Our thoughts are with Ukraine

Many of you may be watching the news reports of the invasion of Ukraine with shock and increasing sadness as we observe the human suffering and devastation that war brings on. As an international academic business school in the heart of the European Union, we are driven by values of freedom, democracy, and responsible leadership. We believe in international collaboration and understanding, and the richness that comes from diversity.

Our hearts go out to all those in the Vlerick community that are touched, directly or indirectly, or have family and friends in the region. While our sadness is heightened by a feeling of being powerless, even the smallest of actions contribute to reducing the pain of all those affected.

We call upon the Vlerick community to join us in offering help and support in whatever way is possible for you. We applaud the many ways our alumni lead the way in condemning war, providing support through financial contributions or concrete help to refugees, demonstrating how business can be a force for good.

We are also calling on our community to continue to operate with respect and refrain from stigmatising or excluding individuals based on their country of origin. This goes especially for our colleagues, students, and alumni with Russian origins, who may also feel powerless and shocked.

In the words of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful force to change the world.” We will shape a dedicated effort to provide scholarship opportunities to those young talents whose education has been disrupted through this senseless war.

Marion Debruyne
Dean, Vlerick Business School