Wittenborg Celebrates More Than 130 Graduates from 24 Countries

17.07.2026

Wittenborg Celebrates Graduates in Apeldoorn Across BBA, MBA and MBM Programmes

Wittenborg celebrated the achievements of more than 130 graduates during its Summer Graduation Ceremony on 10 July at the Grote Kerk in Apeldoorn. Surrounded by family, friends, lecturers and staff members who supported them throughout their studies, graduates from BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), MBA (Master of Business Administration) and MBM/MSc (Master of Business Management) programmes marked an important milestone in their academic journeys.

Coming from 24 countries and completing their studies across Wittenborg’s locations in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich, the graduating class reflected the international character of the Business School. For many students, their time at Wittenborg involved adapting to a new environment, building connections across cultures and developing the confidence and skills needed for their next steps.

Celebrating a Journey of Growth

Opening the ceremony, entrepreneur, leadership coach and trainer Arnold Persoon reflected on his own experiences in an international environment and the mixture of excitement and uncertainty that comes with starting a new chapter.

He recalled the challenge of entering a new environment, meeting new people and learning new ways of doing things. Drawing on his experience as a coach, Persoon encouraged graduates to celebrate their achievements, while preparing for the decisions and challenges ahead.

Comparing life after graduation to choosing the next rollercoaster ride, he reminded graduates that the challenges they had already faced had prepared them for what comes next.

“Life is tough, but so are you,” he told graduates.

Assistant Professor of Applied Sciences Vajihe Shojaei highlighted another important part of the Wittenborg experience: learning how to work with people from different backgrounds.

“Higher education is not only a place where you study subjects. It is also a place where you study people,” she said.

Shojaei explained that teamwork, friendships, disagreements and shared experiences teach students how to communicate, collaborate and navigate differences.

“Your education was never only about what you learned from books. It was also about who you became while learning.”

Celebrating Shared Experiences

Speaking on behalf of the master’s graduates, Marija Cvetanovska thanked lecturers, staff members, families and friends for their support throughout the students’ journeys. She highlighted the international community created at Wittenborg, where students from different countries learned from one another and formed lasting connections.

Bachelor’s representative Amin Nadi reflected on the important role played by loved ones around the world who supported graduates during their studies.

“Nothing can stop you now,” he told his fellow graduates.

Associate Professor of Applied Sciences Nikita Pahwa encouraged graduates to pursue their ambitions while remembering that success is about more than professional achievements.

She encouraged students to build their careers, grow their networks and become part of their communities.

“A happy life is not only built on job titles and salaries,” she said. “It is built on relationships.”

Lecturer Robert Muster also encouraged graduates to embrace the future, quoting Dr Seuss’s "Oh, the Places You’ll Go!", and reminding them that they have the ability to choose their own direction.

Recognising Achievement

The ceremony recognised academic excellence through the Best Thesis Awards for 2025.

Bachelor’s graduate Thomas Moujaly received the award for his thesis, The Role of Frontline Employees’ Emotional Self-Management in Fostering Creative Problem Solving within Lebanon’s Restaurant Industry.

The master’s award was presented to Yaroslava Shklyarevsky for her research, Leveraging Migration Dynamics for Sustainable HR Practices in Dutch Universities.

The ceremony also marked a milestone for Wittenborg’s teaching community. Deputy Head of the School of Business Dadi Chen announced the first graduates of the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) Programme in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, launched in 2025.

Hind Albasry and Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes were recognised as the first graduates of the programme, highlighting Wittenborg’s continued commitment to professional development and educational quality.

After Graduation

For many graduates, the next chapter will begin in the Netherlands as they look to gain professional experience after completing their studies, with some planning to make use of the country's zoekjaar (orientation year) visa.

Graduate and student representative Arshia Baharloueiyancheshmeh hopes to build a career in the sports industry, combining his experience in coaching, event management and business.

Reflecting on his time at Wittenborg, he said the institution's international environment and practical approach helped prepare him for the workplace, while also teaching the importance of taking initiative. "Your experience depends a lot on your own effort and mindset," he said. Looking ahead, he hopes to gain industry experience before one day launching his own sports-related business.