Relation from the graduation ceremony of the X MBA edition Gdańsk Tech programme

Dignified, traditional ceremony in a hybrid way!

It was not the usual and regular graduation ceremony. After many days of staying at home and having classes on a remote form students of X MBA cohort, Faculty and University Authorities and IMBA Gdańsk Tech Programme Staff met personally at the Fahrenheit’s Courtyard of the Gdańsk University of Technology. Although due to the epidemiological safety rules there was a limit of participants and in accordance with the rules and means of self-protection. The other participants, among them: Lecturers, Programme Advisory Board members and families could participate through online broadcasting on the official Gdańsk Tech YouTube channel.

Diplomas and what is behind them

The Graduation was conducted by prof. Krzysztof Zięba, MBA Quality Lead and lecturer. Among distinguishing guests that delivered their speech was Rector’s Representative for internationalisation and innovation, prof. Ph.D., D. Sc., Eng., Janusz Nieznański; Dean of the Faculty of Management and Economics, Ph.D., D. Sc., Associate Professor Małgorzata Gawrycka; MBA Director, Ph.D. Barbara Geniusz-Stepnowska. The power speech of the ceremony was delivered by Małgorzata Bieniaszewska – businesswoman, owner of MB Pneumatyka manufacturing company, laureate of BRANDME CEO Forbes 2020. The speech was titled “How we learn” and was about the different approaches to case studies and their impact on further functioning and about the empathy of the leaders that should begin changes from oneself.

Małgorzata Bieniaszewska during the power speech

The crucial moment of the ceremony was handing over diplomas for students of X MBA cohort. This day after two years of learning, creating projects and experiencing the VUCA world in practice, they officially finished their studies and became Gdańsk Tech MBA Alumni.

During the first meeting with prof. Krzysztof Zięba that we had been taught about the methods of economics. The first slide ever, the first note there was: “be careful with the method”. Slide number two – “be careful with this method even more”. So this is what we have been practising. Also during the Operational Excellence we became SWOT team, who tackled down all exercises that we had for the PRINCE and all the exams that we had.

I believe that you as the lectures had a great knows for peaking such a marvellous team that we have got here. Thank you so much for being part of the 10^th extra ex-cohort that we have been participating in since 2018. – Karolina Supińska, student of X MBA Gdańsk Tech cohort

The best student and the best capstone project – socially responsible

Traditionally, during the Graduation Ceremony there was distinguished the best student, lecturer and capstone project. This year the award for the best student of X MBA Gdańsk Tech edition went to Karolina Supińska, who received award for the best results in science.

Alain Heureux chosen as the best lecturer connecting online

The award for the best lecturer went to Alain Heureux, who leads two modules: Creativity, Innovations & Entrepreneurship as well as Change Management and Digital Transformation. Mr Alain connected with the participants online, saying: “I can be only very, very happy and thankful for that recognition. My life is about trying to empower talent and make people develop themselves. So being recognized by it really touches me. I would like to thank you, thanks to Barbara, the staff and people from X edition.”

The best capstone project team of X MBA edition.

During the graduation, there were also mentioned the best MBA capstone projects – the initiative connecting students, the business environment with social responsibility. The best of X edition was: Safe pro-system project which is implemented by: Magdalena Ostrowska, Marcin Jachniewicz, Rafał Siess, Artur Malczewski, supervised by lecturer Rafał Stepnowski.

New challenge for Barbara Geniusz-Stepnowska

This evening, despite the most important ceremony for students, was also a very important time for the International MBA Gdańsk Tech Programme. After fifteen years, the PhD Barbara Geniusz-Stepnowska, MBA Director, decided to concentrate on her scientific career  and leave the director position of the programme.

Barbara Geniusz-Stepnowska, PhD with prof. Piotr Dominiak – the first dean of the Faculty of Management and Economics Gdańsk Tech, the initiator of the MBA Programme at Gdańsk Tech.

“Fifteen years ago I decided to change my career path. Never is too late to start something new, so this is my motto. Thank you very much for the time I had here. I could grow with this programme for all these years, and I would like also to thank the first dean. When I came to the university in 2006 I remember that first day we met. Of course I was just aiming to share my knowledge of project and programme management and the dean said no, no… we are going to launch an MBA programme. Then I had to take a deep breath, and say ok we will do it. Then we put all our forces to gain accreditation, the international recognition, we met a lot of wonderful people who supported us. We met a lot of students who trusted us. That was really great moment for me, thank you again dean for trusting me that anything is possible far and beyond.”

The new MBA director became PhD Beata Krawczyk-Bryłka, MBA Quality Lead and lecturer of Gdańsk Tech MBA Programme.

Barbara Geniusz-Stepnowska, PhD handing over the symbolic MBA running t-shirt.

After the gala there was time for a networking session and refreshments.

We do thanks all stationary and remote participants for being with new alumni at this event. In the name of whole MBA community we wish all our new alumni much luck in their new business career with their solid educational background and develop newly acquired competences!