With more than 50,000 alumni worldwide, RSM annually selects its DAA recipients from a pool of exceptional nominees, highlighting individuals who embody the school’s mission of fostering excellence, inclusivity, and positive societal impact.
Alumni Achievement Award: Fleur Osté
Fleur Osté (MSc Marketing Management, 2015) was recognised for her remarkable achievements as a leader in a traditionally change-resistant industry. As business lead Benelux with Ben & Jerry’s, her strategic leadership has significantly contributed to brand growth and sustainability initiatives. A highlight was demonstrating how brands and their supporters can advocate for change. Ben & Jerry’s half-baked ice cream for half-baked policy campaign distributed half-filled containers of ice cream to politicians to ignite debate about policy governing the limited employment rights of asylum seekers. The policy was discussed in the Court of Justice and overruled. Since then, numbers of asylum seekers finding employment has tripled.
Fleur Osté’s efforts in driving meaningful transformation align perfectly with RSM's values of promoting sustainable and inclusive business practices. “Fleur exemplifies how RSM alumni can wield their corporate influence to tackle urgent issues, creating waves of positive change,” remarked a jury member. “Her efforts resonate deeply with our mission to improve the world through business.”
Alumni Volunteering Award: Cilia Keser
The Alumni Volunteering Award was presented to Cilia Keser (BSc IBA 2013, MSc Marketing Management 2015), celebrated for her unwavering dedication to supporting the RSM community. Known for her active participation in guest lectures, case competitions, speed interviews mentorship and alumni initiatives, Cilia has become a beacon of RSM’s core values: connecting and caring. Her engagement has inspired countless others to deepen their commitment to RSM and its mission.
“Cilia is the epitome of an engaged alumna,” noted the jury. “She continues to pay forward the value of her RSM education, fostering the next generation of leaders with her insights, compassion, and tireless enthusiasm.”
Positive Change Award: Joost Kamermans and Martin Kayser
For their groundbreaking contributions to sustainable consumption and production patterns—aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 12 – entrepreneurs Joost Kamermans (MSc Finance & Investments 2016) and Martin Kayser (MSc Business Information Management 2016) jointly received the Force for Positive Change Award. Their innovative business model for tech company Seenons exemplifies scalable solutions to systemic challenges, embodying the RSM ethos of entrepreneurship driving societal progress. Their company optimises waste collection and promotes circular economy practices.
“Joost and Martin have shown how entrepreneurial thinking can spark large-scale systemic change,” said the jury. “Their achievements underscore the critical role of alumni in pioneering solutions to global sustainability challenges.”
A night of inspiration and gratitude
The Alumni Recognition Dinner was a celebration not only of the award winners but also of the vibrant international RSM alumni network. Guests reflected on the collective contributions of alumni in shaping the school’s legacy and future. “For more than 50 years, our alumni have enriched the RSM community and supported the education of thousands of students. Their achievements are a testament to the transformative power of an RSM education,” says Meta Haag-Mikec, associate director of corporate and alumni relations at RSM.
This year’s nominees also included Shashank Batra, Raha Badinrad, Eelco Dubbeling, Yuli Kim, and Paulina Jaensch (Alumni Achievement Award); Nikitas Paraskevopoulos and Shreyak Shah (Alumni Volunteering Award); and Caroline Cawley, Fennie Lansbergen, Frank Holleman, Madelon de Leeuw, and Melvin Loggies and Jasper Gabrielse (Force for Positive Change Award).
Distinguished Alumni Awards
The RSM Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented annually to outstanding alumni of the school, in recognition of excellent contributions to society, business and the RSM community. Nominees for these awards are chosen from RSM’s network of more than 50,000 RSM alumni. Members of the RSM community – students, staff, faculty members and alumni – could submit nominations. The RSM community voted for the person they think most deserves to be recognised in each category. A separate panel of judges also voted for their preferred recipients, with the final result based on both the jury and public vote combined.
Previous award recipients from the RSM alumni community include Feike Sijbesma, Meiny Prins, Niels Eldering, Teodor Cătăniciu, Stef van Dongen, and Saskia Stuiveling
