Summer celebration by the river to thank RSM alumni

The generosity and leadership of more than 100 RSM alumni were acknowledged with an invitation to a barbecue that celebrated the 55th anniversary of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM). Many thousands of RSM alumni continue to contribute after they graduate and as their careers progress by mentoring students, speaking at events, volunteering their time, supporting RSM’s initiatives, and by making gifts. All of these efforts keep the worldwide RSM community of more than 55,000 people buzzing. The evening event for invited alumni also marked RSM’s 55 for 55 Campaign, fundraising for student scholarships. The barbecue was RSM’s way of showing appreciation, and at the close of the event, the total stood at €41,619, which goes towards student scholarships. RSM’s €55 for 55 Years fundraiser is still active and open for more contributions.

The €55 for 55 Years appeal asked 1,000 alumni to give €55 each towards RSM scholarships to help students join RSM’s leading bachelor and master programmes who would otherwise not be able to study in Rotterdam. Many alumni gave larger donations, and two chose to donate €5,500. In a heartwarming act of solidarity, staff members also joined the campaign, which gathered a following on LinkedIn with its #55for55 hashtag.

Opening doors

The part was held in the impressive conservatory and on the riverside terrace of the Royal Rowing and Sailing Association Societeit aan de Maas on the Maas River in Rotterdam.

Meta Haag-Mikec, Associate Director of Corporate and Alumni Relations, and the Dean of RSM, Prof. Aukje Hassoldt gave welcome speeches. They spoke about the power of the RSM community and how the invited alumni representing mentors, donors and volunteers are what makes the alumni community so special. Everyone drank a toast to the last 55 years of RSM.

Alumni invited to the barbecue commented on their reasons for donating to the scholarship fun. One said: “Even coming from abroad, I was given access to a great education that opened doors I never expected – I want to contribute to making sure everyone has that same chance. Call it VUCA [Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity], BANI [Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible], or polycrisis, the pace of change is not slowing down. In times like these, I see value in backing something fundamental – education.”

Education as a force for good

Since its beginnings in 1970, RSM has championed the cause of business education serving as a powerful force for good. It’s aim for the future is to ensure that the most capable minds can join its community, challenge conventions, and lead with purpose. There are young people with exceptional minds in the Netherlands and around the world for whom studying or pursuing higher education is impossible because of the cost. RSM’s scholarship fund, boosted by RSM alumni removes financial pressure and ensures that the most promising students can join the RSM community, and through their studies can fulfil their unique perspectives by driving real-world impact.

Targeted support to amplify student impact

RSM’s scholarship fund, in partnership with the Erasmus Trustfonds, has a selection process that looks for students who demonstrate the imagination, determination, and expertise to make a real and lasting positive impact – whether locally, nationally, or globally. Several scholarship programmes provide further support by matching recipients with mentors, some of whom were themselves recipients of these scholarships.

The campaign is a collective statement from RSM alumni; that they stand behind the next generation of leadership and intend to keep the door of opportunity open for those who follow in their footsteps.

For details of more opportunities to meet up with RSM alumni and reconnect with RSM, see the event listings here. To find out more about ways of giving back to RSM, see the alumni webpages here

More information

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools. RSM provides ground-breaking research and education furthering excellence in all aspects of management and is based in the international port city of Rotterdam – a vital nexus of business, logistics and trade. RSM’s primary focus is on developing business leaders with international careers who can become a force for positive change by carrying their innovative mindset into a sustainable future. Our first-class range of bachelor, master, MBA, PhD and executive programmes encourage them to become critical, creative, caring and collaborative thinkers and doers. www.rsm.nl

For more information about RSM or this release, please contact Pavlina Novakova, RSM corporate communications and PR manager, or Danielle Baan, science communications lead and PR, by email at press@rsm.nl.