The 39th Executive MBA generation joined to IEDC Alumni network which has altogether almost 5094 Alumni, among them 1356 Executive MBA Alumni. Dean and President of IEDC-Bled School of Management, Professor Danica Purg in her speech stressed: "During the 31 years of existence IEDC-Bled School of Management became one of the most international and innovative management development institutions in Europe. We became well known as the institution that develops leaders in a responsible way. We are focused on leadership development as an integrative practice within organizations, and as we started 31 years ago, we continue to be agent of change in the society. For these reasons, also the IEDC MBA is a special one! We do not offer only the knowledge of finance, accounting, marketing, strategy, operations management and other management related topics, but we offer the integrative view, giving attention to develop the participants' senses, their holistic view on management and leadership. We challenge their creativity, their leadership style, we help them to become better observers, better listeners, more responsive to their environments. I often hear from our graduates that the studies had a big impact on their personal and professional development and created a real transformation." 

The academic ceremonies included also the announcement of the Professor of the year and for the 20th the time, this special recognition was given to Prof. Jim Ellert, IEDC Executive MBA Co-Director and Emeritus, IMD Lausanne, Switzerland. As a graduation speaker, Mr. Sandi Češko, Co-Founder and President of Studio Moderna, shared some of his experiences.