Wittenborg Students from 22 Countries Completed Programmes in Blocks 5,6 and 7

Apeldoorn’s Theatre Orpheus was filled with joy and excitement during Wittenborg’s Summer Graduation Ceremony, which took place last Friday, 14 July, and gathered 75 out of the 93 students who completed their programmes in blocks 5,6 and 7.

In total, 54 master’s and 21 bachelor’s students attended the ceremony. Highlighting Wittenborg’s diversity and international character, the new graduates come from 22 countries: Liberia, China, Cameroon, Iran, Nigeria, Vietnam, Japan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Russia, the Netherlands, Lebanon, Syria, India, USA, Thailand, Egypt, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Libya and Angola.

According to Wittenborg’s Vice President of Applied Research, Ad Kil, by pursuing their diplomas, students had the opportunity to develop multiple skills and competencies, as well as leave their comfort zones.

“You had to think, reflect and write about many different subjects, which was often challenging, and you did all of that while living in a different country, with a different culture. Therefore, you can be very proud of this achievement because you have made it in difficult circumstances and you have the potential to do even more. Your diploma is the entrance to the international business world, and it is also a demonstration that you are no longer a student, but a professional with plenty of knowledge and skills,” he stressed.

Wittenborg Advisory Board Member Pauline Verheijen-Dop highlighted the importance of continuous education, particularly considering the deep societal and technological changes that the world is going through.

“Your graduation today does not mark the end of your learning journey; it is just the beginning. Moreover, education is not confined to the walls of a classroom or the pages of a textbook. It is a lifelong adventure, an opportunity to expand your horizons and the chance to discover new passions. So, whether you’ll pursue a master’s degree, start a business or travel the world, try to define your own path and embrace the excitement of the unknown. But most importantly, never stop learning and never stop exploring. Remember that the future is not a distant dream, but a canvas waiting for your unique brushstrokes.” 

Best Thesis Award

During the Summer Graduation Ceremony, for the first time, Wittenborg granted the ‘Best Thesis of the Year Award’ to a bachelor’s and a master’s student whose theses exemplify original and creative scholarships in the respective completed programme.

In total, six students had been nominated, out of which three were bachelor’s and three were master’s students. The Best Thesis Award was given to BBA student Ni Putu Diah Damayanti and MBM student Ngo Thi Anh Thy. In addition to receiving a Certificate of Recognition, they will be awarded with a LinkedIn Premium Business account for one year.

Wittenborg Head of School of Business Rauf Abdul, member of the jury, pointed out that the initiative aims to recognise and present early career researchers and their contribution to the field of study. “The Best Thesis Award is given in recognition of the development of professional excellence by students writing master’s or bachelor’s theses on a research topic consistent with Wittenborg’s mission and key pillars. The research should be unique and engaging, making a highly original and significant contribution to the selected topic and subject area. It was a very close call to select the best thesis, because most of the nominees delivered excellent research work,” Abdul said. 

Starting New Adventures

Morgan Quintana, a US alumnus who has just completed an MSc degree in Sports Business, said that he is really excited about graduating and looking forward to new adventures. “One thing I learned is that failure is part of the process and it is part of the journey, and I am always going to carry that with me for the rest of my life. I am really going to miss Wittenborg’s diversity; I love seeing different people and hearing new languages from all around the world.”

Loan Nguyen Hoang Bich, from Vietnam, obtained an MSc diploma in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. “I feel like stepping out of my comfort zone and trying project management. So, I am actually being interviewed by seven companies right now and I am in the last round of three selection processes. I feel very excited and a little nervous too; I am going to miss Wittenborg’s student vibe, I love my friends,” she commented. 

WUP 17/7/2022
by Ulisses Sawczuk
©WUAS Press