SSBR 2024 GRADUATION CEREMONY
The 2024 graduation ceremony at the Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR) marked a monumental occasion, filled with pride, celebration, and a shared commitment to innovation in education. Held virtually, this ceremony honoured the perseverance, dedication, and remarkable achievements of our global graduates, with family members, faculty, and students joining from every corner of the world. The event encapsulated the spirit of academic excellence and personal growth that defines SSBR’s mission, underscoring how education can be a transformative force for individuals and society.
Vision and Leadership
At the heart of this celebration was the leadership of Dean Dr. Stephen Harrison, who set an inspiring tone for the event by emphasizing the unique, forward-thinking nature of SSBR’s educational offerings. In his address, Dr. Harrison highlighted the importance of innovation in modern academia, with a special focus on SSBR’s groundbreaking PhD by Portfolio program. This innovative doctoral pathway allows experienced professionals to gain recognition for their pre-existing research and expertise without committing to the lengthy and traditional four-year PhD track. This program is a reflection of SSBR’s commitment to creating accessible, flexible, and practical academic solutions for today’s learners.
Dr. Harrison’s speech also carried a deeply personal touch as he proudly wore his naval officer’s cap, a nod to his previous career as a Royal Navy pilot. This gesture symbolized not only his unique professional journey but also the diverse backgrounds of SSBR’s graduates. Dr. Harrison’s transition from a career in naval aviation and combat operations to academic leadership exemplifies the value SSBR places on real-world experience and its integration with academic knowledge. His naval background served as a powerful metaphor for the courage, discipline, and adaptability required to succeed in both military and academic life.
“We all come from different walks of life,” Dr. Harrison remarked, “and that diversity strengthens our community. Whether you are a naval pilot or an entrepreneur, the experiences you bring enrich your academic journey and shape the research that will drive change in the world.”
Indeed, the diversity of this year’s graduating class was one of the most striking features of the ceremony. Graduates from over 20 countries, including Kenya, Sweden, Malaysia, and Canada, shared their stories of perseverance, resilience, and intellectual growth. Many had balanced demanding careers with their academic pursuits, a challenge that was met with determination and, ultimately, success. As Dr. Meng Liang Ng from Malaysia and Dr. Johnny Yakoub from Sweden shared their personal reflections, it became clear that this transformative journey of lifelong learning had left an indelible mark on them. Their research had made significant real-world contributions, such as improving HIV management in Kenya and streamlining COVID-19 treatment in Saudi Arabia, underscoring SSBR’s commitment to fostering impactful, socially relevant scholarship.
The ceremony also paid homage to the unwavering support systems behind every graduate. As one speaker poignantly expressed, “None of this would have been possible without the encouragement of family, friends, and mentors.” Balancing work, life, and academia is no small feat, and the graduates’ acknowledgment of their loved ones reinforced the communal effort that is often involved in reaching such significant milestones.
The 2024 graduation ceremony celebrated not only academic accomplishments but also the resilience and adaptability that the modern educational landscape demands. The flexibility of online education, championed by SSBR, has allowed many of these graduates to continue their professional careers while pursuing advanced degrees. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving world, the ability to learn and grow alongside work and personal responsibilities is invaluable.
As the Dean conferred degrees upon the graduating class, he reminded them that their journeys did not end with the ceremony. Instead, it marked the beginning of their next chapter as leaders, innovators, and lifelong learners. In a world that constantly demands new ideas and solutions, the graduates of SSBR are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the strategic thinking and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in their respective industries.
Dr. Harrison’s closing remarks struck a powerful chord. “We must continue to question the status quo and embrace innovation. It is through challenging traditional thinking that we make progress and create lasting change in our societies.”
In the spirit of lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity, the 2024 SSBR graduation ceremony was more than a celebration of academic success—it was a call to action. The graduates are now empowered to make a meaningful impact on the world, armed with the knowledge, experience, and courage to navigate whatever challenges lie ahead. With their diverse experiences and the innovative education they received at SSBR, they are well-prepared to lead and inspire in a rapidly changing global landscape.
As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the SSBR community—students, faculty, and alumni alike—had come together to celebrate not just the achievements of the day but the bright futures that lie ahead for these graduates. Their stories are testaments to the power of education, resilience, and the unwavering belief that with dedication, anything is possible.
