Celebrating 20 Years of Goethe Business School

Goethe Business School (GBS) marked its 20th anniversary with a milestone celebration, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, and partners to honor two decades of academic excellence and community. The event featured inspiring speakers, countless networking opportunities, and heartfelt reflections on GBS’s journey, offering attendees a memorable day.

The anniversary event opened with two deep-dive sessions led by GBS experts, exploring pressing topics in business and finance. Attendees gathered over coffee and cake, reconnecting with peers and meeting alumni across all 20 years of GBS programs before choosing between the sessions presented by Prof. Dr. Jan Pieter Krahnen and Prof. Dr. Kevin Bauer. Following the sessions held at the House of Finance, participants made their way to the Rotunde in the IG Farben-Haus, where Dr. Christian Jansen, Managing Director of Goethe Business School, and Dr. Anja Weigt, Associate Managing Director, delivered warm remarks, expressing gratitude to all who have contributed to GBS’s journey over the past two decades.

Reflecting on the Foundation of Goethe Business School

GBS was founded in the late summer of 2004 by Prof. Mark Wahrenburg, Dr. Ulrich Winkler, and Eric McCloe. Just a year after its founding, the Duke Goethe Executive MBA and the Executive Master of Finance and Accounting were launched. These programs paved the way for today’s Goethe MBA and Master in Finance. Just a few months later, Prof. Uwe Walz joined the team, bringing significant expertise as Academic Director and lecturer, and the school has continued to grow its offerings to address the evolving needs of industry and society.

Today, GBS is known for its specialized part-time programs, including the Master in Finance, which is a top choice for finance professionals, and the Pharma MBA, recognized as Europe’s premier program in the pharmaceutical sector. The Goethe MBA has also expanded its focus, addressing essential topics such as digital transformation, data science and sustainability, while the Executive Education portfolio provides flexible, custom learning solutions and certificate programs for companies and professionals.

A Day of Celebration and Connection

The day concluded with a vibrant celebration that included engaging activities designed to bring the GBS community closer. Attendees enjoyed a flying buffet and interactive games that tested their knowledge of each other. A timeline displayed at the venue provided an engaging stroll through GBS’s history. By the end of the evening, new friendships were formed, and the bonds within the GBS network were strengthened. As Goethe Business School looks ahead, it remains dedicated to advancing its mission of delivering transformative business education and creating a lasting impact. Here’s to the next 20 years of Goethe Business School!