Gone But Never Forgotten

David Wilkerson’s Connection to ISB and Thailand

David Wilkerson, ISB Class of 1971, attended the International School of Bangkok from 1967 to 1969. During those formative years, he graduated from Intermediate School and attended ninth and tenth grades at ISB before returning to his hometown of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Although his time at ISB was relatively brief, the friendships, experiences, and memories he made in Thailand would leave a lasting impression and become an important part of his life.

In 1988, David attended the ISB Network reunion in Boston, an experience that left him overwhelmed with emotion and rekindled his deep connection to the International School of Bangkok and the friendships he had formed there.

Inspired by that reunion, and at the encouragement of his friend and classmate, Michael Daly, David became directly involved with the ISB Network, initially serving as Class Representative.

Beginning in 1991, David went on to serve in numerous leadership roles within the organization, including President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vice President, and ultimately Director of Reunions. His involvement spanned more than three decades, concluding in 2022, with a seven-year hiatus between 2005 and 2012.

Throughout those years, David remained dedicated to preserving the friendships, memories, and shared experiences that have connected generations of ISB students, faculty, and staff.

David has returned to Thailand many times over the years, but two visits hold particular significance. In 2002, he brought his son, David, to Thailand for the ISB 50th Anniversary Celebration, and in 2012, he returned with his daughter. On both occasions, they visited the original Soi 15 campus as well as the newer Samakee campus.

These visits were about far more than sightseeing. They were opportunities to share a meaningful part of his childhood and introduce his children to the country, school, and community that had played such an important role in shaping his life.

As David explains:

“I wanted my children to understand my connection to Thailand and, of course, ISB. I wanted them to see the places I remembered, walk the grounds where I had spent so much of my youth, and experience a little of what made those years so special to me.”

For David, Thailand has never been simply a place he once lived. It remains a part of who he is, and ISB continues to represent friendships, memories, and a sense of belonging that have endured for a lifetime.

That same connection and commitment to preserving the past ultimately became the foundation of ISBeings.org, a lasting tribute to the members of the ISB family who are gone but never forgotten.