pierre took over the position of Director of SAWI Western Switzerland in 1990 after 21 years of overall management, a position he successfully held until his retirement in 2005. He served SAWI for 36 years and remained closely associated with his SAWI.
Pierre was able to set another lasting milestone with the exemplary "Maison de la Communication" in Lausanne. Together with the founding president of the foundation, Pierre Buntschu, Pierre Joliat is the co-father of this great achievement, the cornerstone of which was laid in 1997. Between 2005 and 2009, Pierre Joliat took over the presidency of the foundation.
Pierre Joliat and his SAWI shaped the industry's training and further education scene for decades. Many graduates of the basic courses have traveled to Biel time and again, whether for higher education with a federal diploma or, increasingly, as lecturers. The spirit of Biel and the groove of the SAWI were uniquely shaped by Pierre. He was able to motivate many of "his" students to pass on the knowledge they had acquired to new generations. And whenever a former SAWI student stood in front of a class, Pierre would introduce him and say: "A good friend of SAWI". Your professional life's work, dear Pierre, has paved the way for many of us. We thank you.
Pierre Joliat died unexpectedly and quietly on April 29, 2010 while on vacation in Sharm-el-sheikh, Egypt, at the age of 70. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Otto Meier, SAWI President
In 1969, at the young age of 29, Pierre Joliat took over the management of the Swiss Training Center for Advertising and Information, as the SAWI was then called. There is no doubt that Pierre was and became more and more of a stroke of luck for the SAWI/CSEPI. With his arrival in Biel, the SAWI launched the first generation of the legendary day school. For 40 young people, this marked their entry into the fascinating world of advertising. Even today, many graduates of the day schools hold key positions in the industry. It was not yet referred to as a management school, but ultimately Pierre's SAWI child, the day school for advertising assistants, was just that. In collaboration with Prof. Richard Kühn, Pierre designed and launched the part-time marketing planner training course. Another pioneering act by SAWI. Brilliant SAWI years followed, with half the industry traveling to the training center in Biel. The first major anniversary under the aegis of Pierre Joliat was the unforgettable 20th anniversary of SAWI, which was celebrated at the Kongresshaus Biel. As SAWI expanded and with the arrival of Jürg Engi, Pierre took over the position of Director of SAWI Western Switzerland in 1990 after 21 years of overall management, a position he successfully held until his retirement in 2005. He served SAWI for 36 years and remained closely associated with his SAWI.
Pierre was able to set another lasting milestone with the exemplary "Maison de la Communication" in Lausanne. Together with the founding president of the foundation, Pierre Buntschu, Pierre Joliat is the co-father of this great achievement, the cornerstone of which was laid in 1997. Between 2005 and 2009, Pierre Joliat took over the presidency of the foundation.
Pierre Joliat and his SAWI shaped the industry's training and further education scene for decades. Many graduates of the basic courses have traveled to Biel time and again, whether for higher education with a federal diploma or, increasingly, as lecturers. The spirit of Biel and the groove of the SAWI were uniquely shaped by Pierre. He was able to motivate many of "his" students to pass on the knowledge they had acquired to new generations. And whenever a former SAWI student stood in front of a class, Pierre would introduce him and say: "A good friend of SAWI". Your professional life's work, dear Pierre, has paved the way for many of us. We thank you.
Pierre Joliat died unexpectedly and quietly on April 29, 2010 while on vacation in Sharm-el-sheikh, Egypt, at the age of 70. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Otto Meier, SAWI President
