Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management (SMSH) proudly celebrated its 19th Annual Graduation Ceremony on 3rd June, 2025 at the Hotel Yak & Yeti, marking a significant chapter in the institution's journey of academic excellence and innovation.
A total of 173 students were conferred their degrees during the ceremony, including graduates from the flagship Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality and Tourism Management (BA-IHTM) program. However, this year's ceremony held even greater significance as SMSH proudly introduced its first cohort of graduates from the Bachelor of Arts in International Culinary Arts (BA-ICA) program, a pioneering course launched in 2020 — the first of its kind in Nepal. This graduating class represents the first batch of culinary professionals trained under an internationally benchmarked curriculum, fully delivered in Nepal.
In his uplifting opening remarks, Chairman and Founder Principal, Mr. Samir Thapa, warmly congratulated the graduates and reflected on the institution's commitment to educational innovation, resilience through challenges, and its mission to raise global-standard hospitality and culinary professionals. He highlighted the journey of launching Bachelor in International Culinary Arts (BICA) amidst global challenges and praised the resilience, creativity and passion of the graduates who are now ready to contribute to Nepal's and the global culinary scene. He congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to lead with creativity, discipline and purpose.
Serving as the Guest of Honor was Mr. Thomas Peschken-Holt, Head of Queen Margaret Business School and Senior Lecturer in Management at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. Mr. Holt highlighted the importance of academic partnerships in enriching educational outcomes and lauded the strong collaboration between SMSH and Queen Margaret University. He praised the graduates for their dedication and expressed confidence in their ability to thrive in international arenas.
To mark this culinary landmark occasion, the event was further graced by Mr. Santosh Shah, Renowned Culinary Artist, Author and Winner of BBC's Master Chef: The Professionals – The Rematch, as the Guest of Honor. Mr. Shah delivered an inspiring address to the graduates, particularly the BICA cohort, sharing his journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim. He emphasized the power of passion, perseverance and innovation in the culinary world, encouraging graduates to dream boldly and represent Nepal with pride on the global stage.
The ceremony also included a heartfelt awards segment, recognizing outstanding students, faculty and staff members for their excellence, commitment, and contributions to the institution. These awards highlighted the spirit of dedication that defines the Silver Mountain community.
Awardees:
- Deans Award-2025, BA-IHTM
Ms. Samjhana Rai - Deans Award-2025, BA-ICA
Nayana Shahi - Excellence in Teaching-2025
Mr. Sagar Regmi - Best Employee- 2025
Mr. Unat K.C
The 19th Graduation Ceremony was not only a celebration of academic success but also a historic moment for hospitality and culinary education in Nepal. The graduation ceremony was attended by students, their families, well-wishers, and the entire Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management fraternity. With the first-ever batch of BICA graduates stepping into the professional world, SMSH continues to set new benchmarks in the field, staying true to its mission of delivering world-class education and nurturing future leaders.
Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the careers of aspiring hospitality professionals. With a strong emphasis on practical skills, industry exposure, and global perspectives, the institution remains dedicated to nurturing talent and producing graduates who are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the dynamic hospitality industry. The college has also been offering an International MBA in Hospitality since 2023, being the first college to bring dynamism into the Master's degree program.
