2026 Alumni Awards: Over 300 alumni gathered to celebrate 30 years of history
June 11, 2026, will remain a special date in the history of the Léonard de Vinci Campus.
A total of 323 people came together to bring to a close a chapter that began thirty years ago. Alumni from the first graduating classes, faculty, staff, and iconic figures from the network gathered one last time on this campus, which has been the birthplace of so many career paths, friendships, projects, and vocations.
Before moving to the new Campus du Parc in Nanterre at the start of the 2026 academic year, this evening had a simple yet essential mission: to celebrate.
An Emotional Return to One’s Roots
The first guests walked through the entrance of the Pôle Léonard de Vinci with palpable emotion—the feeling of returning for the first time in decades to these iconic places: walking up Rue Haute, crossing Rue Basse… their hearts were racing.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be back here because it brings back so many memories—this is where my professional life began,” said Arnaud de Sordi (EMLV ’99). “And above all, to see all my old classmates again. There are so many of them I haven’t seen in a very long time. ”
Guided by current students, the alumni rediscovered the computer labs historically known as the “room of the future,” the laboratories, the Learning Center, and all the spaces that shaped their learning and ambitions.
For Linda Hazi (EMLV 2003), the purpose of this visit was clear: “to celebrate the alumni’s very diverse career paths” while allowing everyone to reconnect with their memories.
The Alumni Awards: Celebrating Those Who Bring Pride to Our Schools
As the highlight of the evening, the Devinci Alumni Awards honored graduates whose career paths exemplify the academic excellence, boldness, and entrepreneurial spirit instilled in them during their years of study.
One testimonial followed another, reminding us how much the Pôle’s history has been shaped by its students, who over time have become dedicated ambassadors.
De Vinci Executive Education Alumni Award
- Emilie BATILLIOT (2011), Director of Oncology Sales for France, IPSEN
- Sébastien JEGOU (2015), Director of Communications, TRANSATEL
IIM Digital School Alumni Award
- Claire CHÂTAIGNER (2017), Innovation Consultant, KPMG
- François BERALDI (2007), Director of Digital & e-Commerce, SFR
ESILV Alumni Awards
- Céline PINET-LABITA (2000), PPP Contract Manager, SNCF RESEAU
- Anis TEBIB (2001), VP of Global Commercial Strategy, UTAC
“I’m very proud to represent my graduating class, very proud to be here, and to relive the beginnings of that adventure with a touch of nostalgia.”
EMLV Alumni Award
- Audrey ROBAT (2002), Chief Financial Officer, INDIGO GROUP
- Arnaud DE SORDI (1999), Managing Director, EASTDIL SECURED
“I’m honored to receive an award tonight. I’m happy to represent this school every day, and it’s largely thanks to what I did here that I am where I am today. ”
Alumni Entrepreneurs Award
- Leila ANDRE ANTAKI (2003), Co-Founder & CEO, HAVAS EDGE
- Frédéric BLANC (2002), CEO & Product Director, ALUMNFORCE
Alumni Honorary Award
- Martin PICANDET (2000), DJ, producer, singer-songwriter
“It’s a tremendous joy to be with you all again tonight. I’d really like to dedicate this award to each and every one of you—it belongs to you as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
A touching message from Martin Solveig, an iconic figure at the Pôle Léonard de Vinci, where he organized legendary parties.
More Than Just a School—A Community
As our conversations unfolded, one thing became clear: beyond the degrees, a genuine human network has been built up over generations.
Today, the Devinci community comprises 27,000 alumni.
“Fostering the alumni network is extremely important,” noted Stanley Hales (EMLV 2019). “Because beyond one’s studies, it’s this network that drives all opportunities.”
This solidarity across generations has, in fact, been at the heart of the School’s identity since its inception. Mentoring, guest lectures, hosting interns, sharing experiences: many alumni continue to engage with current students.
“It’s incredibly important to help students and maintain that connection,” explained Arnaud de Sordi. “The grandes écoles were also built on their networks. We’re fortunate to have advanced in our professional lives. There needs to be solidarity among us so that we can open doors and make it easier for them to enter the workforce.”
For Anis, this legacy takes on a special meaning:
“For me, being an alumnus is extremely important and rewarding. We’re part of the very first graduating classes, and I think it’s incredibly valuable for the generations that followed us—to help them and guide them. ”
His story perfectly illustrates the lasting bond that unites graduates with their school. A former student and later a faculty member at ESILV, he has watched the school grow over the years. His niece and nephew are alumni, and today, his own daughter is continuing this journey at EMLV.
30 Years of Memories
Over cocktails, conversations linger, anecdotes flow, and memories intertwine. Some reflect on the past thirty years; others reconnect as if they’d parted ways just yesterday.
“30 years of friendship, 30 years of love for some, 30 years of projects, 30 years of careers,” Linda aptly summed it up.
All of this was brought to life through a photo exhibition and video loops. Six hundred photos from the Pôle’s digitized archives were printed and displayed. Years of memories, compiled into a video loop by Frédéric Blanc, ESILV ’02, founder of PoleTech, the iconic student association that remains active to this day. Days of work went into this “caving” expedition through the archives and organizing thousands of photos, much to the delight of the alumni on the evening of the event.
A journey back to the campus’s earliest years: La Défense under construction, the Léonard d’Or awards honoring elite athletes, Slide Session ski trips, and colorful student parties…
So many moments in life captured on film have resurfaced thanks to this collective memory, bringing back to life moments that were sometimes forgotten but never erased.
The evening continued in a festive atmosphere at the Bistro du Faubourg. Mickael Créange—almost an alumnus himself by association, since he was already DJing at Rue Haute parties alongside Martin Solveig—kept today’s alumni dancing until the wee hours of the night.
The air was filled with the sincere joy of a reunion and the awareness of experiencing a unique moment. One last evening at the historic campus… but certainly not the last opportunity to relive together the memories collected over the years.
Beyond the souvenir photos, everyone left with the certainty that the spirit of the Pôle lives on… no matter what happens!
And with the imminent move to the Campus du Parc, the promise of another festive gathering… the grand opening!
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