Favorite Traditions & Events At Top Business Schools

Business school can be a grind: classes, recruiting, networking, and travel. There is the back-and-forth to campus, the four hours of sleep, and the stacks of readings, meetings, and deadlines. No wonder MBAs just want to slow down sometimes, to just savor the moment and remember exactly why they returned to school.

At IESE Business School, Multi-Culti is a highly-anticipated tradition held during the second term. Think of it as an international fair, where MBAs can go from table-to-table to sample foods and learn customs of various countries. Attracting over a thousand attendees annually, Multi-Culti is an experience like no other, says Christa Zacharia, a 2025 IESE grad from Australia.

“Held at the iconic Poble Espanyol, this all-evening celebration is a true showcase of cultural diversity,” Zacharia explains. “Each country sets up a stall and serves authentic food and drinks while wearing traditional attire and sharing local customs. You can enjoy Nigerian Jollof rice, Italian Aperol Spritz, Spanish Tapas, German beer, Peruvian Ceviche, and countless other specialties. As the night unfolds, national groups take the stage to perform traditional dances and cultural showcases, bringing the spirit of their homeland to life.”

BEER & BOWLING

For Zacharia, Multi-Culti’s appeal is rooted in alignment; the event reflects the deepest values and aspirations of its students. “Multi-Culti perfectly captures the essence of studying in an international environment, where more than 50 nationalities come together to celebrate their heritage. Beyond just a night of festivities, it embodies the importance of curiosity, openness, and the willingness to embrace different cultures – values that IESE nurtures and that every MBA student should carry forward.”

Of course, not every popular MBA tradition requires months of planning and piles of expenses. Every spring, Notre Dame’s Mendoza College runs a Bowling League. Most students are relatively new to the sport, says ’25 alum Mark Giesey. As a result, you won’t find players judging when their peers throw with two hands or fall on their butt.

“It’s a lot of fun, and a great way to connect with students outside one’s professional pathway (i.e. meeting marketing majors as a finance major),” Giesey adds. “Many teams wear their own custom bowling outfits, and there are often playful rivalries that arise between teams throughout the season. As a second-year student, it’s also fun to see how my classmates have improved since last season.”

DINNER & DIALOGUE

In fact, some of the best MBA traditions are the most intimate. Take Dartmouth College’s Tuck School, where one of the most anticipated events are Small Group Dinners – or SGDs for short. According to Magdala Díaz de Rávago Zevallos, a ’25 grad and P&Q Best & Brightest MBA, SGDs are an extension of Tuck’s community-driven ethos that values close relationships between students. Organized by various clubs and hosted at homes, the dinners pairs first- and second-year students randomly for a meal and conversation. Soon enough, these SGDs turn classmates into soul-mates. And the tradition isn’t limited to students either, adds Díaz de Rávago Zevallos.

“Once a year, SGDs include faculty guests, giving students the unique chance to connect with professors outside the classroom. The whole community is genuinely enthusiastic about participating. Personally, I loved hosting. It gave me the chance to share Peruvian flavors with my classmates and build special memories.”

The best MBA traditions come in many forms. There are choreographed talent shows, dazzling winter balls, emotionally-charged talks, end-of-week mixers, and organic tailgates – not to mention Olympic competitions, ski weekends, drag shows, pitch competitions, and wine tours. What are the events that MBAs look forward to all year? Here are the traditions that the MBA Class of 2025 says made all those long hours worth it.

“We hold an event each Spring called the Carey Classic, a team-relay style event where students compete in a variety of athletic and intellectual challenges. Beyond the friendly competition, it showcases the collaborative and team-oriented nature of our program, where each member’s strengths contribute to the whole. Coming from a very individualistic undergraduate experience, learning how to thrive within a team has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my MBA journey.”
McKenna Kiesling, Arizona State (W. P. Carey)

“Founder’s Day is the tradition that embodies the spirit of Babson. Since 1947, this fall event has celebrated Roger Babson’s legacy, bringing the entire community together for a day of music, carnival games, giveaways, and, of course, an abundance of apple-themed treats – a nod to Babson’s admiration for Sir Isaac Newton. Beyond the fun, this tradition is a reminder of why we’re here: challenge norms, innovate, and push boundaries. It’s a day when students, faculty, and alumni gather to share ideas, discuss ventures, and celebrate the entrepreneurial mindset that makes Babson unique.”
Vitor Ungari, Babson College (Olin)

“Choosing just one favorite event at Babson is nearly impossible because so many experiences have shaped my journey. However, two traditions stand out the most – Rocket Pitch and Lunch with our Favorite Professors – both reflecting what makes Babson such a special place.

Rocket Pitch embodies Babson’s entrepreneurial spirit. It’s an adrenaline-filled event where students pitch their ideas in just three minutes to an audience of peers, professors, and investors. It’s not just about the pitch – it’s about taking risks, thinking fast, and learning through action. The energy in the room is electrifying, and the support from the Babson community reminds you that no idea is too small to pursue.

At the same time, one of the things I value most is the accessibility and mentorship of Babson’s professors. Having lunch with them – a casual conversation – has been one of the most enriching parts of my MBA experience. These moments aren’t just about academics; they are about genuine mentorship, deep conversations about life, supporting, and building relationships with people who truly want to see you succeed.

Both traditions reflect what I love about Babson: a place where entrepreneurial thinking, mentorship, and community come together to create an environment where students feel empowered to dream big and take action.”
Ruso Samunashvili, Babson College (Olin)

“One of my favorite MBA traditions at the Tepper School is B**rs on Friday, a weekly event that brings together students, professors, and staff in a relaxed and welcoming environment. It’s more than just a social gathering—it’s an opportunity to unwind, connect, and build relationships beyond the classroom after a demanding week. What makes this event truly special is that each week, a different student club sponsors it, turning it into a cultural experience that celebrates the Tepper School’s diversity. Whether it’s a Latin American dance night, an Indian festival, an African heritage showcase, or an LGBTQ+ celebration, B**rs is a window into the global perspectives that shape our community. Beyond the fun, it fosters inclusivity, cross-cohort friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the backgrounds that make our classmates unique. It perfectly reflects what makes the Tepper School special—a place where analytics and leadership thrive alongside culture, collaboration, and camaraderie.”
Vinicius Santos Avelar, Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)

“CEIBS is full of student-led events, but one of the events that demonstrated our diversity was Year Dragon Gala 2024 Chinese New Year. Since many Chinese students returned home for the long holiday, we organized this event to showcase how different cultures celebrate the New Year. The event was a true cultural exchange, featuring live music, dance performances, drama, and an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding students. It reflected the diversity of CEIBS and the strong sense of community among students.”
Chayapol Vanichsavasdvichai, CEIBS

“I really enjoy the annual Booth Winter Charity Gala, a formal event and charity auction held each year. It’s one of the largest Booth events, akin to a prom. It’s a glamorous, vibrant event that gives me a chance to spend time with close friends across both the first- and second-year cohorts, while contributing to great causes.  The past few years, auction items have included dinners with most beloved Booth professors and items autographed by UChicago Nobel prize winners – a uniquely Booth set of offerings!”
Yana Kaplun, University of Chicago (Booth)

“My favorite tradition at Booth must be Random Walk. My first year, I signed up for the Mystery Random Walk, which means that we did not know where we were headed until we arrived at the airport (Brazil!). This trip was such a formative experience for me that I decided to co-lead a Mystery Random Walk as a second year (Taiwan!). It was a great way to experience the Booth culture and form long-lasting friendships.”
Kevin Hernandez, University of Chicago (Booth)

“This is a tough one—my brain immediately wants to list all the amazing trips we’ve taken! But my favorite tradition is CBS Matters. CBS Matters gives classmates the space to share their personal journeys, their #WhyCBS, and what led them here. In such a fast-paced, two-year environment, it’s rare to get such deep, personal insights into the people around you. I’ve cried at almost every CBS Matters I’ve attended because you truly get to understand your classmates beyond the surface. I remember giving mine to my cluster and feeling overwhelmed by the support and connection in the room. Seeing how many people showed up, and how many related to parts of my story, was incredibly moving. It reinforced again what I love most about CBS—the authentic community and culture of real, meaningful connections.”
Gabrielle Darko, Columbia Business School

“At Columbia Business School, the CBS Matters tradition provides a unique platform for students, faculty, and administrators to share their personal stories and experiences, fostering a culture of vulnerability, authenticity, and connection. Participants are given approximately 30-45 minutes to delve into their lives and discuss the pivotal moments that shaped their identities. This format, free from prescribed structure, allows individuals to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable, offering valuable practice in public speaking while reinforcing the idea that genuine connection makes us better leaders and individuals.

In an environment as driven as CBS, it’s easy to become consumed by the pursuit of success and overlook the significance of vulnerability and interpersonal connection. CBS Matters directly challenges this tendency, creating a safe space for authentic self-expression. I had the privilege of delivering my own presentation in the Spring of 2024, and the experience of sharing my personal narrative was profoundly powerful. This exposé wasn’t about delivering a polished performance; it was about raw honesty, sharing with others the subject I knew best: me. Reflecting on my own presentation and those of others, I’m consistently reminded that behind every ambitious student and accomplished professor lies a unique human story. This type of vulnerability is not merely heartwarming; it’s transformative. It cultivates a genuine sense of community, providing a space for us to simply be ourselves, connect on a deeper level, and ultimately remember that human connection is what truly matters.”
Natalie Friel, Columbia Business School

“Johnson Follies is an incredible tradition —pure inside jokes, professor roasts, and a celebration of business school chaos. It perfectly captures Johnson’s tight-knit, self-aware culture and proves that no matter how intense things get, we never take ourselves too seriously. It’s very unfiltered once the professors leave, but it’s a lighthearted way to end the year and reflect on the good and tough times.”
Douglas Scandrett, Cornell University (Johnson)

“My favorite MBA tradition at Tuck has to be Grillington, where over a hundred Tuckies descend upon the Killington Ski Resort to tear up the slopes and wash down parking-lot hot dogs with locally brewed IPAs from the Upper Valley. Grillington perfectly captures the essence of Tuck – it’s community-oriented, welcoming, and all about embracing new experiences together. The event is often sponsored through a collaboration between the Ski and Snowboard Club, the John Barleycorn Society (our beer enthusiasts), and Tuck South (students representing Southern roots who know how to use a smoker). It’s a blast of an event where first-year students blend with second-years, novice skiers can find their tribe for the upcoming ski season, and new friendships are made on the mountain as groups of skiers intermingle.”
Berk Atillasoy, Dartmouth College (Tuck)

“FuquaVision is hands down my favorite tradition at Fuqua, and I arrived knowing almost nothing about it. It feels like our own Saturday Night Live, put together by students for students. It’s the perfect way for everyone to poke fun at themselves and each other in a friendly, lighthearted setting.

FuquaVision screenings always follow our final Fuqua Friday of the term, so the whole crowd is already gathered and ready for a good laugh. It captures the essence of the Fuqua culture — showing how much we value community, humor, and the ability to laugh at ourselves. I love that comedy can bring so many people together, and having your personal “brand” featured on screen always makes for a memorable moment.
Jack Prommel, Duke University (Fuqua)

“My favorite Fuqua event is Dinners of Consequence, where a small, randomized group of 7–8 people gather at a host’s home for dinner and deep conversations guided by thought-provoking prompts. This experience pushes us beyond surface-level interactions, allowing us to open up, exchange meaningful perspectives, and form genuine connections with classmates we might not have otherwise met. It’s a rare opportunity to step outside our usual circles, engage in deep discussions, and build lasting friendships, truly embodying the supportive and inclusive spirit of Team Fuqua.”
Fern Imjairach, Duke University (Fuqua)

“Every year, the MBA cohort organizes a Potluck Dinner where each cohort member brings a dish that represents their culture (or in many cases, the fusion of cultures). With 24 countries represented, we spent a cold January evening educating each other about dishes from our homelands and the challenges that arise with sourcing ethnic ingredients in a decidedly spice-averse town like Nice. From Cameroonian kilichi and Japanese onigiri to Chilean chorrillana and Indian mango lassi, we all experienced an explosion of flavor. But beyond the food itself, the open-minded attitude to trying every dish, the passion of my classmates describing their dish, and the simple congeniality of letting go and connecting over a meal showed me how much love there is around the cohort.”
Duncan Holzhall, EDHEC Business School

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