NEOMA and this highly prestigious company have recently celebrated their first anniversary of a partnership that was founded on their shared values of diversity and equal opportunities.

On Friday April 22nd, Delphine Manceau, Dean of NEOMA and Jean-Marc Gallot, Chairman and CEO of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, met on our Paris campus to celebrate their partnership initiated in 2021 founded on the shared values of equal opportunities and gender equality. The objective? To set up a scholarship allowing 10 MiM female students to finance their tuition fees every year over a three-year period.

“It really is wonderful for a company to provide us with such support! And what better a company than Veuve Clicquot!” said Delphine Manceau in her introductory speech. Jacky Lintignat, President of the NEOMA Foundation, also commended this excellent partnership, saying: “I think this is a fantastic initiative. All from a manager’s desire who believed that his company’s values could and should embrace a dimension of solidarity.”

Jean-Marc Gallot, a graduate of the school and CEO of Veuve Clicquot, spoke about the strong historical values the champagne house upholds: “At Veuve Clicquot, we have retained the spirit of this extraordinary woman, Madame Clicquot. At the beginning of the 19th century, she suddenly found herself a  widow and took over the family business. At that time in France, it was not acceptable for women to run a company, unless it was a family business and she was a widow, which was her case. Everbody discouraged from doing so, but she took up the challenge all the same,” explained Jean-Marc Gallot. The Director took this opportunity to remind the student beneficiaries present that: “She had the determination and the courage that I hope will inspire you during your professional careers.”

This joyous moment was also an opportunity to meet the three new Veuve Clicquot scholarship students for this academic year and to report back on the progress of those who began last year. The accounts were particularly moving and reminded everybody just what this assistance means practically for these young students:  

“I cannot stress the helping hand the School is giving enough. NEOMA has always been really understanding when I mention my financial difficulties. What this scholarship has given me is the motivation and the confidence I needed.” says Selin.

“You have given me a feeling of serenity that is so important and new to me. I have been through a long and difficult period, but things have never been as promising as they are today and it is thanks to you. I was able to choose my direction and I would like to thank you for that.” says Rachel.

“I would like to thank you for setting me free! Free from my worries, my mother’s worries, my sisters’ worries. I wanted to thank you for giving me the choice to continue my studies.” says Jeanne.