On May 31 and June 1, ESSEC Business School held its 2024 Commencement Day ceremony at Salle Pleyel. This event was more than just a graduation ceremony; it signified a pivotal moment in the lives of the graduates: it was a celebration of their accomplishments and a time to look forward with confidence and ambition.
ESSEC Commencement Day 2024: the future is yours!
18.6.2024
The prestigious Salle Pleyel, a renowned venue for Parisian music and culture, welcomed this year’s graduates, marking the beginning of their new journeys. From Friday evening to Saturday evening, four ceremonies celebrated the achievements of over 3,000 students and participants, joined by their families and friends. A dozen speakers, including academic directors, honorary alumni, distinguished students, and members of the management team, addressed the graduates. They highlighted ESSEC’s core values and extended their best wishes for this exciting new chapter in the graduates’ lives.
A powerful message for a promising future
Following the traditional and moving procession of the faculty, ESSEC Dean and President Vincenzo Vinzi, donning his academic robe, opened each ceremony with a speech in French and in English: ‘You are graduating today, but ESSEC will always stand by your side, supporting your continuous growth as professionals and individuals. Together, we will turn shared progress into reality. I have full confidence in your future success. You are now united by a common goal: to ensure that our actions, commitments, research, and expertise help redefine our relationship with our ancient world. The future is in your hands, and it is up to you to shape it.’ With this inspiring message, the ceremonies began.
The power of community and benevolence
The academic directors commended the graduates for their cohesion, spirit of solidarity, and camaraderie, highlighting these qualities as central to the ESSEC experience. They lauded the graduates’ heroic trajectory and encouraged them to become pivotal players in the societal, technical, and managerial transformations of the future.
Echoing the reflection on essential human values, Cécile Beliot-Zind (E97), Managing Director of the BEL Group, warmly congratulated the graduates of the Master in Management program. She shared her unwavering belief in sustainable capitalism, stating, ‘For 27 years, I have been convinced that a model of sustainable capitalism is possible. I believe in the power of collaboration, and in kindness and benevolence to mobilize and engage those around me. You are the new generation of leaders, and it is in your hands to perpetuate these values.’
Committed to a better world
Solène Lory (BBA 02), Head of Music for France and Southern Europe at YouTube, served as the guest speaker for the BBA ceremony, inspired the new graduates that the future is theirs to shape. She emphasized that with determination, they can achieve their dreams while also contributing to a better world. ‘You have the ability to transform your dreams into concrete realities. Never underestimate the impact you can have on the world’.
Anne-Marie Busuttil, an agricultural engineer and graduate of the Executive Education Master’s program in Organizational Management, addressed the graduates, underscoring the importance of commitment and the quest for meaning in their careers. ‘Let’s become leaders – not just decision-makers, but creators of meaning,’
A new era of possibilities
Fabien Versavau, CEO of Rakuten France (EXEC MBA 13), bolstered this optimistic and ambitious vision by sharing his journey and urging graduates to embrace the transformative opportunities ahead: ‘Economic activity is evolving at such a rapid pace that there is no single career pathway, and that is a good thing. This affords us exceptional freedoms to shape and change our lives as we wish. The moments following your graduation are crucial for pivoting, changing direction, resetting, and reinventing yourself.’ This emphasis on change and innovation was echoed by alumnus and social entrepreneur Jean Moreau (E07), who encouraged the Masters, Advanced Masters, and PhD graduates to seize their opportunities: ‘Make the most of the formidable springboard provided by your training at ESSEC to embark on a professional adventure that aligns with your core values.’
A perpetual commitment: from the ESSEC Foundation to ESSEC Alumni
Commencement Day also provided a platform for the ESSEC Foundation to highlight its impactful initiatives. Through the generosity of alumni and 2,985 donors, numerous students benefitted from scholarships enabling the, to attend ESSEC. ‘Donating to the Foundation means giving all talented individuals the opportunity to receive an excellent education while promoting social and cultural diversity within the school,’.
As a natural continuation of this tradition of community, Marie-Pierre Schickel (E95), Managing Director of ESSEC Alumni, urged graduates to proudly embody their ESSEC diploma and engage actively in the alumni community. With a family comprising over 71,000 graduates, ESSEC Alumni provides ample opportunities for mentoring, teaching, and collaboration, thereby strengthening the bonds among alumni.
Closing a chapter, opening new doors
Aarti Ramaswami, Deputy Managing Director, concluded the ceremonies by reminding the graduates that they are now ambassadors of the school and that ESSEC will always be their home: ‘Graduation ceremonies celebrate the beautiful moment when we reflect on the past while looking forward to the future. Exciting new adventures await you.’
Jérôme Barthélemy, Executive Vice-President, Dean for Post Experience Programs (EEE), stressed the significance of this milestone: ‘Congratulations on completing your studies at ESSEC. Your time here has provided you with the opportunity for reflection. I wish you all the success and happiness in your professional and personal lives.’
ESSEC takes is pride in its class of 2024 graduates. You are now members of a vibrant and dedicated alumni community. Here’s to new adventures ahead!
