ICS Commencement 2023 | Celebrating a Chapter of Challenges and Opportunities

Some of the top things ICS graduates remember include the following day-to-day experiences of thVirtual classes held over Zoom
Pouring over numerous pages of cases
Study group meetings every day
Navigating the digital realm of Miro board, Canvas, Slack and other platforms
Just to name a few of the day-by-day conundrums of the ICS MBA journey.

Over the past few years, most of us experienced living through the ups and downs of COVID restrictions and lockdowns - how we navigate the roller coaster ride of staying alive while continuing to study, pursue, and finish our MBA degree in Hitotsubashi ICS.

This graduation celebration isn't just our own achievement but how we cultivate our relationships (family, friends, colleagues, among others) that had a profound impact on our personal lives. As Prof. Tish Robinson said in her commencement speech, "Our greatest accomplishments are not measured solely by what we achieve, but by the lives we touch and the relationships we nurture along the way. Here's to a future built on the foundation of meaningful human relationships."

Building on his years of experience, Ryohei Ando, an graduate of EMBA Class of 2021, shared what kept him going and his strong motivation not to quit in the middle of the program. Furthermore, talked about what are most important things - the challenge, the courage, the new things, a new career something to look forward to. Ending with future collaborations with the connections made during his EMBA journey.

Noriko Sato, a DBA graduate, emphasized and attributed the "The Power of Yet" or in Japanese "mada mada no chikara" as part of her growth mindset on how she embarked on her DBA journey, endured the travel from Okayama to Tokyo, and finished the program.

Gratitude, community, and adventure - the three aspects that Chad Stewart, another DBA graduate, put emphasis on how a relationship is one of the key aspects of how we actually create the impact we want and how these relationships within the community take shape in helping the graduates what they've achieved. Living at the most interesting times in human history - climate change and the shrinking middle class, we, as a community, have the knowledge, capability, and network to embark on an adventure to make a significant difference and sustainable impact in our society.

In her Dean's Address, Dean Emi Osono extended her congratulations to the recent MBA graduates and expressed gratitude towards the families who played a crucial role in supporting them throughout their academic journey. Furthermore, she expressed appreciation for the tireless efforts of the faculty and staff in delivering an exceptional educational program and ensuring a successful commencement ceremony.

The central theme of her speech revolved around the concept of "wise leadership," a hallmark course at Hitotsubashi ICS. Dean Osono emphasized that this approach to leadership goes beyond mere profit-seeking, as it involves considering the interests of various stakeholders and striving for shared value creation to enhance society's well-being.

At the end of our MBA journey as a student starts a new path - a new chapter in our lives. As we embark on a new journey as professionals whether back in our former companies, career change, or starting a new venture, not only do we carry the knowledge and learning from the university but cherish the interactions, connections, and relationships we built amongst our friends and colleagues.

Here is to creating a future built on camaraderie and meaningful connections.

Hitotsubashi ICS Graduates of 2023

ICS Commencement 2023
August 25, 2023