A full programme struck a balance between time for social meet ups and exploring the campus, with updates on leadership and management education. The reunion started with Friday evening sessions on campus in the Erasmus Food Lab and the Erasmus Centre for Data Analytics as well as a welcome from Dean Aukje Hassoldt and a walking dinner in Maria’s Cantina, a favourite hangout on campus for generations of cohorts. Friday’s activities concluded with an ‘ultimate MBA trivia challenge’.
Saturday activities in the World Trade Center in the centre of Rotterdam included seminars and discussion panels that brought the topic of management and leadership into the spotlight. They included a round-up of what’s been happening at RSM and showcasing the positive impact of alumni in the audience.
The latest management thinking
Workshops covered the latest thinking in management education and leadership, with presentations on the psychology of happiness from Dr Philip Eskenazi; using power and influence wisely from Dr Maartje Schouten; what leaders get wrong about employee motivation from Dr Bex Hewett; and leading change during times of societal transition from Dr Jochem Kroezen.
Alumni conversations
This plenary session started with an address from the Dean of Education and Dean of Engagement, Mirko Benischke. There followed a conversation with Merilee Karr (MBA 2000), Founder and CEO of short-term property rental company UnderTheDoormat Group, and Jan Albert Valk (MBA2000), Founder and CEO of energy innovators Solarise Africa about strength and diversity in the alumni network. Both alumni are creating impact via different paths, and both graduated in the same cohort so were celebrating the 25th anniversary of their graduation. Merilee and Jan Albert brought the spotlight onto alumni who embody impactful leadership and live the RSM mission of being a force for positive change.
Faculty panel
A faculty panel with Dr Jochem Kroezen, Academic Director of the Full-time MBA, Hanna Schultz who is Director of Engagement and Academic Services at RSM, Prof. Erik Roelofsen who is Academic Director Executive MBA, and Dr Mirko Benischke, Dean of Education and Dean of Engagement covered updates on programmes, education and engagement strategy, particularly with respect for creating positive impact and educating purpose-driven leaders. It was also an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.
Saturday concluded with a reception and dinner for more catching up, making class photos and the presentation of awards and class prizes to celebrate decades of friendship.
Too short!
Alumni travelled from all over the world, including Argentina, Peru, Malaysia, and Singapore. “It was the best reunion ever – too short if you ask me! We could have easily continued for another week,” said Martin Gerhardt, a graduate of the Full-time MBA in 2005 and now Head of Offshore Product Management for Siemens Gamesa. He said he was reminded of the true value of lasting connections when he met up with the MBA cohort that graduated 20 years ago. “What struck me most was how, after all these years, our strongest achievements aren’t just career milestones or ambitions, but the friendships we built in those intense months of collaboration, laughter, and growth. These relationships have stood the test of time, distance, and life’s many changes.”
He said reunions like this are a reminder that when titles and accomplishments are set aside, what remains is the joy of genuine connection, and encouraged alumni to bring even more friends to the next reunion for those cohorts in 2030.
Next year, the MBA reunion will be for cohorts from 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021. To find out more, visit the alumni webpages: www.rsm.nl/alumni
