More than 1,200 elegantly dressed guests gathered in the same magnificent venue where the Nobel Prizes are awarded each year to celebrate the academic achievements of the Class of 2022. In total, 53 graduates from the Retail Management program and 272 from the Business and Economics program crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, cheered on by family members, faculty and staff.

As the ceremony began, City Hall organist Anna Holm performed evocative music while the standard bearers made their grand entrance. Wilma Liewendahl, SSE student and former President of the Student Association, opened the proceedings by recalling her first encounter with the graduates three years ago.

Wilma Liewendahl, photo by Studio Slakthuset.

“You looked full of excitement and ready for an adventure,” she said. “And here you are, three years later, probably wondering where the time went, and how it all went by so quickly.”

Education for life

In his welcome speech, SSE President Lars Strannegård urged the diplomandi to celebrate the completion of their education:

“A university degree enables you to be free in your way of thinking, of moving in the world and of expressing yourself. The diploma you will soon receive provides you with an opportunity to develop your potential and to do it without limits.”

Lars Strannegård, photo by Studio Slakthuset.

True to tradition, the ceremony featured musical performances by talented SSE students and alumni, including the student choir Friedmans Apostlar. Congratulatory speeches followed from Karin Fernler, Program Director of Business and Economics, and Pelle Avemo Hådell, President of the Student Association at SSE (SASSE).

Teacher of the Year award

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2024/25 “Teacher of the Year” award, founded by corporate partner Nordea, to Associate Professor Johan Graaf from the Department of Accounting. Selected by the students, the award honors a teacher who has made an exceptional impact over the past year.

From left: Elias Porse, Nerea Zozaya Aguado and Johan Graaf, photo by Studio Slakthuset.

“Johan’s lectures and seminars go far beyond traditional teaching,” said Nerea Zozaya Aguado, President of SASSE’s Education Committee. “His unique approach brings theory to life and sparks genuine curiosity, making it hard not to fall in love with the subject when he is the one teaching it.”

The ceremony concluded with a triumphant fanfare and the exit of the standard bearers. Afterwards, family and friends joined the graduates in the Blue Hall for a brief mingle before the celebrations continued into the night with a festive banquet at the Grand Hôtel hosted by SASSE.

The Golden Hall at Stockholm City Hall, photo by Studio Slakthuset.

The Class of 2022 at the Bachelor Graduation Ceremony, photo by Studio Slakthuset.

The 2025 Bachelor Graduation ceremony at the Stockholm City Hall, photo by Studio Slakthuset.

BSc graduate Frida Dicksen receives her diploma from SSE President Lars Strannegård, photo by Studio Slakthuset.