From the Archives: 2000s
The 2000s were a transformative decade, marked by global events, technological advancements and cultural shifts that shaped the modern world. Culturally, the 2000s were defined by a mix of nostalgia and innovation. Pop culture boomed with the rise of reality TV, blockbuster film franchises like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, and music icons spanning hip-hop, pop and rock.
Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter ushered in a new digital age, while the iPhone’s debut in 2007 changed how we interacted with technology.
The September 11 attacks in 2001 profoundly altered global geopolitics. At SYA, students had already arrived in Viterbo (the first SYA Italy class!) and Beijing, but departures for Rennes and Zaragoza were delayed a week with only a few students withdrawing.
Natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina highlighted the growing impacts of climate change. The rise of globalization brought economic shifts, including China’s rapid growth, the expansion of the European Union and the 2008 global financial crisis, which reshaped economies worldwide. During this time, SYA piloted programs in India and Vietnam focusing on environmental science, service learning and economics.
Amid these rapid changes, the decade reflected a world grappling with its interconnectedness — through crises, innovation and shared global experiences. Into this dynamic period, SYA remained steadfast in its mission to provide transformative educational opportunities abroad, preparing students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world with empathy and resilience.
Key Moments
2000
- Site search finalized for SYA Italy campus.
- 47 students to China, 63 to Spain and 62 to France.
2001
- SYA formalizes its fundraising program.
- SYA Italy opens in Viterbo with Resident Director Jeffrey Bradley (St. Paul’s School) and 47 students.
- 9/11 delayed opening of SYA France and Spain; only three of 124 students withdrew.
- 52 students to China, 63 to Spain and 61 to France.
2002
- 45 students to China, 44 to Italy, 63 to Spain, 61 to France.
- First Resident Directors' Summit held in Viterbo.
2003
- Trustees travel to Rennes for historic first meeting held at an SYA campus.
- SARS threat forced SYA China students to return in April.
- Announcement of Ángel Vilata Campaign.
- 40 students to China, 53 to Italy, 58 to Spain and 64 to France.
- SYA celebrates 10 years of friendship with Middle School #2, host of our campus in Beijing.
2004
- Resident Directors attend first ever meeting at U.S. headquarters with staff.
- 48 students to China, 60 to Italy, 62 to Spain and 62 to France.
- 10th anniversary celebration of SYA China takes place in Beijing.
2005
- 40th anniversary celebrations in Zaragoza and Rennes.
- 44 students to China, 58 to Italy, 61 to Spain and 61 to France.
2006
- SYA Summer China opens in Beijing.
- 48 students to China, 61 to Italy, 63 to Spain and 61 to France.
2007
- Executive Director Woodruff W. Halsey II named SYA’s first President. SYA dedicates Villa Alvarez, a permanent home in Rennes for SYA France after raising $1.3 million from alumni and parents.
- 60 students to China, 62 to Italy, 62 to Spain and 61 to France.
2008
- SYA Summer programs open in Rennes and Zaragoza.
- SYA opens a semester-long experimental program in India with Resident Director Phil Billings with 25 students. The program was suspended following the November 2008 bombing in Mumbai.
- 66 students to China, 60 to Italy, 62 to Spain and 62 to France.
2009
- Following the sustainable development curriculum set in SYA India, SYA Vietnam opens as an exploratory program in Hanoi with Peter Esty as Resident Director with 16 students.
- 54 students to China, 63 to Italy, 65 to Spain and 65 to France.
Leadership in the 2000s
President:
2007 –2011 Woodruff W. Halsey II
Executive Directors:
2000–2007 Woodruff W. Halsey II
2007–2014 Nelson Chase
SYA Spain Resident Directors:
1997-2002 John Rosen (Milton Academy)
2002-2011 Griffin Morse (Milton Academy)
SYA France Resident Directors:
1991–2000 Geoffrey Bird (The Thacher School)
2000 -2007 Donald Austin (Collegiate School)
2007-2017 Denis Brochu (Phillips Exeter Academy)
SYA China Resident Directors:
1999-2006 Jeffrey Bissell (Marquette University)
2006-2007 Hope Staab (Punahou School)
2008-2010 Jeffrey Bissell
SYA Italy Resident Directors:
2001–2004 Jeffrey Bradley (St. Paul’s School
2004–2005 Peter Esty (Greens Farms School)
2005–2015 Patrick Scanlon (Albuquerque Academy)
SYA India Resident Director:
2008–2009 Philip Billings (Anglican International School)
SYA Vietnam Resident Director:
2009–2010 Peter Esty
Welcome New Member Schools
2001
Punahou School
2002
Lakeside School
2003
Community School of Naples
Head-Royce School
Peddie School
2004
Lake Forest Academy
2008
Belmont Hill School
Culver Academies
Norfolk Academy
Wilmington Friends School
2009
American School in London
Bishop's School
Blake School
Branson School
Greenhill School
Newark Academy
Flashback to the 2000s
Can you spot yourself or your classmates? Do you have photos to share? Email the alumni office if you have photos to share and please include a caption.
