From the classroom to the world: WHU MBA Graduation 2026

With bright smiles, emotional moments, and even a few tears here and there, the graduation ceremony of the Full-Time, Part-Time, and Global Online MBA programs at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management took place on March 27, 2026. Held at the festively decorated Congress Center Düsseldorf, the event honored not only the academic achievements of around 110 graduates, but also their outstanding commitment and personal development.

WHU Dean Professor Christian Andres warmly congratulated the graduates and shared encouraging words for their future: “You have acquired the skills you need to navigate this complex world successfully. And as you move forward, remember to focus on what truly matters: your values, your experiences, and the capabilities that will help you manage uncertainty.” He encouraged them to put these skills into practice: “Build companies. Drive change. Develop innovations. Solve problems that have not yet been solved. Stay curious. Act with integrity. Create lasting impact. We are proud of you, and we look forward to what you will shape next.” He also expressed his gratitude to those who make the WHU programs a success, in particular the Academic Directors Professor Dries Faems and Professor Yuval Kalish, the Program Directors Wiebke Rolf and Dr. Zeeshan Sultan, Miriam Kraneis, Head of the MBA Career Center at the Düsseldorf campus, and the entire program management team.

The keynote was delivered by Dr. Annika von Mutius, WHU alumna (BSc 2016; MSc 2018; doctoral degree 2021) and co-founder of Empion. She shared six defining and deeply personal experiences from the time since her own graduation – not only major successes, but especially important learning moments. Her key message: “Humility, humanity, generosity, diligence, responsibility for Germany and our valuable democracy. And at times also: cheerful composure.”

The program speakers then reflected on their time at WHU – from exciting international study experiences to personal moments along the way. One thing became clear: beyond the MBA certificate, it is above all the strong sense of community and the shared experiences that define the journey. “You should be ready to work a lot, to learn a lot, and to apply knowledge you have learned,” summarized Henry Meyer, Class Speaker FTMBA 2025. “You will come out of the program as a more refined, more formative human being. If you are ready to change yourself, the MBA is for you”

Students also presented the “Best Teacher Award” of their programs to Professor Martin Fassnacht (FTMBA and PTMBA) and Professor Fabiola Gerpott (OMBA).

Sarah Di Mango (PTMBA 2025) received the In Praxi MBA Outstanding Thesis Award from Christina Gudat, member of the award jury, for her thesis. She also reflected very positively on her studies, describing the time as intense but ultimately the most rewarding experience she has had so far: “It was really an amazing time with a lot of nice memories. It was an intense time but also the most beautiful experience that I’ve made. It was really worth all the effort. Here you meet a lot of great people, you have a lot of amazing professors, and I just had a wonderful time at WHU.”

Following the formal certificate ceremony, the symbolic tassel move to the left side, and the traditional hat throwing, the graduates were officially welcomed as WHU alumni.