Welcoming everyone to the ceremony, Dean of Education Prof. Mirko Benischke told the new graduates that the ceremony marked the completion of their master programme, but they should think of it as the beginning of their journey when they take everything they learned at RSM and begin to apply it with intent into the changing world. The forces shaping the future of work are complex and unpredictable, he said, and we may not know what the jobs of the future look like, but the MSc IM/CEMS programme was good preparation for this. “The world needs people who are prepared to take responsibility with purpose and care,” he said.
The Academic Director for the Class of 2026 is Dr Giuseppe Criaco, associate professor in RSM’s department of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship. He gave the audience an insight into the graduates’ 18 months of studies. They showed intellectual drive and a thirst for knowledge, a deep sense of integrity, and motivation, he said. RSM’s MSc IM/CEMS programme was one of only 16 master’s programmes in the Netherlands considered by current students to be ‘excellent’ in the most recent annual National Student Survey conducted by Keuzegids, published on 5 March. This is an important guide for prospective students looking for the best study programmes in the Netherlands.
A previous academic director also took to the stage during the ceremony. After almost 20 years in the role, Dr René Olie stepped down in 2025. He was instrumental in the evolution of the global programme’s character, impact and focus and spoke about the programme that is notable for its highly international study, with students living and studying in two different countries in 18 months, thanks to a global alliance of 33 leading business schools across six continents.
Prof. Benischke acknowledged René Olie’s CEMS MIM Outstanding Contribution Award that was presented at last November’s CEMS Annual event in Rio de Janeiro.
Upon graduation, the cohort joins RSM’s international alumni community. They were welcomed as alumni by Meta Haag-Mikec, Associate Director of Alumni Relations for RSM.
The student address was given by Cosmas Regl, and ceremony was hosted by Martine Vissers, RSM’s Employer Relations Manager. After the ceremony, students and guests attended a drinks reception in the Pavilion.
The ceremony was livestreamed for those who couldn’t make it to the ceremony, and the recording is now online, on RSM’s YouTube channel.
MSc International Management/CEMS
The ceremony at RSM marks the successful completion of the MSc International Management programme for the graduating students – these students have lived and studied in two different countries in 18 months. The CEMS Master in Management (CEMS MIM) is a joint programme, open to a select group of students who are enrolled in one of the leading universities in the CEMS Alliance and delivered by CEMS academic members. RSM’s 18-month MSc in International Management/CEMS programme aims to advance high-quality graduates with a well-developed global mindset, to better prepare them for an international career in business. Since its launch, CEMS has grown into a global alliance of 33 leading business schools across six continents with more than 70 multinational partners and 8 social partners that together offer the CEMS MIM.
Upon graduation, alumni become members of RSM’s alumni network as well as the CEMS Alumni Association.
The international IM/CEMS Graduation Ceremony takes place each year during the CEMS Annual Events (usually at the beginning of December) which is hosted by one of the CEMS member schools. Graduates attend the Graduation Ceremony in the year of their graduation, and become part of a committed, active and rewarding CEMS world-wide alumni network. This year’s ceremony takes place on 28 November at Korea University Business School (KUBS) in Seoul.
