LSBF Graduation Day 2025: Celebrating Resilience, Leadership, and the Force for Good

Empowering Ambitious Professionals

Friday, 26th September 2025, at St Andrew's Church, Holborn, UK, marked a monumental milestone for The London School of Business & Finance – its tutors and staff, but most importantly for the hard-working and immensely proud students from around the globe, celebrating their graduation.

The ceremony was hosted by Vice Rector and Managing Director Karina Kizhner, who emphasised that the day was a tribute not only to the graduates but also to the families, friends, and staff who provided support every step of the way.

A Year of Institutional Growth

In her address, Kizhner highlighted LSBF's strategic expansion and achievements over the past year, highlighting our international expansion and the launch of new programmes, including a Doctorate in Business Administration and MBA specialisations in AI, computing, and other future-facing fields. LSBF was also recognised as a finalist for the Charter Management Institute Higher Education Partner of the Year Award.

“These achievements and developments set us up to better serve you in the coming years. And yet, none of these would mean anything without you, our remarkable students who bring them to life. Over 15,000 students have graduated from LSBF over the years, each improving their life opportunities and employment prospects.” Karina Kizhner (LSBF Managing Director and Vice-Rector)

What Makes LSBF Graduates Special

Keynote speaker Professor Maurits van Rooijen, Rector of LSBF and the Chief Academic Officer of Global University Systems, characterised LSBF graduates as possessing three defining traits: stamina, resilience, and ambition. Professor van Rooijen asserted that these qualities define a successful leader and entrepreneur.

His central message focused on the moral compass of leadership, stressing that it must be driven by integrity and responsibility for colleagues, family, and future generations—not by ego or greed. He advised graduates to embrace confidence over arrogance, and to mitigate their weaknesses by surrounding themselves with people who complement their strengths.

“Integrity is when I get up in the morning and I look in the mirror and I say, ‘okay you're not perfect … but you're trying your best to do something positive.’” Professor Maurits van Rooijen, Rector of LSBF

Leadership, the Professor told the audience, is not as an ego-trip or mere credentialing but a transformative process that cultivates values, critical thinking, and human-centred approaches to entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Closing his address, Professor van Rooijen expressed his hope to see the graduates become a "force for good," earning not just his admiration, but his pride.

Stories of Perseverance and Real-World Impact

The ceremony featured inspiring reflections from two outstanding graduates. Jaskiran Kaur, who earned a Master’s in Strategic Marketing with Merit, spoke about the deep sense of perseverance and quiet determination required to reach the milestone. She motivated her peers by stating that "Growth begins where comfort ends", and that the future belongs to those who "keep going, even when they are afraid".

Valeria Perez Goyon, who graduated with a Distinction from the Master’s in Finance and Investments programme, highlighted the immense challenge of balancing studies with careers, families, and responsibilities. She noted that the online programme's ability to analyse real-time market disruptions made learning incredibly engaging. Valeria concluded that the Master’s degree is not just a certificate, but "proof of resilience".

“The platform to exchange ideas with classmates was another highlight. Posting our work, reading each other's perspectives, and building conversation created a real sense of community, even if it was online. It reminded me that learning is not just about knowledge, but also about connection.” Valeria Perez Goyon, 2025 LSBF Graduate

The recent Graduation Day celebration marked not just the success of our students but also the unwavering dedication of the academic team who guided them along the way. Reflecting on this milestone, Dr. Shahnaz Hamid, representing the academic leadership Dean at the Business School and Executive Education, shared:

“Graduation Day marks the culmination of an enriching academic journey made possible by the dedication, mentorship, and scholarship of our academic team, who have worked closely with each student to help them achieve excellence.” Dr. Shahnaz Hamid, 2025 Dean at Business School and Executive Education

Her words capture the deep collaboration and commitment that underpin every student’s success story at the Business School.

Celebrating Professional Success

Nicola Peters, Head of Learning Quality and Operations for the Professional Qualifications at LSBF, led the recognition of the ACCA affiliates. She described the ACCA qualification—which often takes years and is pursued while students work full-time—as a demonstration of discipline and a "deep belief in yourself". Peters congratulated the students, noting that one LSBF student had recently achieved a rank of number one in their country and 29th in the world for the Financial Management exam. She concluded by reminding the graduates,

"This is just the beginning. This is the springboard to take you to the rest of your career".

The overarching theme of this graduate ceremony was clear: true leadership is earned through consistent ethical action, service to others, and a commitment to contributing positively to the next generation while pursuing personal and professional growth.

To watch this inspiring ceremony in full – click here