Back

On June 13, the IÉSEG community gathered at Lille’s Zenith (a major concert hall in France) to celebrate a milestone in the School’s history. Surrounded by family, friends and faculty, the Class of 2025 marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Beyond the traditional cap toss, this year’s graduation ceremony carried special significance: with 1,985 new graduates joining its community, IÉSEG officially reached the milestone of 20,000 alumni.

A day to celebrate, reflect and look ahead

Nearly 4,500 people joined the celebration, both in person and online, from around the world.

From the moment the doors opened, Lille’s Zenith turned into a vibrant celebration of achievements. Inspirational speeches, a panel discussion, live performances, music and the academic procession created an unforgettable atmosphere for students and their loved ones.

The ceremony also reflected IÉSEG’s commitment to making a positive impact. For the first time, remaining tickets were sold in support of the IÉSEG Foundation, raising €15,000 for its equal opportunity program. The initiative echoed the values embodied by this year’s graduation sponsor, Nicolas WALLAERT, CEO of Cofidis Group, whose company became the Foundation’s first Grand Patron in 2024.

Showcasing the talent of the IÉSEG community

The ceremony was also a celebration of student talent. Saxophonist Edmond BATTEUR, together with student DJs Gabriel BARTOLI and Gustave ANDREANI, provided the soundtrack to the afternoon, while the IÉSEG Pompoms energized the audience with performances throughout the event.

Graduates made their entrance along the yellow carpet (the School’s signature color), set through the center of the arena, as family and friends applauded each student. Before taking their seats, every graduate paused at the iconic “Strike the Pose” photo area to capture the moment.

Nicolas WALLAERT: an alumnus who embodies IÉSEG’s values

Thirty years after graduating from IÉSEG, Nicolas WALLAERT (Class of 1995), now CEO of Cofidis Group, returned to the School as sponsor of the Class of 2025.

Introducing him, IÉSEG Dean Caroline ROUSSEL highlighted how his career reflects the values the School strives to instil in its students: embracing uncertainty, remaining true to one’s principles and recognizing the responsibility we have towards others.

Taking the stage, Nicolas WALLAERT encouraged graduates to see uncertainty not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity: “There isn’t just one path—there are many possible paths. The people you meet play a key role in shaping your journey. Don’t wait until everything is perfectly planned before moving forward.” His message resonated with an audience of graduates preparing to embark on the next stage of their professional lives. 

Panel discussion: “IÉSEG, a school for life”

One of the highlights of the ceremony was a panel discussion bringing together Caroline ROUSSEL, Nicolas WALLAERT, Christophe CATOIR (Global President of the Adecco Group and Chair of the IÉSEG Board), Thibaut RINGO (President of IÉSEG Network, the Alumni Association) and Myriam DEGRAVE (Executive Director for Societal and Environmental Impact).

Together, they explored what it truly means to belong to the IÉSEG community long after graduation.

Christophe CATOIR acknowledged today’s challenging job market while emphasising the strengths IÉSEG graduates bring with them: “Adaptability, an international mindset, the ability to learn quickly and evolve… graduates leave with much more than a degree—they leave with a community.”

Thibaut RINGO encouraged new alumni to make the most of their network from day one: “A network only comes to life when you use it. It’s there—you just need to take the first step.” He also invited graduates to reconnect at a major alumni networking event to be held at Paris’ Parc des Princes on 5 November 2026

Myriam DEGRAVE reminded graduates that sustainability and societal engagement are no longer optional, but an essential part of today’s professional world—and an opportunity for everyone, whatever career path they choose.

New graduates with inspiring stories take the stage

Throughout the afternoon, several graduates took to the stage to reflect on their time at IÉSEG and the experiences that shaped them.

Océane TOMIETTO described how student life encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone. Arriving at IÉSEG convinced she would leave music behind, she found herself recording an album during her very first week. Later, despite doubting whether she belonged, she joined the Junior Enterprise before eventually being elected President of the French National Confederation of Junior Enterprises. “The best things often begin with a slightly crazy idea—and a group of people willing to believe in it together.”

Nordine MORCHID, an IÉSEG Foundation scholarship recipient who went on to secure an internship at Apple after spending a semester at Harvard, paid tribute to those who believed in him. “The distance between who you are and who you could become is often measured by the number of times you keep moving forward after common sense tells you to stop. Don’t dream it. Be it.”

Petra HAIDAR, who came from Lebanon to join IÉSEG’s Specialised Master’s in Digital Marketing, spoke about the unexpected opportunities that arise when plans change: “Sometimes the path you never planned to take is the one that shapes you the most.” An inspiring lesson in adaptability from a journey marked by uncertainty and culminating in an internship at LVMH.

Antoine GARRY, now a Hypermarket Director at Carrefour after completing an apprenticeship with Auchan and a double degree with McGill University, encouraged graduates to embrace opportunities before they feel fully ready. “Don’t wait for opportunities to be perfect. Take them when they’re imperfect, uncomfortable, even bigger than you—and grow into them.”

Marion CADU reflected on her generation’s commitment to sustainability. Now working in renewable energy after cycling across Europe to meet changemakers, she reminded graduates that impact is built through everyday choices. “Creating impact isn’t about changing the world in a single day—it’s about choosing to make a difference every day.”

The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the Dean’s List, recognizing students who achieved outstanding academic results throughout their studies. Three graduates then addressed the audience on behalf of their class.

Natalia RODRIGUEZ shared how she left an established career in Canada to start over in France and pursue IÉSEG’s Master’s in Finance. A leap into the unknown she has never regretted: « It will never be easy, but it will always be worth it. »

Alesya ROMANOVA, who arrived at IÉSEG at just 17 after growing up in several different countries, highlighted how her curiosity enabled her to adapt to each new environment and move forward at every stage of her journey. “The real fear should be standing still.”

Thomas GUILLEMOT reminded his peers that the IÉSEG experience is above all collective: “What IÉSEG has taught us most is not only how to succeed individually, but how to move forward together.”

20,000 graduates and a story still being written

In 1995, when Nicolas WALLAERT and Christophe CATOIR graduated, IÉSEG had fewer than 1,000 alumni. Thirty years later, the Class of 2025 has brought that number to over 20,000 graduates worldwide—a global community of 20,000 journeys and 20,000 ambassadors.

Caroline ROUSSEL concluded the ceremony by reminding graduates of the values that remain unchanged despite the School’s growth: accomplishment, responsibility, integrity, solidarity and commitment. “Dare to be yourself, dare to believe in yourself and your convictions, dare to change the world,” a message that continues to resonate today.

The traditional cap toss closed an emotional ceremony, followed by a celebratory reception at Lille Grand Palais.

IÉSEG and IÉSEG Network are proud to welcome the Class of 2025 into the global community of IÉSEG alumni.