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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nNearly 4,500 people joined the celebration, both in person and online, from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ceremony also reflected I\u00c9SEG’s commitment to making a positive impact. For the first time, remaining tickets were sold in support of the I\u00c9SEG Foundation<\/a>, raising \u20ac15,000 for its equal opportunity program<\/a>.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 I\u00c9SEG Pompoms energized the audience with performances throughout the event.<\/p>\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thirty years after graduating from I\u00c9SEG, Nicolas WALLAERT (Class of 1995), now CEO of Cofidis Group, returned to the School as sponsor of the Class of 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Introducing him, I\u00c9SEG 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking the stage, Nicolas WALLAERT encouraged graduates to see uncertainty not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity:\u00a0“There isn’t just one path\u2014there 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.”<\/em>\u00a0His message resonated with an audience of graduates preparing to embark on the next stage of their professional lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 I\u00c9SEG Board), Thibaut RINGO (President of I\u00c9SEG Network, the Alumni Association) and Myriam DEGRAVE (Executive Director for Societal and Environmental Impact).<\/p>\n\n\n Together, they explored what it truly means to belong to the I\u00c9SEG community long after graduation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Christophe CATOIR acknowledged today’s challenging job market while emphasising the strengths I\u00c9SEG graduates bring with them: “Adaptability, an international mindset, the ability to learn quickly and evolve\u2026 graduates leave with much more than a degree\u2014they leave with a community.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014you just need to take the first step<\/em>.”\u00a0He also invited graduates to reconnect at a major alumni networking event to be held at Paris’ Parc des Princes on 5 November 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myriam DEGRAVE reminded graduates that sustainability and societal engagement are no longer optional, but an essential part of today’s professional world\u2014and an opportunity for everyone, whatever career path they choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout the afternoon, several graduates took to the stage to reflect on their time at I\u00c9SEG and the experiences that shaped them.<\/p>\n\n\n Oc\u00e9ane TOMIETTO <\/strong>described how student life encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone. Arriving at I\u00c9SEG 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\u2014and a group of people willing to believe in it together.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nordine MORCHID,<\/strong> an I\u00c9SEG 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.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Petra HAIDAR, who came from Lebanon to join I\u00c9SEG’s Specialised Master’s in Digital Marketing<\/a>, spoke about the unexpected opportunities that arise when plans change:\u00a0“Sometimes the path you never planned to take is the one that shapes you the most.”\u00a0<\/em>An inspiring lesson in adaptability from a journey marked by uncertainty and culminating in an internship at LVMH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Antoine GARRY, <\/strong>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\u2014and grow into them.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n Marion CADU <\/strong>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\u2014it’s about choosing to make a difference every day.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Natalia RODRIGUEZ <\/strong>shared how she left an established career in Canada to start over in France and pursue I\u00c9SEG’s Master’s in Finance<\/a>. A leap into the unknown she has never regretted: \u00ab It will never be easy, but it will always be worth it. \u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Alesya ROMANOVA, <\/strong>who arrived at I\u00c9SEG 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. \u201cThe real fear should be standing still.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thomas GUILLEMOT <\/strong>reminded his peers that the I\u00c9SEG experience is above all collective: \u201cWhat I\u00c9SEG has taught us most is not only how to succeed individually, but how to move forward together.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1995, when Nicolas WALLAERT and Christophe CATOIR graduated, I\u00c9SEG had fewer than 1,000 alumni. Thirty years later, the Class of 2025 has brought that number to over 20,000 graduates worldwide\u2014a global community of 20,000 journeys and 20,000 ambassadors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caroline ROUSSEL concluded the ceremony by reminding graduates of the values that remain unchanged despite the School\u2019s growth: accomplishment, responsibility, integrity, solidarity and commitment. \u201cDare to be yourself, dare to believe in yourself and your convictions, dare to change the world,\u201d a message that continues to resonate today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The traditional cap toss closed an emotional ceremony, followed by a celebratory reception at Lille Grand Palais<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nShowcasing the talent of the I\u00c9SEG community<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ieseg.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/RDD-2026-saxo-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nNicolas WALLAERT: an alumnus who embodies I\u00c9SEG’s values<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Panel discussion: “I\u00c9SEG, a school for life”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ieseg.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/RDD-2026_table-ronde-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nNew graduates with inspiring stories take the stage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ieseg.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/RDD-2026-Marion-Cadu-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ieseg.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/RDD-2026-defile-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n20,000 graduates and a story still being written<\/h3>\n\n\n
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