All books are read, all presentations delivered and papers submitted. No fewer than 68 graduates have reached the end of their Executive MBA journey. Cheered on by family and friends, the class of 2025 entered the Sint-Janskerk in Maastricht on Friday 12 September in a long and festive line.
“With today’s graduation, a remarkable journey reaches its conclusion,” said Ron Jacobs, Director of MaastrichtMBA. He urged the new alumni not to take this milestone for granted, but instead to pause and reflect on their MBA journey: the lessons learned, the insights gained, and the memories created. “Think of what you have achieved,” Jacobs emphasised. “Only a very small number of people make it to an Executive MBA, complete it, and graduate. This accomplishment should fill you with pride, but also with a deep sense of responsibility to use your skills and competences to make a difference in the world.”
He encouraged the graduates to embrace the opportunities ahead with confidence: “Take your place in the front row of your career and your life. What greater gift could there be than the ability to create meaningful impact together?”
Dr. Boris Blumberg, Executive Director of UMIO, warmly welcomed the graduates and their loved ones to the festive ceremony. “Today is a day of happy faces,” he remarked. “For the graduates, the joy of completion. For parents and friends, a sense of pride. And for partners and spouses, often a look of relief, which is entirely understandable.”
He highlighted that completing the Executive MBA is not only a significant intellectual challenge but also a personal and collective endeavour, demanding perseverance and dedication from students as well as support from their families. Turning directly to the graduates, Blumberg said: “What you have accomplished is remarkable. The MBA challenges the mind, but it also challenges the heart and spirit. Stepping into your new roles requires embracing change, adopting new beliefs, and letting go of old ones. I hope our paths will cross again. Godspeed.”
At last, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: the official graduation ceremony. One by one, the 68 graduates walked across the stage to receive their MBA certificate and a commemorative statue. With each handshake and award, cameras flashed and applause filled the hall. In a symbolic gesture, the graduates then moved the tassel on their caps from right to left — a tradition that, as Blumberg explained, marks the shift from knowledge in the mind to wisdom in the heart.
Following the ceremony, three graduates took the stage to deliver the graduates’ speech. They encouraged their fellow alumni to step beyond their comfort zones, to keep investing in personal growth, and to remain true to their values. The world, they emphasised, needs authentic leaders — people who dare to take action, inspire others, and lead with care. Their message was clear: perseverance and purpose will always show the way forward.
The speakers concluded with heartfelt thanks to UMIO’s leadership and staff for guiding them through an unforgettable journey.
The ceremony continued with the announcement of the Students of the Year. This honour, celebrating the highest academic achievement, was awarded by prof. Anant Joshi, the Academic Director of the programme.
Both students were applauded for their dedication, commitment, and outstanding performance throughout their MBA journey.
The official ceremony ended with the traditional group portrait and the throwing of the graduation caps, a joyful finale to an unforgettable milestone.
This article presents a recap of the 2025 MaastrichtMBA Graduation Ceremony. MaastrichtMBA is an executive modular part-time MBA programme and exist of two tracks: an on-campus and online track. The programme has a Triple Crown accreditation and is aimed for professionals with at least 5 years of working experience.
