Thomas More student wins international education award from Keystone
Thomas More alumnus Ries Anderson won the prestigious Keystone Award on 10 April 2025 in the category ‘Student Ambassador of the Year’. The international jury selected Anderson, who graduated cum laude in International Business & Trade, from five finalists during the Keystone Education Group’s award ceremony.
Anderson outperformed candidates from France, Nigeria, and Hungary. The jury praised his international leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and global impact. As the founder of 'Flandrien Chocolate,' he was already named 'Belgian Student Entrepreneur of the Year' in 2024. His international experience spans from Uganda to the United Arab Emirates.
During the Change the World Model United Nations conference in Abu Dhabi, Anderson was also recognized as a 'Global Change Maker' in 2023. He has delivered keynote speeches at Eden University in Zambia and served as an official MC at the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai. During an internship with a pan-African solar energy company in Zimbabwe, he successfully negotiated deals with the mining sector and government officials. Anderson:
It means a great deal to me to be named 'Student Ambassador of the Year'. I was truly impressed by the other nominees, who came from all over the world — from the United States to Nigeria! This award is a wonderful way to conclude my time at Thomas More. It’s where I started my first business, learned to speak confidently in front of groups, and was inspired to explore the world.
Anderson emphasizes the role of his mentors:
I definitely wouldn’t have won this award without the support of Thomas More. Especially Elisabeth Uvin and Rudy Geens. They always went the extra mile to motivate me and other students to participate in international competitions like the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge. Truly groundbreaking.
Rudy Geens, Programme Manager International Business and Tourism, adds:
It’s wonderful what Ries is achieving. He is a true example. The award is a great confirmation of the quality and engagement of our students around the world.
The Student Ambassador Award recognizes students who make outstanding contributions to international educational communities.
It is the first time a Belgian student has received this honor. Previous winners came from the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.
The jury’s verdict:
We were impressed by Anderson’s versatile profile. His ability to promote Thomas More internationally while simultaneously running a successful chocolate business and delivering keynote speeches on international stages makes him the ideal ambassador for modern higher education.
The Keystone Awards have been recognizing excellence in higher education since 2018.
This year, submissions from 64 countries were evaluated.
In addition to the Student Ambassador of the Year, awards were also given for Higher Education Institution of the Year, Best Education Marketing Campaign, and International Student of the Year.
Keystone Education Group, the company behind the awards, reaches more than 100 million students worldwide each year.
The platform connects students with over 5,500 educational institutions across 190 countries.
Headquartered in Oslo, the company employs more than 900 staff members across 15 countries.