Winter Graduation: Wittenborg Sends off Next Generation of Global Leaders
Wittenborg Celebrates Graduating Class with Inspiring Speeches
On 7 February, Wittenborg hosted its Winter Graduation Ceremony at the Theater Orpheus in Apeldoorn. The event celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025, with graduates from bachelor’s and master’s programmes representing 19 different countries, including Iran, India, South Africa, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The ceremony kicked off with an inspiring speech from Tim Mescon, Chair of the Advisory Board at Wittenborg. Mescon highlighted the international nature of the school, praising its diverse student body. “What energises me about your school is how, in front of you, and look behind you, every one of your fellow graduates is inevitably from somewhere else. Wittenborg is truly international. You can hear the ethnic, cultural, national, language, and spiritual diversity within this school,” he stated.
Mescon emphasised that leadership is about action, not words. “It is not what you say that matters, rather it is what you do that matters. It is today about actions, not words. It is about performance, not statements.” He encouraged graduates to embrace authentic leadership, which requires self-awareness, humility, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
In his speech, he also spoke about the major challenges of today’s world, referring to them as a 'tsunami' that graduates must navigate. These include artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and data literacy. “Understanding and leveraging AI is the key to unlocking your full potential. And your language skills need to focus on speaking the language of data and using it to tell your stories and those of your companies.”
Jacques Jordaan, master’s representative, spoke next. He shared his personal reflections on the challenges of pursuing a master’s degree. “Pursuing a master’s degree is not a journey for the faint-hearted. There were moments of triumph and moments where we questioned our sanity,” Jordaan said. “Yet here we are, stronger and more resilient than ever.”
He also expressed his gratitude for the opportunities Wittenborg provided, such as internships at Royal Philips and Yamaha Motu Europe, which gave him valuable industry experience. “Wittenborg’s commitment to connecting students with industry partners is something that makes our time here truly special."
Introducing the Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates, Nikita Pahwa reflected on the resilience of international students.
“Throughout my interactions with you, I’ve witnessed your resilience in facing the challenges that come with being an international student. Leaving your home country and choosing to study in an international programme in a country with its own unique challenges must have been difficult. But I think our challenges serve a greater purpose. They shape us to be better versions of ourselves," she said.
Pahwa reminded graduates that success comes from overcoming challenges. “There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.”
She also shared an inspiring story of a Wittenborg MBA graduate who specialised in Data Analytics and now works for a large Dutch company. “He recently reached out to give back to his university. Even though I did not personally teach him, he returned to give a guest lecture on Data Analytics to our MBA students. Not only did he share his experience as a data scientist, but he also offered valuable tips on how to build a profile for the Dutch job market. He, and students like him, give me hope.”
Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes, Associate Professor of Applied Sciences, introduced the Master of Science (MSc) graduates with words of encouragement. “You have made solid friendships, acquired valuable knowledge, and grown as individuals. This achievement is not just about earning a degree; it is about believing in the possibilities that lie ahead.”
She advised graduates to be bold: “Be curious, be brave, be bold. Work hard, focus on your goals and strengths. Do not stop dreaming, even when you are afraid or discouraged. Remember, you can do it. This ceremony is proof of that.”
Lecturer and Education Support professional Emmah Muchoki introduced the bachelor students and encouraged them to embrace their future roles with confidence and determination. “Be the change-makers, the problem-solvers and the leaders who will shape the future,” she urged, also reminding graduates to update their LinkedIn profiles as they step into the professional world.
Upinder Kaur, who represented the bachelor’s graduates, said that graduating fills her with pride, excitement and gratitude. “Wittenborg’s hands-on learning environment, from internships to collaborative projects, prepared me for the professional world. Serving as Student Council President and participating in global competitions like the European Sales Competition and EuroCHRIE helped me develop leadership skills and industry connections. I’m eager to step into the world of tourism and event management, ready to innovate and grow.”
The ceremony concluded with a speech by Wittenborg rector, Ronald Tuninga, who had the audience stand in groups to applaud the graduates, faculty, staff and families.
“Today, you can finally enjoy each other’s company without thinking about proposals or exams,” he said.
He highlighted Wittenborg’s commitment to internationalisation, ethics and diversity. “It is clear that the world currently suffers from leaders who are not interested in facts and the truth. It is therefore more important than ever for these graduates to further develop into responsible leaders. You are the future.”
Using a powerful metaphor, Tuninga compared graduates’ journey to a long voyage. “Some time ago, you set out on a journey to sharpen your skills and knowledge. Today, you have arrived in the harbour, and we are cheering you on after a long and sometimes difficult journey. Each of you has your own story, and you have done a fantastic job.”
Elaheh Mosallanejad, who studied Economics and Management, spoke about the bittersweet emotions that come with graduating. While she expressed immense pride in her accomplishments, Elaheh also shared the sense of anticipation she feels about stepping into the professional world. “While I’m proud of my accomplishments, I also feel a sense of anticipation about stepping into the professional world,” she shared.
Reflecting on her time at Wittenborg, she emphasised the experience of studying in an international environment, which not only broadened her perspective but also deepened her understanding of global business practices. She also honoured her late lecturer, Bob Dyson, whose real-world insights into business strategy and supply chain management had a profound impact on her education. “His lessons were not just about textbooks and theories; he brought real-world examples that made complex concepts come alive,” she recalled.
WUP 24/02/2025
by Eren Roux
