The event marked the culmination of three years of academic accomplishments of the students through a programme of speeches, performances and the ceremonial conferring of degrees. 

While the atmosphere remained celebratory, there was a brief interruption due to a protest action by a number of graduates, and students expressing their views and drawing attention to the situation in Gaza through various gestures and mentions throughout the event.

Acting Dean and Director of Education Marianne Riphagen gave a word of welcome highlighting interdisciplinary research and civic responsibility as sources of hope in an uncertain world, and encouraging graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on society. The first musical interlude  featured graduating student Sofía Segura Verdoy performing the original song "Yo me iré." The self-written piece blended Spanish and English lyrics and explored the feeling of leaving a place without knowing exactly where to go next, embracing uncertainty with honesty and hope.

Valedictorian Sharwari Khare then took the stage to deliver a powerful address that highlighted the spirit of the graduating class and the shared moments that defined their time at AUC. A video presentation by the AUC Student Association (AUCSA) formed the second interlude in the programme. This was followed by another musical performance from a group of graduating students consisting of Roan Jorna, Sharwari Khare, Melis Yontan, Meg Czachowska and Daphne Tilleman. The band performed a lively rendition of "I Say a Little Prayer" by Aretha Franklin.

Prof. Christa Boer, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam, delivered a personal speech, drawing on her own experiences while discussing the value of interdisciplinary education, sharing life lessons, and reminding students of the importance of engaging with the world both critically and compassionately.

The afternoon closed with a welcome to the AUC Alumni Association by Emma Krone, Career and Alumni Relations Officer at AUC. The ceremony was followed by a festive reception in the Foyer of the VU, where student Capstone research posters were displayed.