UBI Celebrates Its 2026 Graduation Ceremony in the Historic Vaudeville Theatre, Brussels
Brussels, 14 March 2026 — UBI celebrated its 2026 Graduation Ceremony this past Saturday at the historic Vaudeville Theatre, bringing together graduates, families, and faculty from more than 20 nationalities for an afternoon marked by emotion, reflection, and international connection.
Located in the heart of the Belgian capital, the Vaudeville Theatre—first inaugurated in 1884 and now listed as a historic monument—offered a fitting setting for the occasion. Recently restored, the venue combines 19th-century elegance with modern technology, mirroring the blend of tradition and innovation reflected in UBI’s programmes.
Graduates from the BSc, MSc, and MBA cohorts gathered to mark the culmination of their academic journeys, with some travelling from as far as Southeast Asia to attend. For those unable to make the trip, the ceremony was livestreamed, allowing remote participants to contribute speeches and share in the celebration from abroad.
A Day of Celebration, Emotion, and Reflection
Throughout the afternoon, moments of celebration alternated with reflection. Graduates spoke of the transformative impact of their studies, highlighting not only academic development but also personal growth. Several emphasised the importance of lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving world, while others pointed to the challenge—and reward—of balancing full-time professional responsibilities with their studies, made possible through UBI’s flexible learning formats.
Honouring Excellence and Leadership
The ceremony also recognised a number of outstanding students whose achievements reflect the institution’s core values of excellence, leadership, and real-world impact.
Among them were Sara Nativi and Fabian Herden from the BSc programme, and Roland Boog from the MBA programme, who received the UBI Citizen Student Leadership Award for their active role in student-led initiatives and contributions to the wider university community. Claudia Papa Scarpa, an MBA graduate, was named UBI Ambassador for Latin America in recognition of her leadership and engagement.
The title of valedictorian was awarded to Martina Fraschetti (BSc), Alex Deltomme (MSc), and Estanislao Schilardi Puga (MBA), each recognised for achieving the highest academic performance in their respective programmes and for delivering the closing addresses at the ceremony.
Looking Ahead
As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere remained one of optimism and anticipation. For many graduates, the ceremony marked not an endpoint, but the beginning of a new chapter – one shaped by global perspective, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
As they embark on their next chapter, graduates are encouraged to continue leading with integrity, curiosity, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility. The UBI community looks forward to seeing the impact they will make in the world.
UBI extends its warmest congratulations to all graduates on their academic and personal achievements, as well as their contributions to the university community and its partners.
