Graduates were addressed by key figures in RSM’s academic leadership: Dr Mirko Benischke, Dean of Executive Education; Dr Jochem Kroezen, Academic Director; and Ian Loumos, MBA Programme Director.
Dr Benischke reflected on the courage and commitment required to complete an MBA. He encouraged them to embrace change, reminding them that "business and society want and expect leaders who care" and that they now had the tools to drive meaningful change in their organisations and beyond. "Today marks the end of your MBA study, but I hope you’ll think of it as Day Zero – the day you begin making a concentrated impact on the world,” he told the graduates.
Embrace uncertainty
Graduate Maria Paula Moreno Aguirre, recipient of this year’s Student Award, delivered a moving farewell speech on behalf of the graduating class. She reflected on the transformation the students had undergone throughout the year, from learning more than 110 unfamiliar names to forming a close-knit community. She spoke about the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone, embracing discomfort as an ally, and trusting in both yourself and others.
Moreno Aguirre encouraged her classmates to embrace uncertainty, take action even when they don’t feel ready, and trust in both themselves and those around them. She highlighted the power of small, intentional steps – whether it’s reaching out to a friend, pushing through discomfort, or daring to take the leap – reminding graduates that effort, not ease, is what drives real progress.
She emphasised that the future isn’t just about personal achievements but about the impact we have on others. She said our choices today shape not only our own lives, but also those of people we may not even know yet. “The future is not just about where we are going but about who we are building it with.”
She closed with a call to remain engaged, to reject passivity, and to recognise that even imperfect action is better than inaction. True progress, she reminded the class, is always messy – but it’s in embracing that uncertainty that real change happens.
Honouring academic excellence
A total of 113 students successfully completed their MBA. The MBA Class of 2025 was a truly international group, with 99 per cent of students hailing from outside of the Netherlands. Latin America and Asia were particularly well represented in this year’s graduating class. The event was streamed live, allowing family and friends worldwide to share in the celebration.
This year, 10 graduates earned cum laude distinctions, with one student achieving the prestigious summa cum laude recognition. Their dedication and outstanding performance exemplified the spirit of excellence that defines the RSM MBA experience.
The ceremony also recognised this year’s Faculty Award recipient, Nicolas Constantinesco, for his outstanding contributions to the programme.
International Full-time MBA
RSM’s one-year International Full-time MBA programme builds the critical-thinking, problem-solving, leadership and communication skills professionals need to launch and sustain a world-class career in business, in any sector, anywhere in the world. Students explore issues that really matter.
As the Class of 2025 moves forward, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives gained during their time at RSM. Their impact on the world of business and beyond is just beginning, and they can stay connected to the RSM community via the active 50,000+ member RSM alumni network.
