NYU Stern Graduates Face Tech Hubs and Wall Street After MBA Program

NYU Stern

NYU Stern MBA and PhD graduates secure post-graduation careers in technology and corporate sectors by leveraging New York City's business ecosystem, collaborative peer networks, and rigorous faculty mentorship.

AI-assisted summary of A Tribute Video Featuring Candidates from the MBA and PhD Class of 2024 — original source. Check the original for full context.

Source published: 2026-09-22

Key ideas

NYU Stern's MBA and PhD Class of 2024 marked their convocation by highlighting an institutional culture grounded in emotional intelligence (EQ), mutual collaboration, and direct immersion in New York City's business ecosystem. (0:00)
Graduates cited faculty mentorship—including accounting support for veterans and hands-on financial modeling—and global Doing Business in (DBi) treks across five continents as transformative academic pillars. (4:09)
The cohort demonstrated deep collective resilience during their final year, uniting to navigate personal grief following the tragic loss of classmates Sergio Palomino Sanchez and Franco Medina Angulo. (7:28)
Celebrations culminated at The Theater at Madison Square Garden with recognitions for cohort blocks, program administrators, affinity clubs like LABA and the Military Veterans Club, and family support systems. (11:14)

Detailed notes

## Background Published on YouTube by NYU Stern on September 22, 2026, this video features graduating candidates from the MBA and PhD Class of 2024. According to the description, the tribute was originally presented at Stern's MBA and PhD Convocation on Friday, May 17, 2024.

## TL;DR Graduating Stern candidates reflect on their business school experience, defining the school's collaborative culture through its emphasis on emotional intelligence (EQ), peer support, and the strategic advantages of New York City. Students highlight transformative mentorship from faculty across technical and leadership disciplines, as well as global perspective gained through Doing Business in (DBi) treks and cohort travels worldwide. The cohort candidly addresses navigating immense adversity, including honoring late classmates Sergio Palomino Sanchez and Franco Medina Angulo with collective resilience. The tribute concludes with energetic shout-outs to affinity clubs, faculty and staff lifelines, families, and student blocks as the class prepares to graduate at Madison Square Garden.

## Atmosphere & style The video carries an earnest, warm, and communal tone that mirrors the 'IQ plus EQ' ethos celebrated by the graduating class. Its emotional arc transitions gracefully from fond academic reflections and humorous travel memories to a moment of profound, vulnerable grief when honoring fallen peers, illustrating authentic resilience. By the final minutes, the atmosphere shifts into infectious, joyful exuberance filled with rapid-fire cohort cheers, inside jokes, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude toward spouses and families.

## Bulletin - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=0s) NYU Stern's MBA and PhD Class of 2024 marked their convocation by highlighting an institutional culture grounded in emotional intelligence (EQ), mutual collaboration, and direct immersion in New York City's business ecosystem. - [04:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=249s) Graduates cited faculty mentorship—including accounting support for veterans and hands-on financial modeling—and global Doing Business in (DBi) treks across five continents as transformative academic pillars. - [07:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=448s) The cohort demonstrated deep collective resilience during their final year, uniting to navigate personal grief following the tragic loss of classmates Sergio Palomino Sanchez and Franco Medina Angulo. - [11:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=674s) Celebrations culminated at The Theater at Madison Square Garden with recognitions for cohort blocks, program administrators, affinity clubs like LABA and the Military Veterans Club, and family support systems.

## Key takeaways - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=0s) Stern students define the school's identity around emotional intelligence (EQ), mutual support, and collaboration over cutthroat competition. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=0s) New York City serves as an active corporate living laboratory, providing immediate transit access to leading tech hubs and financial institutions. - [01:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=115s) Graduates view leadership as a multifaceted discipline combining analytical IQ with active communication, empathy, and personal self-care. - [01:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=115s) Classroom discussions enriched by diverse international and cultural perspectives reshaped students into open-minded critical thinkers. - [04:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=249s) Professor Julian Yeo provided foundational accounting and mentorship for incoming military veterans within the Fertitta Veterans Program. - [04:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=249s) Faculty including Michael North, Thomaï Serdari, Harry Chernoff, Dan Gode, and Professor Pettit bridged complex technical disciplines with executive vulnerability and management theory. - [05:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=346s) Doing Business in (DBi) treks in Sydney, New Zealand, Argentina, and Morocco—where students observed business operations during Ramadan—expanded global perspectives. - [05:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=346s) Specialized programs forged close cohort cohesion through group travel, such as the Tech MBA West Coast Trek and the Stern Flex MBA course in Florence. - [07:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=448s) The cohort's solidarity was profoundly tested and deepened by the tragic deaths of classmates Sergio Palomino Sanchez and Franco Medina Angulo. - [10:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=627s) Student leaders praised cohort communities such as Green Block, the Langone Student Government, and the 'Fluxies' for fostering community through demanding degree timelines. - [10:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=627s) Tech MBA candidates highlighted staff support, especially recognizing administrator Sarah Ryan for serving as an indispensable mentor and motivator. - [11:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=674s) Affinity organizations including the Military Veterans Club and the Latin American Business Association (LABA) served as vital peer networks. - [11:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=674s) Graduates commemorated their journey from Greenwich Village student venues to Madison Square Garden, setting out to create positive societal impact as global citizens.

## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=0s) The Sternie Spirit: High EQ, Collaboration, and the NYC Advantage

When asked to summarize what it means to be a "Sternie," graduating candidates offer a chorus of descriptors: "supportive," "extremely supportive," "passionate," "ambitious," "empathetic," "sensational," and "collaborative." Students reflect on a school culture defined not by sharp-elbowed competition, but by genuine mutual assistance. Classmates actively guide one another through rigorous coursework, swap job recommendations, and build professional networks together in an environment where people actively want to see their peers succeed. For many, this warmth was evident long before matriculation; multiple graduates note that Stern's heavily marketed focus on the "EQ component" felt entirely tangible the moment they set foot on campus for a prospective visit.

Beyond interpersonal empathy, students emphasize the immense institutional advantage of being situated in the heart of New York City. The city functions as an unparalleled living laboratory and a melting pot drawing top-tier talent from across the globe. Graduates describe New York as the "center of the universe" and "the place to be for all the right reasons," highlighting practical conveniences such as hopping on the subway to visit headquarters of the world's most prominent technology firms. The combination of an exceptional peer group, top-caliber academic programs, and direct immersion in global commerce creates an educational experience that students feel is unmatched anywhere else.

- **Defining traits of a Sternie**: Supportive, passionate, ambitious, empathetic, collaborative, and sensational. - **Strategic location**: Direct subway connectivity to major global tech hubs and corporate headquarters throughout New York City.

[01:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=115s) Cultivating Leadership, Empathy, and Diverse Perspectives

Reflecting on their intellectual and personal growth, students observe that their peers consistently display a potent mixture of raw analytical intelligence and emotional intelligence ("IQ and EQ"). Across the student body and alumni network, a defining cultural norm is an immediate willingness to lend a hand—whether troubleshooting a complex class project or patiently explaining a difficult concept. One graduate sums up the fundamental formula for success at Stern as surrounding oneself with the right community while dedicating oneself to honest, rigorous hard work.

In parallel with academic skills like critical thinking, students highlight communication, empathy, and holistic self-care as essential leadership competencies. One graduate notes that leadership is inherently "a very messy but also a very beautiful thing," with no single correct archetype; it fundamentally hinges on how one chooses to show up and act. Another student highlights the vital lesson of prioritizing mental well-being, remarking that "when you take care of yourself, then you can take care of others." Furthermore, students celebrate the wide spectrum of personal and cultural identities within the cohort, explaining that classroom discussions thrive on open debate and contrasting viewpoints that fundamentally transformed them into new, more empathetic thinkers.

```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: Stern Leadership and Personal Growth Model accDescr: Diagram illustrating how NYU Stern develops well-rounded leaders through peer support, core capabilities, and leadership awareness.

subgraph Inputs["The Stern Environment"] A["Diverse Cohort & Perspectives"] B["Collaborative Culture: IQ + EQ"] end

subgraph CoreDev["Core Competencies"] C["Critical Thinking"] D["Active Communication"] E["Empathy & Self-Care"] end

subgraph Outcomes["Leadership Impact"] F["Messy & Beautiful Leadership"] G["Citizen of the World"] end

A --> C A --> D B --> D B --> E C --> F D --> F E --> F F --> G ```

[04:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=249s) Faculty Mentorship and Transformative Coursework

Students recount formative academic experiences led by influential professors who bridged theory and practice. Professor Michael North's course, *Leadership in Organizations*, left an indelible impression on students for its exploration of organizational dynamics. For incoming military veterans, Professor Julian Yeo served as a cornerstone of their academic transition, teaching foundational accounting during the summer Fertitta Veterans Program and continuing to act as a dedicated personal mentor throughout their MBA journey. In luxury business, Professor Thomaï Serdari earned high praise as an exhaustive "wealth of knowledge" who consistently went above and beyond to provide students with deep industry insights.

Other professors left marks through rigorous technical training or candid explorations of executive vulnerability. Professor Harry Chernoff's *Real Estate Development and Entrepreneurship* sparked entrepreneurial ambitions among students eager to enter property development. In financial modeling and accounting, Professor Dan Gode stood out for his tactile, hands-on teaching style, which breaks down technical modeling frameworks that "95% of people could never understand" into intuitive, accessible lessons. Meanwhile, Professor Pettit combined dynamic lectures with practical exercises, challenging students to confront the difficult realities of soft skills and active listening while instilling the principle that "it's okay not to be okay" when facing executive adversity.

- **Michael North**: Taught *Leadership in Organizations*. - **Julian Yeo**: Accounting instructor and mentor for military veterans in the Fertitta Program. - **Thomaï Serdari**: Faculty mentor delivering deep, specialized insights into the luxury sector. - **Harry Chernoff**: Instructor for *Real Estate Development and Entrepreneurship*. - **Dan Gode**: Demystified complex financial modeling and advanced accounting through hands-on pedagogy. - **Professor Pettit**: Focused on active listening, management communication, and executive resilience.

[05:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=346s) Global Immersion: DBi Treks and Study Away

Global study programs represent some of the most memorable milestones for the Class of 2024. Students traveled across multiple continents through Stern's Doing Business in (DBi) courses and specialized cohort treks. In Sydney, Australia, participants immersed themselves in local corporate culture while forging lifelong friendships. A DBi to Morocco provided an extraordinary cultural and business window when students had the chance to experience Ramadan alongside locals, observing firsthand how business operations and religious traditions harmonize during the holy month.

Other cohorts embarked on distinct domestic and international journeys: - **Andre Koo Technology and Entrepreneurship MBA (Tech MBA)**: All 52 members traveled together on the West Coast Trek, staying in a single hotel to tour tech firms and bond as an entire cohort. - **DBi New Zealand and Argentina**: One student traveled to Auckland in January before spending spring break studying business dynamics in Buenos Aires. - **DBi South Africa and Argentina**: Participants explored high-growth emerging markets and business adaptation strategies alongside fellow classmates. - **Stern Flex MBA Program**: Students traveled to Florence, Italy, studying luxury heritage brands while enjoying world-class regional food, wine, and camaraderie.

[07:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=448s) Community, Facing Tragedy, and Becoming Global Citizens

As graduation approaches, students reflect on what they will miss most: the electric, "buzzing nature" of the campus, the daily energy of walking into the building, and the tight-knit network of peers, faculty, and alumni. A veteran notes that he wears his Stern military veterans hat with constant pride, while others recall feeling an overwhelming sense of belonging as early as their first week of MBA orientation when the entire class assembled in a single room.

The depth of the community's bond was tested during their hardest hour in the spring semester, when classmates Sergio Palomino Sanchez and Franco Medina Angulo tragically passed away. Students recount facing "the worst change ever" and grieving the devastating loss of two beloved peers. Yet, the overwhelming compassion and collective resilience displayed across the cohort in response to the tragedy cemented their pride in being Sternies. This shared journey—navigating personal heartbreak, economic volatility, and career shifts—solidified friendships into lifelong brotherhoods. Students conclude that Stern ultimately shaped them to embrace risk, adapt to an unpredictable world, and step into the future not merely as business practitioners, but as empathetic "citizens of the world."

[10:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=627s) "No More Problem Sets, Just Vibes": Celebrations, Blocks, and Cohort Cheers

The tribute transitions into a high-energy montage of graduating candidates delivering celebratory messages and reflections on reaching the finish line. Emphasizing that commencement marks not an ending but the beginning of a whole new journey, one graduate marvels at how classmates arrived from across the globe only to find themselves united at graduation, enthusiastically declaring that there are "no more problem sets, just vibes and summer." Another student addresses the entire cohort of "Sternies," praising them as "beautiful, smart, engaging, and accomplished," while urging everyone to head into their careers and "be the change that we hope to see in the world."

The spirit of community is underscored through rapid-fire acknowledgments of specific campus blocks, cohorts, and key program champions. A representative from the part-time Langone program sends a spirited shout-out to "Green Block and Langone Student Government" for turning the grueling academic commitment into an unforgettable experience. Another graduate directs love to the "Fluxies," calling it an honor to have shared such an incredible year together. The specialized cohorts also recognize the staff who guided them through intense accelerated timelines, including a heartfelt tribute to administrator Sarah Ryan, who is thanked by a Tech MBA candidate for serving as the program’s official "therapist, motivator and cheerleader."

- **Milestone reflections**: Leaving behind late-night problem sets and exams in exchange for summer break, celebration, and launching post-MBA careers. - **Cohort recognitions**: Specific shout-outs highlighting Green Block, Langone Student Government (LSG), and the "Fluxies." - **Program support**: Dedicated thanks to Sarah Ryan for supporting the Andre Koo Tech MBA cohort through their rigorous curriculum.

---

[11:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=674s) Affinity Groups, Lifelines, and the Road to Madison Square Garden

In the closing stretch of tributes, graduates turn their gratitude toward the personal anchors and affinity networks that carried them through business school. Family members and partners take center stage, epitomized by an emotional message dedicated to Akshay Pai, whom a graduate calls "my husband, my spouse, my support who's always believed in me and been the wind beneath my wings." Other students offer warm cross-cultural congratulations, shouting out the Latin American Business Association (LABA) and delivering bilingual well-wishes in their native languages to international classmates.

Veterans and long-tenured part-time students also spotlight their distinct journeys across the university. A graduate gives a salute to the Military Veterans Club, urging fellow veterans forward into the corporate and public sectors. Another student gives a nod to the "2021 LIO OGs," tracing their entire trajectory through Manhattan social and academic milestones from casual nights at Greenwich Village staple "Wicked Willy's to MSG" (The Theater at Madison Square Garden). Tech MBA candidates issue a final charge to serve as future leaders who will create lasting societal impact, while the video concludes with an emphatic instruction to the Class of 2024 to take pride in their collective grit: "Now go take a vacation and celebrate hard."

- **Personal support systems**: Gratitude expressed to families, friends, and spouses, including a personal tribute to Akshay Pai. - **Affinity club representation**: Salutes to the Latin American Business Association (LABA) and the Military Veterans Club. - **Campus culture & venues**: Tracing the student journey from neighborhood hangouts like Wicked Willy's on Bleecker Street to the grand stage at MSG. - **Final send-off**: A concluding charge to lead responsibly, impact society for the better, and take a well-earned vacation.

## Notable quotes > [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=0s) center of the universe

> [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=0s) the place to be for all the right reasons

> [01:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=115s) a very messy but also a very beautiful thing

> [01:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=115s) when you take care of yourself, then you can take care of others

> [04:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=249s) wealth of knowledge

> [04:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=249s) 95% of people could never understand

> [04:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=249s) it's okay not to be okay — Professor Pettit

> [07:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=448s) the worst change ever

> [07:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=448s) citizens of the world

> [10:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=627s) no more problem sets, just vibes and summer

> [10:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=627s) be the change that we hope to see in the world

> [10:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=627s) therapist, motivator and cheerleader

> [11:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=674s) my husband, my spouse, my support who's always believed in me and been the wind beneath my wings

> [11:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=674s) Wicked Willy's to MSG

> [11:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg&t=674s) Now go take a vacation and celebrate hard

## Mentioned NYU Stern, Michael North, Julian Yeo, Fertitta Veterans Program, Thomaï Serdari, Harry Chernoff, Dan Gode, Professor Pettit, Andre Koo Technology and Entrepreneurship MBA, Doing Business in (DBi), Sergio Palomino Sanchez, Franco Medina Angulo, Green Block, Langone Student Government, Sarah Ryan, Akshay Pai, Latin American Business Association, Military Veterans Club, Wicked Willy's, The Theater at Madison Square Garden

## Video description This video was presented at Stern's MBA and PhD Convocation on Friday, May 17, 2024. See additional features here: https://www.stern.nyu.edu/graduation/archive

[Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmHFhNR3Obg)

中文简报

NYU Stern毕业生完成MBA学业后进军科技中心与华尔街 NYU Stern的MBA和博士毕业生充分利用纽约市的商业生态圈、协作互助的同学网络以及严谨的教师指导，在科技和企业领域锁定了毕业后的职业发展。即将毕业的Stern候选人回顾了他们的商学院求学生涯，认为该校的协作文化体现在对情商（EQ）、同伴支持的重视以及纽约市的战略优势上。学生们重点提及了来自技术和领导力各学科教师的变革性指导，以及通过“Doing Business in”（DBi）实地考察和全球同届旅行所获得的国际视野。该届学生还坦诚回顾了他们所度过的巨大逆境，包括以集体的坚韧力量悼念已故同学Sergio Palomino Sanchez和Franco Medina Angulo。在这届学生准备在Madison Square Garden举行毕业典礼之际，这一致敬在对同好俱乐部、给予关键支持的教职员工、家人以及学生小班（blocks）的热情致谢中圆满结束。 NYU Stern 2024届MBA和博士生在毕业典礼上重点强调了立足于情商（EQ）、相互协作以及直接融入纽约市商业生态圈的学院文化。 (0:00) 毕业生指出，包括面向退伍军人的会计辅导和实践性财务建模在内的教师指导，以及横跨五大洲的全球DBi实地考察，构成了具有变革意义的学术支柱。 (4:09) 在遭遇同学Sergio Palomino Sanchez和Franco Medina Angulo不幸离世的惨痛变故后，全届同学在最后一年展现出深厚的集体坚韧品质，团结一心共同化解个人悲痛。 (7:28) 庆祝活动在The Theater at Madison Square Garden推向高潮，现场向各小班群体、项目管理人员、包括LABA和退伍军人俱乐部在内的同好组织以及家庭支持系统表达了感谢与认可。 (11:14)

Reading summary

In a tribute to the NYU Stern MBA and PhD Class of 2024, graduating candidates emphasize a school culture defined by emotional intelligence, collaboration, and immersion in New York City's commercial ecosystem. Reflecting on their tenure, students credit faculty mentors, global experiential treks, and strong affinity networks with preparing them to navigate business volatility and personal adversity. Culture of High EQ and NYC Ecosystem (0:00) Graduating candidates describe the "Sternie" ethos as combining analytical capability (IQ) with emotional intelligence (EQ), marked by mutual support, empathy, and active collaboration rather than sharp competition. Students cite regular peer assistance in working through coursework, sharing career leads, and prioritizing mental well-being alongside critical thinking. Classroom discussions were further shaped by diverse personal and professional identities within the cohort, fostering adaptable leadership styles. This collaborative peer culture was reinforced by Stern's location in Manhattan. Students describe the city as a living laboratory offering strategic access to global corporate headquarters and technology firms, accessible via routine subway transit. This geographic integration allowed cohorts to bridge academic exercises directly with active commercial markets. Faculty Mentorship Across Technical and Strategic Disciplines (4:09) Graduates highlight key faculty members who bridged theoretical frameworks with operational realities. Professor Michael North instructed students on organizational dynamics in *Leadership in Organizations*, while Professor Julian Yeo supported incoming military veterans through foundational accounting in the Fertitta Veterans Program and ongoing mentorship. In specialized industry tracks, Professor Thomaï Serdari contributed deep domain knowledge in the luxury sector, and Professor Harry Chernoff stimulated property development ambitions in *Real Estate Development and Entrepreneurship*. Other instructors were recognized for demystifying technical topics and emphasizing executive resilience. Professor Dan Gode utilized hands-on pedagogical approaches to break down complex financial modeling and accounting frameworks. Concurrently, Professor Pettit challenged students to master management communication and active listening, reinforcing vulnerability by teaching that executive adversity is a standard reality of organizational leadership. Global Immersion and Industry Treks (5:46) Experiential field study through Doing Business in (DBi) courses and cohort-specific travel represented major milestones for the Class of 2024. Students traveled across multiple regions, including Sydney, Australia; South Africa; New Zealand; and Argentina, to assess localized corporate strategies and emerging market dynamics. A DBi trek to Morocco offered students direct exposure to the intersection of commerce and cultural practice during the holy month of Ramadan, while Stern Flex MBA students examined heritage luxury brands in Florence, Italy. Domestic immersion programs operated in parallel, notably for the Andre Koo Technology and Entrepreneurship MBA (Tech MBA). All 52 members of the Tech MBA cohort traveled together on the West Coast Trek, lodging in the same hotel while touring regional technology firms to reinforce cohort cohesion and explore the tech ecosystem firsthand. Community Solidarity, Affinity Networks, and Facing Tragedy (7:28) Student life was anchored by affinity groups, cohort blocks, and program administrators. Candidates highlighted the role of organizations including the Military Veterans Club, the Latin American Business Association (LABA), Langone Student Government, Green Block, and the "Fluxies." Tech MBA candidates singled out administrator Sarah Ryan for providing sustained motivational and personal guidance through accelerated academic schedules. The cohort's mutual support became vital during the spring semester when two classmates, Sergio Palomino Sanchez and Franco Medina Angulo, tragically passed away. Students recount navigating intense collective grief during this period, noting that the shared compassion and resilience displayed across the student body reinforced enduring bonds as they finished their studies and prepared for commencement at Madison Square Garden. While celebratory reflections mark the conclusion of academic problem sets and exams, students argue that their business education was fundamentally defined by navigating unpredictable conditions—from corporate transitions to personal loss—leaving them equipped to act as empathetic, socially conscious practitioners in global markets.

Source quotes

[0:00] center of the universe [0:00] the place to be for all the right reasons [1:55] a very messy but also a very beautiful thing [1:55] when you take care of yourself, then you can take care of others [4:09] wealth of knowledge [4:09] 95% of people could never understand [4:09] Professor Pettit: it's okay not to be okay [7:28] the worst change ever [7:28] citizens of the world [10:27] no more problem sets, just vibes and summer [10:27] be the change that we hope to see in the world [10:27] therapist, motivator and cheerleader [11:14] my husband, my spouse, my support who's always believed in me and been the wind beneath my wings [11:14] Wicked Willy's to MSG [11:14] Now go take a vacation and celebrate hard

Original transcript

[0:00] (upbeat music) [0:21] - Student: A Sternie in one word would be supportive. [0:23] - Student: Supportive. [0:24] - Student: Extremely supportive. [0:25] - Student: Passionate. [0:26] - Ambitious. [0:27] - Student: Empathetic. [0:28] - Student: Sensational. [0:29] - Student: Collaborative. [0:30] - Student: Collaborative. [0:30] Everyone here really wants to help each other [0:32] through classes, through job recommendations, [0:36] through networking. [0:37] It's just such a great atmosphere [0:38] for everyone to come together. [0:40] - Student: I chose Stern because of that EQ component. [0:43] I know admissions talks a lot about it, [0:45] but it was very tangible to me [0:47] when I came to campus to visit. [0:49] - Student: I think Sternie mentality is very big here [0:51] and we see it all the time. [0:53] - Student: Stern is very much a school where I feel like [0:55] I found some of my closest, dearest and kindest friends. [0:58] - Student: I really chose Stern [0:59] because of the diversity of thought [1:02] and experiences that the people would bring. [1:06] - Student: Stern is the perfect combination [1:08] of a bunch of different elements [1:11] from really exceptional peers to incredible classes [1:16] that are really unparalleled anywhere else [1:19] and a fantastic city. [1:20] - Student: Here in New York you have an ecosystem [1:22] of the most talented people of like every country. [1:25] - Student: I think New York is the place to be [1:28] for all the right reasons. [1:30] - Student: I loved being in the city. [1:31] It was such easy access to just take the train [1:34] to some of the biggest tech companies in the world. [1:37] - Student: New York City, it's perfect. [1:39] It's like the center of the universe. [1:41] I mean I think we're really lucky [1:43] to be able to be in such a big city. [1:45] - Student: The best of everything is right here [1:47] and that pretty much [1:48] is one of the best cities in the world. [1:51] (upbeat music) [1:55] - Student: I think all Stern students have IQ and EQ. [1:58] It's amazing to see. [1:59] - Student: Anytime you want to reach out to anybody, [2:02] whether there's a student or an alumni, [2:04] they're always willing to extend a helping hand. [2:06] - Student: I was really surprised by how helpful everyone was [2:09] and how quickly people would lend a hand [2:12] and help you with a project, [2:14] help you understand something [2:15] that maybe you weren't grasping. [2:16] - Student: It's about people putting the time and effort [2:20] into supporting each other and getting to know each other [2:24] and making this a community [2:25] where everyone feels included and engaged. [2:29] - Student: The most important thing I've learned at Stern, [2:30] if you surround yourself with the right people [2:33] and you put in honest work, you know you're working hard. [2:37] I would say that formula really combines to produce outputs. [2:41] - Student: Critical thinking, empathy and communication skills. [2:44] Communication, most of all for me [2:46] was a key thing to learn here. [2:49] - Student: I think what I learned overall is that [2:52] leadership is a very messy but also a very beautiful thing. [2:57] There's no perfect way that one person could be a leader. [3:01] It's really about what you choose to do, [3:04] how you choose to show up. [3:05] - Student: The power of just needing to take care of yourself [3:08] and knowing when you need to prioritize you and your mind. [3:14] I think that is really helpful to becoming a good leader [3:16] because when you take care of yourself [3:17] then you can take care of others. [3:19] - Student: Something that has surprised me here at Stern [3:21] is just how much I've learned [3:23] from other people in the classroom. [3:25] - Student: Classes are like very open to opinions [3:29] and to having a lot of perspective from different students. [3:33] - Student: The Stern community is so diverse. [3:36] There are people from different cultures, [3:38] different professional and personal backgrounds. [3:41] - Student: I was truly surprised by seeing [3:43] how different the backgrounds [3:45] and the values and ideas of students are here. [3:48] - Student: If I wouldn't have come to Stern, [3:50] I wouldn't get this diversity of perspectives [3:52] or anything like that. [3:54] So I think the people, like the professors, the cohort, [3:57] everybody is the most [4:01] for me, they transform me into a new person. [4:07] (upbeat music) [4:10] - Student: I think my favorite Stern course [4:12] was "Leadership in Organizations," [4:13] and I had Professor Michael North for that class. [4:16] And he was fantastic, [4:17] and there were a few things [4:17] I really loved about that class. [4:19] - Student: My favorite professor is Julian Yeo. [4:21] He teaches accounting to all of the veterans [4:23] coming in the Fertitta Program in the summer, [4:25] and he's been my mentor [4:26] throughout my education here at Stern. [4:29] - Student: Thomaï Serdari because she is such a wealth of knowledge [4:33] and she's always been so helpful [4:35] and willing to go above and beyond. [4:38] - Student: She's incredible and her class is very insightful. [4:43] We've learned so much about luxury. [4:45] - Student: "Real Estate Development and Entrepreneurship" [4:47] with Harry Chernoff, [4:49] so maybe you'll see me become an entrepreneur [4:51] in the real estate industry one day. [4:53] - Student: Professor Dan Gode teaches modeling [4:55] and a bunch of other accounting courses. [4:57] I like the way he teaches. [4:58] It's very hands on. [4:59] - Student: And he also is able to teach you [5:01] very, very complex concepts [5:03] that 95% of people could never understand [5:06] in a very simple way. [5:08] - Student: My favorite Stern professor was Professor Pettit. [5:11] I really appreciated how he taught the class [5:14] 'cause there was a mixture of lecture [5:15] but then also activities. [5:16] - Student: We asked some of the harder questions [5:18] related to soft skills for being a leader [5:20] but also outside of class he was always readily available. [5:23] - Student: He told us to reflect it, how to actively listen [5:26] and how to actually nurture that. [5:28] It's okay not to be okay when leaders go through it, [5:31] and you need to embrace it and you need to face the world. [5:35] That's what the true leader is. [5:40] (upbeat music) [5:50] - Student: I traveled a lot while at Stern. [5:53] That's one of my favorite aspects of Stern as well, [5:56] is just the global opportunities that they provide. [5:58] - Student: I traveled to Sydney, Australia. [6:01] It was absolutely a blast. [6:04] Not only did I learn a lot [6:05] about Australian culture, Australian business, [6:08] but I also made some [6:09] really, really incredible lifelong friends. [6:12] - Student: During the DBi Morocco, we had a very unique opportunity [6:15] to be able to celebrate Ramadan [6:17] with everyone else that's in the country as well. [6:19] And so being around people who are both working [6:22] and celebrating Ramadan, it was a truly unique experience. [6:25] - Student: The West Coast Trek [6:26] was definitely my favorite time at Stern. [6:30] It was just an amazing opportunity [6:31] to come together to have all 52 of us [6:34] in the tech MBA in basically one hotel. [6:38] - Student: So I traveled to two countries as part of the DBi. [6:41] I was in New Zealand in Auckland back in January, [6:44] and then just recently over spring break, [6:47] I just came back from Buenos Aires in Argentina. [6:49] - Student: I traveled to both the Argentina and South Africa DBi's [6:53] and I absolutely loved both of them [6:55] for just amazing experience in both learning culture, [6:59] learning business, how businesses can grow, [7:02] and also just being there with your classmates. [7:04] - Student: The Flex students went on a trip to Florence. [7:07] It was really an eye-opening experience [7:09] into the world of luxury, [7:11] and to be able to spend that time with my friends learning [7:14] and also enjoying ourselves in the city was just incredible. [7:17] We learned from different companies [7:19] - Student: While having the best pasta and wine ever [7:22] and enjoying something [7:24] that we were all very passionate about. [7:29] - Student: The people. [7:30] - Student: The people. - Student: My people. [7:31] - Student: The people and the camaraderie. [7:33] - Student: It's the community. [7:34] The support system here is like none other. [7:37] There's just something really special [7:38] about the professors here, about the alumni, [7:41] about the students, [7:42] and I hope that I can also [7:44] be able to give back just as much as I've received. [7:46] - Student: I think I'll really miss the buzzing nature [7:49] of all that's going on at school. [7:51] - Student: I'm definitely gonna miss the energy [7:52] that you feel when you walk into the building. [7:54] I think everyone here is so amazing. [7:57] - Student: I feel proud to be a Stern student [7:59] all the time. I wear a Stern military veterans hat. [8:02] - Student: I felt most proud to be a Stern student [8:04] during the first week of orientation [8:08] when we were all gathered in one room [8:11] together meeting everyone. [8:14] - Student: The time that I felt proudest really starts from a time [8:16] where I was most sad as an MBA student [8:19] and that was last spring when our classmates, [8:22] Sergio and Franco unfortunately passed away. [8:24] - Student: We were facing the worst change ever you can meet. [8:27] It was like a terrible tragedy [8:29] losing two of your best friends. [8:31] - Student: Seeing how my classmates kind of responded [8:35] to that situation made me proud [8:37] to be part of my class, number one, [8:40] but also proud to be a Sternie. [8:47] - Student: Stern has prepared me for change [8:49] and has really shown me that [8:52] taking risks are really worth it. [8:55] - Student: You see it all the time as times are changing, right? [8:59] You see the economy going up and down, [9:02] and you see the guidance everyone gives each other. [9:05] You see the support everyone gives each other. [9:07] And through the guidance and support [9:09] you're able to adapt to the new environment. [9:13] - Student: Stern does a really good job of taking the MBA experience [9:17] and taking you out of maybe your regular job [9:21] or your regular experiences, [9:24] and it allows you to develop yourself [9:26] and adapt to change and really prepare yourself [9:29] to take your career to the next level. [9:31] - Student: I think my peers inspired me most during my time here. [9:35] - Student: Every single person here has this story [9:38] that brought them to this place at this time. [9:42] - Student: And I think those stories all were an inspiration [9:44] to continue and to grow and to learn from each other. [9:49] - Student: My friends here from Stern became my brothers, [9:52] and we have been through some difficult times, [9:56] and we have always our backs [9:57] and that's something that is gonna be with me [9:59] for the rest of my life. [10:01] - Student: Stern to me is really conscientious [10:03] about preparing you to be not just a business person [10:07] but a citizen of the world. [10:08] - Student: It really has been incredible [10:09] and I do feel like I've really gained [10:11] a lot of lifelong friends throughout this process. [10:14] - Student: We became like a family. [10:16] Hope we'll be in close touch even after our graduation. [10:23] - Student: Today we celebrate not only the end [10:25] of one of the best chapters of our lives, [10:27] but the start of a new journey. [10:29] Class of 2024, congratulations. [10:31] We did it. [10:32] - Student: Class of 2024, we did it. [10:34] We came from all over the world, [10:35] and now we're here at graduation. [10:37] No more problem sets, just vibes and summer. [10:40] Congratulations. [10:41] - Student: Sternies, congratulations. [10:43] We did it. [10:44] We're all beautiful, smart, engaging, and accomplished. [10:47] Let's go out and be the change [10:49] that we hope to see in the world. [10:50] - Student: Shout out to Green Block and Langone Student Government. [10:53] Thank you for making this experience unforgettable. [10:56] I can't wait to see what we accomplish in the next chapter. [10:58] Let's go. [11:00] - Student: Congratulations, Class of 2024. [11:02] And to my dearest Fluxies [11:04] it was an honor sharing with you this amazing year. [11:07] Love you and good luck. [11:09] - Student: Shout out to Sarah Ryan [11:10] for being the Tech MBA's therapist, [11:12] motivator and cheerleader. [11:13] We love you. [11:14] - Student: Special thanks to my friends and family [11:16] who have supported me throughout this entire endeavor. [11:18] Congrats, everyone. [11:19] We did it. [11:20] - Student: A special shout out to the love of my life, Akshay Pai, [11:23] my husband, my spouse, my support [11:25] who's always believed in me [11:26] and been the wind beneath my wings. [11:28] I'm so excited to see where this journey takes us next. [11:31] Congratulations. [11:33] - Student: Congratulations, Sternies. [11:34] This is just the beginning. [11:35] - Student: And for the LABA members, [11:37] (speaks in foreign language). [11:39] - Student: (speaks in foreign language) [11:40] - Student: (speaks in foreign language) [11:41] - Student: Special shout out to my friends [11:43] in the Military Veterans Club. [11:44] Congratulations. [11:45] Let's see what's next. [11:46] - Student: Shout out to the 2021 LIO OGs. [11:49] From Wicked Willy's to MSG, we did it. [11:52] - Student: Congratulations, Tech MBA, we finally made it. [11:56] We are gonna be the future leaders [11:57] and change the world and impact the society [11:59] for the better. [12:00] - Student: Class of 2024, congratulations. [12:03] We finally, finally did it. [12:05] You all should be so proud of yourself. [12:07] Now go take a vacation and celebrate hard. [12:10] Congrats everyone. [12:11] (upbeat music) (audience applauds)