Your MSc Supply Chain Management 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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Judith Quist is a supply chain professional and alumna of Erasmus University Rotterdam, where she completed a BSc in International Business Administration in 2014 and an MSc in Supply Chain Management in 2017. 

After an internship with APM Terminals, she joined Picnic Technologies, steadily advancing through multiple leadership roles. With six years of experience there, Judith now heads the Manual Fulfilment Operation across the Netherlands, focusing on optimizing fulfillment processes and operational efficiency.

Michael Becker-Peth is an Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. 

His research focuses on behavioural operations management, for example in the field of inventory management and supply chain contracting. His research has been published in leading academic journals such as Management Science, Production and Operations Management, and European Journal of Operational Research. 

Before joining RSM, he worked as an assistant professor at the University of Cologne. He obtained his Ph.D. (in Supply Chain Management) and MSc (in Business Administration) also from the University of Cologne.

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!