Celebrating 15 Years of Rising Tide: Honoring a Community That Continues to Shape Our Journey

September 25, 2026

On August 22, 2026, against the spectacular backdrop of the Rhine Falls in Neuhausen, Switzerland, former and current Rising Tide team members came together for a special Alumni Gathering as part of our Y15 anniversary celebrations. The event marked fifteen years of the Rising Tide Foundation and the Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research, bringing together the people whose dedication, expertise, and passion have shaped our journey from the very beginning.

A Celebration of People, Purpose, and Impact

Organizations are defined not only by their mission, but by the individuals who bring that mission to life. Over the past fifteen years, Rising Tide has evolved from a bold vision into a globally connected organization supporting scientific excellence, innovative thinking, freedom, and meaningful social impact. Behind every milestone, partnership, breakthrough, and success story stand the people who have contributed their talent, commitment, and ideas along the way. The Alumni Gathering provided a unique opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from different chapters of our history, many of whom helped build the foundation during its formative years. It was an evening filled with conversations, reflections, laughter, and renewed connections, reminding us that while projects may end and roles may change, the relationships and values that unite our community endure.

Looking Back. Looking Forward.

During the evening, guests reflected on the remarkable journey of Rising Tide and the collective achievements reached over the past decade and a half. Remarks from CEO Wendelin Zellmayer and the Chairman Shawn Stephenson offered an opportunity to celebrate how far the organization has come while also looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges of the future. What became evident throughout the evening was the strength of a shared purpose. Whether someone was part of Rising Tide for a few months or many years, each contribution formed part of a larger story, one defined by curiosity, collaboration, excellence, and a commitment to making a positive difference.

Creating New Memories Together

As the sun set over the Rhine Falls, conversations continued over dinner and informal networking. Former colleagues reconnected, current team members built new relationships, and stories from the past blended seamlessly with hopes for the future. The evening was more than a celebration of an anniversary. It was a celebration of a community. A reminder that the impact of Rising Tide extends beyond projects and programs to the people who have shared in its mission, supported one another, and helped shape its culture over the years.

Thank You to everyone who joined us. Thank you for being part of the Rising Tide story. Your contributions, past and present, have helped create an organization that continues to grow, learn, and make a meaningful difference in the world. We are grateful for the memories shared, the friendships renewed, and the new connections formed during this special celebration. As we mark fifteen years of Rising Tide, we do so with deep appreciation for the people who brought us here and with excitement for the journey still ahead.

Once a Rising Tider, always part of the Rising Tide story.