What is the Michigan Ross Difference?

No matter where you are in your MBA application journey, you've likely heard about admit weekends — events where schools invite admitted students to campus to envision themselves as part of the community for the next two years.

At Michigan Ross, our signature admit event, Go Blue Rendezvous, or GBR, takes place in early April and welcomes over 230 attendees annually, including partners. A highlight of GBR is the Ross Difference session (other than dinner at The Big House, of course), where current MBA students share their authentic journeys to and at Ross, illustrating why they chose our community as their home for two years.

This session is also my favorite part of planning for GBR. For the past two years, I've had the privilege of working closely with our speakers during the two months leading up to the event. It's been inspiring to witness their courage and growth as they craft their stories, hone their stage presence, and prepare to share their experiences vulnerably with a large audience. Some students overcome their fear of public speaking, others challenge themselves to present in a second language, and many seize the opportunity to reflect on their MBA journey before graduating, bringing both laughter and tears as they share their most memorable and heartfelt memories at Ross.

I’m excited to share this year’s speakers and their authentic stories, which I hope will resonate with some of you.

This Year's Speakers

Sam Schmitt, MBA ’25

Elena Helmers-Wegman, MBA/MHSA ’26

Michael Yang, MBA '26

As you continue exploring your MBA options and learning about Michigan Ross, I encourage you to connect with our student and alumni ambassadors. They are truly your best resources into the Ross experience, from academics and career opportunities to student life in Ann Arbor.

Who knows? You might just be our next Ross Difference speaker!