Brandeis International Business School graduates encouraged to apply skills, make an impact around the world




Brandeis International Business School (IBS) honored 244 graduates at the school’s 21st annual Diploma Ceremony on Sunday. Spanning four degree programs and representing 44 countries, the Class of 2015 shared a final moment together before leaving Levin Ballroom as the newest group of World Ready professionals.

The graduates were led by student marshal Sebastian Scott, MBA ’15, who was selected by his peers as this year’s recipient of the Student Leadership Award. Selected student speaker Pratibha Harrison, MBA ’15 addressed the group with a familiar story – one of adaptation, self-discovery and finding community. She noted that without one another, their Brandeis IBS experience would not have been the same.

“We leave here with much more than a degree,” she said. “We leave with a strong relationship with the world and with each other. We are now World Ready, and will go out into the world to make a difference and to shine.”

Harrison’s fellow graduates will take on positions at companies such as Apple, BNP Paribas and KPMG, and others will pursue entrepreneurial ventures or additional graduate study.  Several students will return to their home countries, hoping to fulfill their goal of giving back.

Mendsaikhan Dashjil, MBA ’15 came from Mongolia to attend Brandeis IBS, eager to one day introduce responsible practices to Mongolia’s economy and local society. Vikram Mathur, MBA ’15 hoped to expand his family business in Mumbai, India, but wished to hone his skills and gain deeper global business insight. Both will return home with these assets in hand, prepared to scale their work to a global level.

Dean Bruce Magid, P ’15 affirmed the value of the graduates’ contributions to the Brandeis IBS community and encouraged them to continue along the path of “doing well by doing good,” a sentiment first articulated by University namesake Louis Brandeis.

“I challenge each of you to apply your knowledge and skills to a world that desperately needs what you have to offer,” said Magid. “Even as you pursue your own personal and professional goals, you’ll find great satisfaction if you also find a way to give back.”

Tania Zouikin, former CEO and Chairman of Batterymarch Financial Management, was awarded the Dean’s Medal during the ceremony and shared remarks echoing both the University’s motto and Dean Magid’s thoughts.

“I want you to discover your personal, innermost truth,” she said. “Understand your true talents and honor your beliefs. Your breakthrough happens when your skills and passions intersect with a true need in society.”

Her sentiments resounded strongly with this year’s graduates – a robust and diverse group who entered as enthusiastic students and leave prepared to become tomorrow’s global economic and business leaders. Armed with knowledge and empowerment from their peers and mentors, the Brandeis IBS Class of 2015 will depart ready to create the deep change they recognize is needed in the world.

“Keep moving forward, and learn to give back,” said Zouikin. “There is no way that is too small to contribute to others and to society.”

Categories: Alumni, Business, Student Life

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