EM Normandie Foundation: 2026 scholarship award ceremony highlighted with the appointment of Christophe Quesne as Chairman of the Foundation

The EM Normandie Foundation held its annual scholarship award ceremony, bringing together students, donors, graduates and EM Normandie staff for an evening of solidarity and commitment. The 2026 event was also marked by the announcement of the appointment of Christophe Quesne, a graduate of EM Normandie (1987), as Chairman of the Foundation.

An evening to celebrate the career paths supported by the Foundation

A key event in the life of the School, the scholarship award ceremony was an opportunity to highlight the essential role played by the EM Normandie Foundation in supporting students. Through their testimonies, the recipients illustrated the impact of the support schemes on offer: merit-based grants, assistance with international mobility, help with life's difficulties ... all of these levers enable them to pursue their studies in the best possible conditions.

As well as awarding the scholarships, the evening was also an opportunity for discussions between scholarship holders and donors. It was a way of giving a very concrete expression to the generosity of those who commit themselves to the Foundation, while at the same time strengthening links within the EM Normandie community.

Christophe Quesne appointed Chairman of the EM Normandie Foundation

This 2026 edition will also be remembered as a new chapter in the history of the Foundation, with the appointment of Christophe Quesne as its Chairman. As entrepreneur and director of Quilotoa, a training and HR consultancy company, he takes over from Philippe-Jean Péron, who remains committed to the Foundation as a director. Already a member of the Foundation's Executive Committee for the past three years, Christophe Quesne is taking part in a dynamic process of continuity, with the aim of amplifying the impact of the actions undertaken.

A path that resonates with the Foundation's mission

Christophe Quesne's background is particularly in tune with the Foundation's mission. He joined EM Normandie via the parallel admissions route after a BTS in agri-food, and was himself a scholarship holder, financing his studies with a student loan, a grant and various student jobs. Today, his personal story fuels his commitment to promoting equal opportunities and social inclusion.

"EM Normandie played a key role in my social development. Without it, I would never have followed the path I'm on today. Now I want to help provide the same opportunities to those who need them."

An entrepreneur committed to human and social change

After starting his career in the agri-food industry, notably with Belin / Meule d'Or between 1987 and 1992, Christophe Quesne set up Quilotoa in 1992, a company specialising in HR training and consultancy. His career path was then enhanced by a postgraduate diploma (DESS) in training engineering and social psychology from the University of Rouen Normandie, as well as involvement in various professional networks focusing on managerial, social and environmental transformations.

This experience, which lies at the intersection of human, educational and societal issues, gives particular resonance to his appointment as head of the EM Normandie Foundation.

Three strategic priorities to strengthen the Foundation's impact

As part of his appointment, Christophe Quesne intends to pursue and accelerate the Foundation's development around three main priorities:

• involve the alumni community more closely and broaden the donor base,
• make greater use of the tangible impact of scholarships on student careers,
• boost the Foundation's profile by drawing on the expertise of its Executive Committee.

This ambition is fully in line with the actions undertaken since the creation of the Foundation.

A collective effort to serve students

Created in 2016 by graduates and placed under the aegis of the Fondation de France, the EM Normandie Foundation supports the School's strategic development through three levers: encouraging equal opportunities, promoting academic excellence, educational innovation and research, and encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

The scholarship award ceremony is a perfect illustration of this collective dynamic. It is a reminder that behind every donation, there are paths made possible, ambitions supported and new prospects opened up to students who can look to the future with greater confidence.