In total, over the last twelve months, 515 students have completed their bachelor’s degrees and 200 their master’s degrees at HNU – two of them with the top mark of 1.1.
Opening of the gala by the new president
President Prof. Dr Julia Kormann opened the gala: “During your studies, you were often focused on the next exam, the next challenge. But education is far more than a degree or a mark. Education empowers us to apply knowledge responsibly and to play an active part in shaping our society. That is precisely the mission of HNU. Your bachelor’s or master’s degree is not just a valuable asset with which you are now setting out on your future path. It is also a valuable asset for the further development of our society and our economy. My wish for you is that, as you continue on your journey, you remain mindful of what you often take for granted – the people by your side who support you, challenge you and help you progress. Success is never achieved alone. Use what you have learnt at HNU responsibly, and put it to good use to bring about positive change.”
She paid tribute to the graduates for their academic and personal achievements and wished them happiness, success, confidence and inspiring companions for the future.
A welcome message from Neu-Ulm’s third deputy mayor
She then handed over to the Third Mayor of Neu-Um, Dr Cornelia Festl, who welcomed and congratulated the graduates: “Today, you are celebrating far more than just the completion of your studies. You are celebrating your perseverance, your commitment and your willingness to take on new challenges time and again. Hermann Hesse said: ‘For the impossible to come about, the possible must be attempted.’ With your graduation, you have, step by step, achieved something that may have seemed impossible at the outset. Whatever lies ahead of you now – your degree provides an extremely solid foundation for this. You have not only acquired specialist knowledge, but also the ability to remain curious, to question things critically, to seek solutions together and to take on responsibility. Our society thrives on people like you, who get involved and develop ideas.”
Neu-Ulm University Award for an outstanding dissertation
Markus Brust, a member of the Friends of Neu-Ulm University Association, and Prof. Dr Julia Kormann announced the winner of the Neu-Ulm University Prize. Anna Mast, who was unable to attend in person, received the prize – donated by the Friends of Neu-Ulm University Association and worth 1,000 euros – for her Master’s thesis. Anna Mast, a graduate of the Advanced Sales Management and Intelligence (M.Sc.) programme who has already successfully established herself in her career, examined in her thesis how premium car manufacturers can optimise their new car purchasing process in the face of digitalisation, electromobility and growing competitive pressure.
Honouring the student representatives for their commitment
Prof. Dr Julia Kormann then honoured the members of the Student Council (StuVer) for their exceptional commitment. During their studies, they championed the interests of their fellow students and contributed to the further development of student life and to strengthening the sense of community on campus. Nadja Hagnauer, Jonas Liewald, Katharina Oswald and Jessica Rohrbach were presented with certificates.
Presentation of certificates and the traditional hat-tossing ceremony
After the programme directors had presented the certificates by faculty, the emotional highlight of the evening followed: the traditional hat-tossing on the steps of the Congress Centre. Musical entertainment was provided by Jo! Loop during the champagne reception and dinner, and by the band Sounds of Entertainment to round off the evening. The gala was hosted by HNU alumnus Sascha Vespermann.
