emlyon campus celebrations: a look back at the first edition of emlyon alumni connect

The emlyon business school campus celebrations were punctuated by three exceptional events marking the opening of this new place dedicated to learning and exchange, in the presence of the entire School community. This major milestone in the School's history is the starting point of a new era, thus reaffirming emlyon's central role in the landscape of top-level higher education and the dynamic of collaboration with the academic and economic players that surround it.

Saturday, November 23, 2024, was dedicated to graduates with the first edition of emlyon alumni connect. More than 1,000 alumni, representing all generations, from the class of 1964 to that of 2024, came together to celebrate the opening of the Lyon campus and (re)connect with the School.

💡 An afternoon of inspiration and discovery

As soon as they arrived, the alumni were immersed in an atmosphere that combined conviviality and creativity. The campus's imposing monumental staircase served as a temporary gallery, showcasing the works of Steve Pitocco and Chloé Hakoun (PGE 2009), captivating visitors with their originality. Participants also had the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative fresco, a space for collective expression where everyone was able to leave a personal mark, symbolizing the spirit of unity and sharing that drives the emlyon community.

The official launch of the festivities was marked by a presentation of the latest news from the emlyon alumni network by Bruce Roch (PGE 1996) and Brigitte Zeller (PGE 1981), respectively administrator and interim president of the alumni association.

📽️ Watch the replay

Ekno

The Leadership Academy for New Futures Master Class then captivated the audience by exploring the new challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing world. Three teacher-researchers and three graduates took turns to share their experiences during a round table:

• Tessa Melkonian, Director of the Leadership Academy, accompanied by Pierre-Jean Blazewicz (MBA 2019), SMRI General Director.
• Thierry Picq, Professor of Management, and Paoline Salagnac (EMMG 2021), Sports Director at LDLC ASVEL Féminin.
• Thomas Gauthier, Educational Manager of the "Sustainable Futures" course, and Bruno Clément (MBA 2019), Director of Development & Partnerships at Montagne Hospitality.

📽️ Watch the replay

Déclic

Ekno

At the same time, alumni were able to explore thematic stands highlighting the richness of the associative life, the initiatives of the career services, the alumni communities, the projects of the Foundation and other emlyon services. Guided and scripted tours of the campus were led by the student associations, around the unique concept "The Sound of Makers": an immersive experience where sounds and lights allowed participants to discover the places and be immersed in the daily life of the School via the visit of its emblematic spaces such as the Library, the makers' lab, the Village of associations or the Auditorium.

For those looking for more specific interactions, participatory workshops offered varied experiences:

"Deciding in uncertainty", a serious game hosted by Blaise Agresti (MBA 2017).

"Who wants to be my sponsor?", a presentation of the Foundation's actions, presented by Lucie Constant and former presidents of the Corporation Council.

"Developing your managerial resilience!", a workshop led by Moss Kellal (MS 2002).

"Joy and the Unexpected: The Keys to Cooperation?", a fun session co-led by Franck Dojat (EMMG 2007) and Sandrine Renaud (EMMG 2021).

🥂 A festive and memorable evening

The celebration then continued with a moment dedicated to the anniversary of the 4th year classes, an emotional moment where each class representative was able to talk about their memories of the School.

Ekno

Ekno

Isabelle Huault, Chair of the Board of Directors and Managing Director of emlyon business school, then took the floor for an inaugural speech, before presenting the emlyon alumni awards 2024. These awards honored exemplary alumni whose careers embody the values of our community:

• CSR & Impact category: Florine Perri (Objective Board of Directors certified), for her commitment to Mercy Ships France.
• International category: Tom Meng (MBA 2002) for his role as world leader at Decathlon.
• Entrepreneur category: Fadi Jamal (MBA 2007), founder of CARDIOPARC.
• Innovation category (alumni vote): Charlotte Darmet (PGE 2015), co-founder of Opopop colis.

📽️ Watch the replay

The festivities continued with a cocktail dinner and a dance party, where all generations of alumni shared moments of complicity and energy on the dancefloor in the middle of the "cœur battant" to a Connemara tune.

Ekno

🙏 A huge thank you to all the participants 

We extend our most sincere thanks to:

• To the teacher-researchers and alumni speakers, who captivated the audience with their quality interventions.
• The student associations and their 28 represented entities*, for their dynamism and commitment.
• All the participating alumni, whose enthusiasm brought this exceptional day to life.

📸 Relive the event

Find the best moments of this day in pictures:

• Declic photos (link valid until 12/31/2024).
• Ekno photos (link valid until 12/21/2024).

📽️ Also watch the aftermovie.

👋 See you next year!

This first edition of emlyon alumni connect strengthened the ties of our network and laid the foundations of a strong tradition. See you in 2025 for a second edition that will be even richer and more unifying.

#WeAremakers

* the 28 student associations present: La corpo, Astuce, BDA, BDE, BDI, BDS, BDX, CheerUp, Club Voile, La Commuz, Déclic, Diplo’mates, Dress Code, Forum, Les Gourmets, JE, Libr’Air, Lux’em, Noise, Olympe, Petit Paumé, PNP, Racing Club, Raid Hannibal, Solidari’Terre, Transaction, Ski Club, Sup de Coteaux.