Of the many values and qualities to define ESSEC in 2007, Diversity is one that resounds in numerous ways. The Centenary is the perfect example of this – events in and outside of France, across 5 continents, have been attended by alumni, current students, Faculty, members of personnel, senior management, and our many academic and corporate partners.

Perhaps most telling of all, these events have brought together people of all ages, all backgrounds, and all nationalities in celebration of an institution that continues to grow, both physically and intellectually.

This has been achieved via a rich variety of events and initiatives: sport and culture, reunions with students of the past, academic seminars, corporate functions, and campaigns to raise awareness of social issues, to name but a few.

The first half of this Centenary Year has been rich indeed, a fitting tribute to a School that has championed diversity of all kinds since its very foundation. We can now look forward to the remaining six months of this exceptional year happy in what has been achieved thusfar, but determined to spread the ESSEC message even further afield.

Visits to Asia, North and South America, and Europe, where we will meet up again with our loyal alumni, will provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate the increasingly global influence our School has. Academic, cultural and corporate events here in France will enable us to display the breadth of knowledge and expertise within our community.

May the rest of this Centenary Year be as fulfilling, challenging and richly varied as the six months we have just lived together.