Managing Director Dr. Christian Jansen opened the ceremony, followed by a commencement address by Laura Vantellini, CEO & Managing Director of HiQ Germany and alumna of the Goethe MBA Full-time Class of 2010. Reflecting on her own experiences, she spoke about the contrast between the career visible on paper and the personal experiences that often shape decisions and opportunities behind the scenes. Drawing on the unexpected twists and turns that have defined both her life and professional path, she encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty and remain open to change. In closing, she reminded the audience that few careers follow a straight line and that people continually evolve throughout their lives. Although technical expertise and analytical thinking are important, she highlighted that success isn't just about titles, achievements, or following the seemingly right path on paper.
Afterward, student representatives of the Master and MBA programs reflected on the experiences that have shaped their time at GBS. Their speeches highlighted not only academic achievements but also personal growth, resilience, and relationships that developed along the way. Their reflections captured the collaborative spirit of the programs and the strong sense of community that emerged over the course of their studies. One speaker summarized this sentiment by saying:
"We came here to gain knowledge, but I think we leave with more than that. We leave with a strong ability to ask our questions, to challenge assumptions, to listen to different perspectives, and to make decisions even if the answer is not obvious. The people in this room have become more than classmates; we have become sparring partners, supporters, critics, teammates, and friends."
Awards, Honors, and Graduation
A central moment of the ceremony was the presentation of the Excellence in Teaching Awards, which shines a spotlight on faculty members whose commitment, energy, and teaching have made a lasting impression on students across programs.
This year’s awards went to Prof. Dr. Anna Rohlfing-Bastian for Managerial Accounting and Controlling in the Pharma MBA, Prof. Dr. Kevin Bauer for Applied Deep Learning in the Digital Transformation MBA, and Prof. Dr. Alexander Hillert for Textual Analysis in Finance in the Master in Finance. Each award recipient briefly addressed the audience with words of appreciation. Prof. Dr. Hillert concluded the segment by thanking students for their engagement and trust, and by encouraging them to pursue professional paths that genuinely resonate with their interests and motivations.
The ceremony further highlighted academic distinction through the recognition of this year’s Goethe Scholars, representing the top 10 percent of students, presented by Eric McCloe from Academic Records. In addition, Dr. Anja Weigt, Associate Managing Director and Director of Master Programs at Goethe Business School, introduced the nominees for Beta Gamma Sigma.
The program then reached its defining moment as graduates were called to the stage to formally receive their degrees, greeted with congratulations from their Academic Directors and faculty members.
Looking Ahead
The celebrations came to a close with a reception in the Casino building’s foyer, where graduates, guests, and faculty gathered to mark the occasion, reconnect, and capture moments from the day.
While the ceremony represented the conclusion of an important academic chapter, it also opened the door to new paths, ambitions, and opportunities ahead. Goethe Business School congratulates the Classes of 2025 and Class of 2026 on this achievement and extends its best wishes for continued success in the next stage of their personal and professional journeys.