Veuve Clicquot awards scholarships to 10 NEOMA women students

Ten young women from NEOMA received their Veuve Clicquot scholarships on May 4 at a ceremony held at the Hôtel du Marc in the heart of Reims. Since 2020, this initiative has enabled 34 young women to pursue their ambitions through its combination of financial backing and mentorship.

For a significant number of the recipients, the Veuve Clicquot scholarship arrived at a time when their entire future seemed to hinge on a financial decision. Several of the awardees told a similar story: although they were high-achieving, strong-willed students, an economic reality weighed on every choice they had to make about their education.

A life-changing scholarship 

“Before I was awarded the scholarship,” begins Marie, a new beneficiary, “the future felt frightening because I was living with major financial uncertainty.” Norah, for her part, explains, “My choices would have been dictated more by finances than by my personal goals.” Faustine adds, “The scholarship means I can dedicate my time to other things instead of having to work, and make the most of what NEOMA has to offer.” Faustine remembers receiving the news on her twentieth birthday and feeling “an immediate wave of relief.” Another awardee, Tetyana, had to reread the email several times because she couldn’t believe her eyes. She then called her mother, feeling “so incredibly relieved”.

Encouraging young women: part of Veuve Clicquot’s DNA

Thomas Mulliez, President and CEO of Veuve Clicquot, sees the partnership with NEOMA as a natural extension of the Champagne house’s heritage. Veuve Clicquot grew thanks to the vision of its woman founder, who fought to make her way in an age when she was not expected to, sustained by her courage and boldness. This spirit earned her the title “Grande Dame of Champagne” at the end of her life. “The partnership with NEOMA,” says Thomas, “is a way of honouring her memory and carrying on the mission she championed: supporting young women who need it and helping them find the confidence to be courageous in their daily lives.” 

Above all, Thomas hopes to instil one core belief in the awardees: “Nothing is impossible in life. This scholarship eases part of the financial pressure, and we tell them: ‘Give the best of yourself. Go for it. Life belongs to you. Be brave, dream big.’”

Equal opportunities, diversity, local roots: NEOMA's shared values

Delphine Manceau, Dean of NEOMA, shares this vision, adding the School’s own distinctive perspective: “This partnership with Veuve Clicquot is a tremendous source of pride. It embodies values we hold dear: equal opportunities, diversity, support for young women and support for outstanding academic careers regardless of the obstacles life may bring. And then there’s the mentoring — not just the financial aspect but also the crucial element of human guidance”.

The Dean also underscores the partnership’s local roots: “Given that Veuve Clicquot is based in Reims, in the heart of Champagne, it's also a way of showing how attached we are to our region.”

At a deeper level, Delphine Manceau is eager to send a clear message to all NEOMA students: “Money should never be an obstacle. When I meet candidates applying to NEOMA, I tell them: your job is to pass the exam, and after that, we’ll always be there to help you find solutions.”