Guests of the EBS 35th anniversary gala were welcomed by EBS Rector Professor Meelis Kitsing and Chancellor Mart Habakuk. Also in attendance were long-time contributors to EBS, including Marje Habakuk, former Rector of EBS, Emeritus Associate Professor Peeter Kross, and EBS Emeritus Rector, Professor Arno Almann.
The evening offered a concert production titled "This is Just the Beginning," specially created for the EBS community. The creators of this lively and diverse cultural experience were director Veiko Tubin, music director Aleksander Žedeljov, choreographer Ingmar Jõela, and creative director Sten Õitspuu. The production blended various art forms, including music, spoken word, video art, and artificial intelligence, to tell a story about special moments around us, EBS's past, present, and future. Aleksander Žedeljov's jazz trio transformed familiar tunes into extraordinary and novel performances. Additionally, the EBS Chamber Choir and top soloists Anett and Uku Suviste performed, presenting both well-known popular music and contemporary compositions. Spark was added by spoken poetry master Elina Naan and the electronic soundscape of Modulshtein.
A highlight of the gala was the ceremonial promotion of two new honorary doctors to acknowledge those who have been an inspiration to our community. The EBS honorary doctorate roster now includes MIT economics professor and Nobel laureate Bengt Robert Holmström, and the co-founder of one of Estonia's most successful startups, Martin Villig. Professor Holmström received the honorary doctorate for his contributions to the development of economics and management theory, and for his involvement in EBS and student initiatives. In his acceptance speech, Bengt Holmström expressed sincere admiration for Estonia's rapid development in recent decades. The wellbeing and success of our country are very close to his heart, as his roots originate from Estonia. He also acknowledged EBS's role in providing high-level education through transformative times. For Holmström, receiving the EBS honorary doctorate is a significant and important recognition. Martin Villig received acknowledgment for his versatile activities in both entrepreneurship and promoting societal wellbeing, education, and the startup landscape. Accepting the award, Villig emphasized the role of the education he acquired at EBS in shaping his and his career's development. He also highly values EBS's contribution and responsibility as an innovative leader in the field of education.
Rector Meelis Kitsing highlighted EBS's most significant achievement in his anniversary speech - its distinguished alumni: “Let's recognize our alumni's achievements, who have left their mark in various fields and companies. In fact, our school's graduates can be found not only in business but many have dedicated years to public service. Among them are prime ministers and the current President of the Bank of Estonia. Several founders of Estonian 'unicorns' have emerged from the EBS community, creating thousands of high-paying jobs and helping shape Estonia's reputation globally. This is proof that EBS's influence extends beyond academic boundaries. We have been key promoters of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, contributing to both the Estonian and international economic, political, and social environment.”
EBS Chancellor Mart Habakuk provided a future outlook, discussing the increasing role of artificial intelligence, the challenges of educational entrepreneurship, and the upcoming Edu campus.
Mart Habakuk said, “Artificial intelligence and global competition are trends against which it is not rational to fight. We must learn to utilise the opportunities that come with technological advancement and draw motivation from competition. EBS's response to global trends is the rapid implementation of opportunities offered by new technologies.”
Speaking of the challenges in educational entrepreneurship, he noted that many enthusiastic education entrepreneurs in Estonia excel at creating new products and initiatives. However, existing regulations and ownership forms stifle good initiatives. To consolidate efforts and find new solutions and opportunities, the EBS Impact Fund was established as part of the 35th-anniversary celebrations of EBS. “The role of the EBS Impact Fund is to make the Estonian education market more open, adaptable to new technologies more quickly, and to provide private capital with more equal competitive opportunities both in Estonia and on a global level,” explained Habakuk about the fund's objectives.
The gala also marked the beginning of a new era for EBS. The entire EBS community eagerly anticipates the completion of the landmark 30-story high-rise – the Edu educational and business campus. The campus will offer an open environment, development and experimentation opportunities for start-ups and growing businesses, collaboration points between the university and organizations, and promote community interaction. The campus will be a hub for individuals who care about the future of Estonian education and entrepreneurship in a global context.
The gala also featured thought-provoking speeches by the winners of both categories in the EBS 35 speech competition "Community for Growth and Responsibility." From the EBS High School, the winner was Marc Linno, a 10th-grade student of Entrepreneurship and Digital Technology track. From EBS University, the speech contest winner was Mohammad Hamza Khan, a master's student in the program of Business Innovation in the New Economy. In their speeches, the young community members talked about personal responsibility, the innate desire to leave a mark in the world, and the synergy and strength that come from working together towards a common goal.
The evening continued with an entertainment segment featuring performances by Lexsoul Dancemachine and DJ Britiimpeerium, while Põhjala Catering and Pitz provided gourmet and cocktail experiences.
Participants at the EBS 35 gala enjoyed meetings with old friends and co-thinkers and spent a festive evening in the midst of the EBS community. The celebration of EBS's 35th anniversary continues with numerous interesting projects and initiatives.
Photo gallery, Silver Gutmann, Rauno Liivand is HERE
Photo gallery including photo wall, Rauno Liivand is HERE
Video summary is HERE
