Read about the Mackenzie family's extraordinary NJC legacy!
In August 1964, Marilyn McNaughton celebrated her 17th birthday with her new classmates, aboard the ship headed to NJC. That day was eventful, not only as the festivities took place at sea, but also because it was the day she was introduced to Murray Mackenzie - the man who would later become the love of her life. Marilyn and Murray were friends during their time in Switzerland, and stayed in touch after graduation, while attending U of T together; they got married six years later. Their best man and maid of honour (Jim Barnes ‘65 and Shelley Robb ‘65) were the couple’s former pension roommates, leading to NJC playing a significant role in the ceremony in more ways than one.
Left to right: Marilyn Mackenzie (McNaughton), Murray Mackenzie, Shelley Robb and Jim Barnes
Murray & Marilyn Mackenzie at their wedding in 1970.
Since their time in Switzerland, Marilyn and Murray have returned to NJC a number of times - beginning in the summer of 1989. They have stayed in touch with other members of their class, and have attended NJC reunions. Their daughters Jennifer and Kathy became the second generation to attend NJC. This September, their granddaughter Olivia joins the Class of 2022 at NJC! Olivia’s mother Kathy shared that she’s excited for Olivia, not only to continue the family legacy but also to take advantage of the unique learning opportunity of being able to travel and see the places she’s learning about in school.
In 2020, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They are excited to see their family’s NJC legacy continue with Olivia, and hopefully their other three grandchildren. As Murray puts it, the couple’s story is pretty remarkable... his only regret is “not marrying Marilyn sooner” ❤️
Murray & Marilyn Mackenzie during a trip to Egypt in 2004.
The NJC Mackenzies
Marilyn Mackenzie 1965 Murray Mackenzie 1965 Jennifer Mackenzie 1993 Kathy Mackenzie 1994 Olivia Mackenzie 2022
Three generations of the Mackenzie family celebrating Murray & Marilyn’s 50th wedding anniversary in the Bahamas in 2019.
Neuchâtel Junior College offers the unique opportunity to study Canadian curriculum abroad. While living in Switzerland in a French community, students enjoy an international education through travel and experiential learning in Europe. Gap year and Grade 12 high school students gain international experience and develop independence and life skills that prepare them for university and the global workplace.
A Canadian high school in Switzerland | Grade 12 & Gap
Swiss Campus
Neuchâtel Junior College Crêt-Taconnet 4 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland 011.41.32.722.1860 (from North America) info@njc.ch
Canadian Office
36 Toronto Street, Suite 850 Toronto, Ontario M5C 2C5, Canada 416.368.8169 or 1.800.263.2923 admissions@neuchatel.org