RSM alumni rang in 2025 with festive gatherings across the globe. In Dubai, the year began with a cheerful New Year’s brunch (11 January), followed by a relaxed mid-week café meet-up (25 February) at Chiqueolatte just before Ramadan.
In Europe, Rotterdam hosted its annual New Year’s drinks (23 January) at Maria’s Cantina on campus, while alumni in Hamburg celebrated over burgers and warm conversation. Berlin was especially lively this first quarter, with Street Food Thursdays (16 January), a brunch at Alte Turnhalle (26 January), and two popular Bar of the Month evenings (21 February and 21 March).
In Lisbon, alumni celebrated with New Year’s drinks at the Time Out Market (30 January), while Paris enjoyed a stylish after-work gathering at The Hoxton (28 January).
Mexico City and New Delhi welcomed the year with Dutch embassy receptions (23 January and 21 February), uniting alumni from across Dutch universities. In Toronto, a spirited pub quiz night (22 January) ended in victory for the RSM team.
Down under, Sydney alumni toasted to the year ahead at Menzies Terrace (6 February), while over in Jakarta, alumni came together for an Iftar Party (14 March), celebrating tradition and community.
Strengthening global connections
Singapore was home to two vibrant events this quarter: a Lunar New Year celebration (6 February) at Harry’s Boat Quay and a GEMBA dinner (10 February) co-hosted with Singapore Management University – both highlighting the power of cross-cultural connection and executive learning.
In Vienna, alumni enjoyed a cosy dinner at Stuwer Restaurant (27 February), while in Oslo, drinks at Kulturhuset (12 March) brought new and familiar faces together. Meanwhile, Copenhagen marked an exciting milestone: the launch of a new alumni chapter in Denmark (6 March), complete with drinks and introductions.
Utrecht hosted a relaxed borrel (18 March), and The Hague mixed it up with a fun bowling night (28 March).
Lifelong learning and leadership
Spain saw a flurry of knowledge-sharing events as RSM alumni were invited to these as part of RSM’s membership with the Ryder Club. On 30 January, an IMD-hosted AI seminar welcomed RSM alumni into a discussion on data’s evolving role. On 11 February, alumni explored the intersection of AI and health at an event co-hosted with MIT and the Fulbright Association. Then, on 21 March, Columbia Alumni Association Spain welcomed RSM and Ryder Club members to a talk on Argentina’s changing economy.
In Germany, two leadership masterclasses in Cologne and Düsseldorf (18 & 19 March) brought alumni together with Professor Hans van Oosterhout to tackle the strategic challenges facing today’s global leaders.
Alumni in Bulgaria explored the legal and ethical impact of AI in a webinar on the EU AI Act (6 March), offering critical insights from legal experts Michaela Vasileva and Maya Robeva.
Culture, creativity and community
The cultural calendar was in full swing. In Rotterdam, alumni gathered at the International Film Festival (6 February) for an exclusive screening and inspiring keynote by Dr Philip Eskenazi. In New York City, RSM supported alumna Aida Valdez’ curated exhibition Corazón al Hilo (26 March), spotlighting feminist Mexican artist Elina Chauvet.
London saw two engaging events, both organised by the Dutch Centre, who invited RSM alumni: an organ concert at the Dutch Church (8 February) and the launch of the Strong Women exhibition by Tabitha Boekweit (26 March), followed by a thoughtful panel on gender equality.
Düsseldorf alumni enjoyed a cultural evening on 28 March with a visit to the “Umme Ecke” exhibition, followed by fries and drinks at Pelican Fly.
Building community across borders
RSM alumni continue to build bridges, not just through professional ties, but also through shared celebration. In Luxembourg, a cozy borrel at Oscars Grund (30 January) brought the community together. Sofia, Bulgaria wrapped up the quarter with Spring Drinks (28 March) at Raffi, bringing fresh energy to the local network.
Meanwhile, the WIREDWED series in Madrid (26 February) featured Cabify’s Juan de Antonio in a conversation about entrepreneurial journeys, and the alumni dinner at Thai Garden (27 February) brought warmth and connection to a stylish close.
What’s next?
With Q1 2025 already packed with moments of insight, celebration, and connection, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings. Thank you to all our local chapter leaders and alumni who make these events possible!
And there’s more to come! The next few months are packed with exciting alumni events around the world. From spring drinks in Shanghai (11 April) and a Zurich investment roundtable (16 April), to bowling in Berlin (18 April) and King’s Day celebrations in both London and Shanghai (26 April), there’s something for everyone. Alumni in Madrid will enjoy a wine, cheese and flamenco night (24 April). Looking ahead, there’s a Bar of the Month in Berlin (16 May), and a padel competition in Rotterdam (24 May). The season wraps up with a vibrant gathering in Vienna (17 June). Wherever you are in the world, there's a good chance your next alumni connection is just around the corner.
Explore your local alumni chapter to see what’s happening next near you.
RSM alumni network and local chapters
RSM is more than ‘just’ a business school, it’s a network of thinkers and doers, a community built on laughter, debate, knowledge sharing and the shared belief that its people can make a difference. With a growing network of more than 50,000 alumni worldwide, RSM’s alumni community brings alumni opportunities for lifelong learning, professional development and social connections throughout their careers. Alumni include all RSM graduates, from the first post-kandidaats, IIB and Bedrijfskunde programmes in the early 1970s up to those who graduated only this year.
There are lots of local alumni chapters worldwide to make alumni from RSM and Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) feel at home. If your city isn't on the map, reach out and let's change that. And if we are coming to your neck of the woods, register for the event – you won't regret it.
