From the Archives: 2020s
The 2020s have been a decade of upheaval, resilience and rapid transformation shaped by a global pandemic, technological breakthroughs and shifting social and political landscapes. The COVID-19 crisis defined the early years, disrupting economies, education and daily life while accelerating advancements in mRNA vaccines, remote work and digital connectivity. Political tensions escalated worldwide with movements for racial justice, climate action and democracy gaining momentum. Artificial intelligence, automation and space exploration surged forward with AI reshaping industries and private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight.
For the first time in its history, SYA faced a year without students as the pandemic disrupted both full-year and summer programs, leaving campuses empty during the 2020–2021 academic year and summer months. The historic Campaign for SYA played a crucial role in ensuring the school’s financial stability through this unprecedented period and for the long term, nearly doubling SYA's endowment.
The decade also marked the closure of SYA China, a decision made by the Board of Trustees due to several factors including the uncertainty surrounding the post-pandemic landscape.
Despite these challenges, as SYA celebrates its 60th anniversary, we reaffirmed its mission of immersive global education, preparing students to engage with an increasingly interconnected and complex world. As the decade unfolds, the push for sustainability, equity and innovation continues to shape the future with SYA remaining committed to fostering globally minded leaders for generations to come.
Key Moments
2020
- In early 2020 all SYA campuses were evacuated as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded.
- Due to restricted travel and inability to obtain visas, no students went abroad for the 2020-2021 school year. Generous donors to The Campaign for SYA authorized donations be used to retain faculty and have them engage in professional development.
- Pivoting from in person events to virtual, SYA offers "back to school" classes with faculty.
- The alumni body welcomes 65 students from SYA Spain, 33 from SYA France, 27 from SYA China and 37 from SYA Italy
2021
- In June 2021, SYA successfully completes its first comprehensive capital campaign, The Campaign for SYA, surpassing its goal of $18 million.
- In 2021, SYA resumes full operations at SYA France, Italy and Spain for the academic year. Operations remain suspended at SYA China.
- Beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year, SYA offers fall and spring semester options along with the full-year program.
2022
- In April 2022, SYA Italy recognizes its 20th anniversary with a grand celebration in Viterbo.
- The alumni body welcomes 74 students from SYA Spain, 76 from SYA France and 49 from SYA Italy.
2023
- The alumni body welcomes 85 students from SYA Spain, 78 from SYA France and 60 from SYA Italy.
2024
- The alumni body welcomes 80 students from SYA Spain, 71 from SYA France and 58 from SYA Italy.
- In November, SYA Patrick Scanlon announces his retirement at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.
2025
- In January, President Tom Hassan announces his retirement at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.
- In April, SYA celebrates its 60th Anniversary with a five-day celebration in Barcelona and Zaragoza.
Select Publications
Digital communications widely replaced print publications. Highlights from the early part of the 2020s include the historic comprehensive campaign.
The Campaign for SYA
Leadership in the 2010s
President:
2016– Thomas E. Hassan
Head of Schools and Programs
2017–2021 Aric Visser
SYA Spain Resident Directors:
2018–2022 Meghan Lewis Roof
2022– Rocio Alejo Rodriguez
SYA France Resident Directors:
2018– Mina Mostamandy Qadir
SYA China Resident Directors:
2017–2020 John McLoughlin
SYA Italy Resident Directors:
2005– Patrick Scanlon
Welcome New Member Schools
2023
The Brearley School
2024
The Chapin School
Charlotte Latin School
University Prep
The Winsor School
Flashback to the 2020s
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.
