Year End Celebration Speech 2024
Introduction
Good afternoon, everyone. Bonasera a tutti! It is such a pleasure to welcome you to this year’s CIMBA Year-End Celebration—a tradition that holds a special place in our hearts. This year, we are celebrating on Thanksgiving Day, a uniquely American holiday that, while not formally observed in Italy, carries universal themes of gratitude, family, and reflection—values that resonate deeply within the CIMBA community.
What Thanksgiving Represents
For those less familiar with Thanksgiving, it began as a celebration of gratitude, marking a successful harvest shared between the Pilgrims and Native Americans after enduring a harsh and uncertain journey to a new land. Over time, it has come to symbolize thankfulness for the blessings in our lives, the strength of our families, and the freedom to pursue our dreams and aspirations. It is a day to pause, reflect, and celebrate the bonds that hold us together.
Parallel to CIMBA’s Journey
The story of Thanksgiving feels especially relevant today as we honor our graduates. Like the early Pilgrims, each of you embarked on a challenging and transformative journey. You left behind familiar comforts, crossed borders, and immersed yourselves in a rigorous and demanding program—one that asked you not only to master business principles but also to embrace self-awareness, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal growth.
CIMBA, too, shares a story of courage and exploration. When this program was established here in Italy, it was with a vision to break free from the constraints of traditional business education. We sought to create something more dynamic, something that would prepare you not just for careers, but for life. This freedom to innovate, to explore soft skills alongside technical ones, and to nurture what we now call the “CIMBA family,” is something we remain profoundly thankful for.
Thankfulness for Graduates and Their Families
Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates, who have worked tirelessly to achieve their MBA degrees. But we also acknowledge the family members, friends, and loved ones who supported you along the way. Your encouragement, your sacrifices, and your unwavering belief in their potential have been an integral part of their success. Thank you for being the steady anchors that allowed them to weather the challenges of this program.
The Strength of the CIMBA Family
As we gather today, we are reminded that the idea of family goes beyond traditional definitions. At CIMBA, we pride ourselves on the strength of the bonds formed within and between our classes. MBA graduates you are now part of a global network of alumni—a family of leaders, dreamers, and achievers who share a commitment to excellence and a spirit of collaboration. These connections are lifelong and serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when we support and inspire one another.
Looking Forward with Gratitude and Freedom
As you leave here today and continue your journeys—whether in Italy, the United States, or somewhere else in the world—carry with you the lessons of this program: the courage to embrace freedom, the mindfulness to recognize what matters most, and the gratitude for the people and opportunities that enrich your lives. These values, like the spirit of Thanksgiving, transcend borders and cultures. Remember: Success at CIMBA is defined by the difference you make in the lives of others.
Conclusion
In closing, let me say how thankful we are to have shared this journey with you. Graduates, your dedication and achievements inspire us every day. Families and friends, your love and support make it all possible. And to everyone here, thank you for being part of the CIMBA family and for joining us in celebrating this momentous occasion. Together, let us give thanks—not just for what we have accomplished, but for the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Thank you, grazie mille, and Happy Thanksgiving!