《Into Excellence and New Journeys: IBMBA and GHRM Class of 2025’s Graduation Ceremony》

As the semester draws to a close, the Class of 2025 from the International Business Management (IBMBA) program and students of the Global Human Resource Management (GHRM) MBA program gathered to celebrate a major milestone—one that marks not only the culmination of their academic journey, but the beginning of their next chapter in the professional world.

On June 5, 2025, we had the privilege of hosting a heartfelt graduation ceremony for all IBMBA and GHRM students, alongside their beloved families and loved ones. It was a moment not just to celebrate academic success, but to exchange wisdom, encouragement, and the spirit to move forward—boldly and confidently—into the unknown future.

Chair Professor Lo opened the ceremony with deeply inspiring remarks:

“You have not only mastered academic knowledge—you have also cultivated empathy and global awareness. You’ve embraced complex challenges across cultures and personal relationships. In today’s interconnected world, countries are no longer defined solely by geography. Our challenges and opportunities are shared—and you, our graduates, are the next generation of global citizens.

Wherever life takes you from here, remember this: your greatest strength is not what you know, but how you apply it—with integrity, curiosity, and the desire to make a difference. Graduation is not the end—it is only the beginning. Though the road ahead may not always be smooth, I have full confidence that you have the skills, the mindset, and the heart to navigate the complexities of the world.”

Her words were met with a wave of applause that echoed throughout the room—a sound that carried both pride and hope.

She concluded with a phrase that will undoubtedly remain in the hearts of graduates for years to come:

“Fellow graduates, congratulations. Go forward with courage, and continue to shine—wherever life takes you.”

The ceremony was also graced by the presence of our alumni, Jan Stava, who reminded us with honest vulnerability that:

“Success doesn’t correspond in a straight line.”
Jan encouraged graduates to face challenges head-on and to lean on the bonds forged during this program—friends, mentors, and family—especially when the road feels overwhelming.

One of our reserved yet remarkable graduates, Do Nguyen Viet Tung (Jason), opened up about the painful, life-changing experiences that became the catalyst for his growth. He spoke powerfully about self-discipline and resilience:

“The things we avoid tend to be the very things we need to face. Real progress doesn’t come from motivation—it comes from discipline.”
He shared his story of training for the grueling Sun Moon Lake Marathon, despite being out of shape. There were no shortcuts, no cheering crowds—only sweat, silence, and persistence. Every lap he ran became a testament to the discipline that carried him through, and the IBMBA program became his fuel—pushing him beyond what he thought he was capable of.
“We faced language barriers, pressure, and self-doubt—and yet we showed up, again and again.”
He ended with a phrase that struck a chord in many:
“Life isn’t about choosing the easy paths—it’s about taking the hard ones and giving all of ourselves to it.”

Another speaker, fellow graduate Ronnie Lee, exemplified perseverance in a different light. Balancing a full-time teaching job and the responsibilities of a husband and father, Ronnie faced his own share of sacrifices throughout the program. Though his schedule limited his participation in many class activities, his dedication never wavered.

“When life gives you lemons, put them on your tacos.”
With his signature wit, Ronnie reminded us of the value of choosing a different path and finding lightness in the challenges we face. He emphasized that the presence of obstacles is a sign of real growth:
“We need to be bad at something new in order to grow.”
He left us with this heartfelt reminder:
“In a world where you can be anything—be kind.”
Kindness, he said, will carry us through every situation, and he wished for each of us to embark on an amazing adventure and witness the magic this world has to offer. And, with a laugh, he closed his speech with one final, simple but humorous piece of advice:
“And don’t forget to wash your hands before leaving the bathroom.”