A ‘Generation of Impact’: Geneva Business School Grads Take Center Stage in Geneva and Barcelona

If you want to know what the future of business looks like, look at the people who just walked across the stage in Geneva and Barcelona. This July, Geneva Business School celebrated its Class of 2026, a group of young men and women defined not by their diplomas but by the relentless drive, cultural adaptability, and genuine purpose they brought to their studies.

These young men and women are not merely stepping out to fill job openings; they are taking their places as a Generation of Impact. Guided by strong personal values, principles, and an unshakeable ethical DNA, they are equipped to lead from day one, irrespective of their title or role. 

Behind every cap and gown was a deeply personal story: students who packed up their lives to move across the globe, others who balanced demanding careers and late-night study sessions, and defiers of the status quo, who were already launching startups, working, or executing internships mid-degree. Across two distinct celebrations, these ceremonies weren’t about Geneva Business School; they were about recognizing young leaders who have endured hard work and are ready to push the world forward.

Although held in two different cities, the ceremonies shared one purpose: to celebrate a new generation of graduates prepared to enter the real business world with knowledge, confidence, and a commitment to responsible leadership.

Swiss Heart

The first graduation celebration took place on Friday, 3 July 2026, at the historic Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva.

Graduates from Geneva Business School’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programs stood side-by-side with graduates from Business School Lausanne, bringing together students from across the institutions’ growing academic network.

Mediterranean Soul

Exactly a week later, on Friday, July 10, 2026, the celebration moved to the coast at the W Hotel Barcelona, bringing the Barcelona and Madrid campuses together on a single stage.

Bachelor’s, Master’s, and DBA graduates entered the ceremony as students for the final time before crossing the stage and becoming members of Geneva Business School’s international alumni community.

An Industry Perspective from Our Guest Speakers

In Geneva, Ms. Iuliana Isarescu, Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Maison Piaget (Richemont Group), offered a last piece of real-world wisdom on navigating high-stakes corporate responsibility to our students.

In Barcelona, Mr. Mohammed Elrazzaz, Head of Sector for Regional Integration & Digital Transformation at the Union por el Mediterraneo, shared vital perspectives on leading across borders in a digital era.

The Voices of the Graduating Class of 2026

Among the most personal moments of both ceremonies were the valedictorian speeches, reflecting on their journeys as students, the international friendships they had formed, and the experiences that had prepared them for their next chapters.

In Geneva, Jessica McCarthy, Taymour Ojjeh, and Chaitra Girish Sirsikar took the microphone to reflect on the late-night stress, cross-border friendships, and shared growth that defined their time in Switzerland.

In Barcelona, Federica Rolle, Bernardo Estevão Matias, and Dr. Bradley Peter Jackson spoke passionately about identity, resilience, and the power of their shared community.

A Wider Season of Celebration in Geneva

The wider academic network also celebrated an important milestone on Saturday, June 27, 2026, when the International Institute in Geneva held its commencement ceremony at the InterContinental Geneva.

The ceremony recognized IIG Bachelor’s and Master’s students as they completed their educational journeys and prepared to join the institution’s international alumni community.

Final Words to our Graduates

As the ceremonies came to a close, the Class of 2026 left the stage not simply as graduates, but as professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and future leaders ready to make their mark.

Degrees open doors, but character changes the room. To the Class of 2026: step forward, lead with integrity, and leave an undeniable mark on the world.