Your MSc Strategic Entrepreneurship graduation

Forget grand buildings – Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University began its journey in 1970, at an admittedly large villa in the Rotterdam suburb of Kralingen.  It wasn't flashy, but it marked a turning point, fueled by the city's business spirit and a desire to raise the bar for Dutch business education.

The school's roots stretch back to 1913 and the ambition to elevate commerce training.  But by the 1960s, a new era beckoned. Universities joined forces with influential Dutch multinationals, heavyweights like Shell and Unilever, recognizing the need for a different kind of business leader – one equipped for an increasingly globalized world.

The result was Rotterdam School of Management, its inaugural class in 1970 a select group of just 30 students.  This wasn't about mass education; it was about nurturing exceptional talent, fostering minds that could navigate the complexities of international business.

Those early years in Kralingen were about more than just lessons. The school tapped into Rotterdam's business networks and included technical training, giving students a real-world edge. There was a feeling that this place was building a new generation of Dutch business leaders who would leave their mark.

Of course, the villa was just the beginning. Rotterdam School of Management is now a global player, with alumni shaping industries around the world.  But as you graduate today, take a moment to think about that house in Kralingen, and just 30 students. It's a reminder that even the grandest ambitions often have modest beginnings.

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Charlie Wulff, originally Dutch, grew up internationally. After proclaiming as a teenager that she would never ever move to Rotterdam, her parents’ hometown, she enrolled for a bachelors degree in international business administration at RSM. She begrudgingly fell in love with the city and continued her studies at RSM with a masters in strategic entrepreneurship. Now, still living in Rotterdam, she helps scientists become entrepreneurs and bring their innovations from lab to market.

Joris Meijaard (1969) is Founder at Strategy and Policy Research Firm MIR. Main customers in 2015-2022: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, Bouwend Nederland, Province of Zeeland, ZB|Planbureau and a portfolio of SMEs in northwestern Europe. MIR provides evidence-based research and 'forecast vision' to entrepreneurs and public policy makers. 

Joris has worked at EIM Panteia for 10 years and at Erasmus University for more than 20 years. In 2011 he started research firm MIR with the mission to make organisations grow best into the future. From 2018 onwards Joris has (once again) combined his entrepreneurial efforts with a dedication to inspire MSc-students at RSM and UU.

Erica has been a member of RSM’s Corporate and Alumni Relations Department for 5 ½ years. She’s responsible for fundraising for scholarships and societal impact projects, alumni volunteering strategy, and corporate engagement. 

She is also the liaison point for the MSc Finance and Investments, IM/CEMS, and EMBA programmes, and has enjoyed working with all of RSM’s MSc programmes over the years – she’s thrilled to help you celebrate today!