Emotional graduates, proud parents and a party that went on late into the night: for the third time, on Friday 17 July, the academic graduation ceremony at Ulm University took place against the backdrop of Ulm Minster. Around 3,000 guests, including 800 graduates from all faculties, celebrated together in a festive atmosphere. The theme of the evening: “Shaping the world with curiosity and passion.”
They've discovered a wonderful new city, formed friendships for life and spent their time not only studying but also at their favourite pub: at Ulm University’s third academic graduation ceremony – which once again took place on Münsterplatz and heralded the start of the Schwörwochenende – the graduates shared how the city and the university had shaped them. This year, the ceremony began a little later than planned due to a thunderstorm warning. After a final shower, proceedings got underway shortly before 6.00 pm with the procession of festively dressed young people, black caps on their heads and turquoise sashes draped over their shoulders. Rain ponchos were taken off, umbrellas folded away and the odd tear wiped away.
As the graduates are the focus of the celebrations, Sebastian Sander – one of their own – hosted the evening alongside his co-presenter Natasha Walker. Sander recently completed his teaching degree in maths and biology and particularly valued the direct contact with his lecturers during his studies: “It’s like being part of a small university family.” During the opening discussion with Ulm’s Lord Mayor Martin Ansbacher and University President Professor Michael Weber, Sander asked the latter what today’s graduates should remember when they look back on Ulm University in ten years’ time. “That the university was a place where they could flourish and try new things. A place where they didn’t just accumulate knowledge, but learnt to take on responsibility and think critically. And the many friends they’ve made here,” Weber said. He advised the graduates: “Stay curious, stay grounded, stay courageous. Stay open to learning, keep exploring your potential. Take on responsibility when you can, and treat one another with respect. ”
“Stand up for one another, stand up for democracy, stand up for academic freedom”
Ansbacher urged the young people with bachelor’s or master’s degrees, or a PhD, to stay in the city – Ulm has the lowest unemployment rate in the whole of Germany, and the Science City is booming: “Here you have the best opportunities for your future!” He wished the newly qualified academics every success and the fulfilment of their dreams, adding: “Stand up for one another, stand up for democracy, stand up for academic freedom.” These are turbulent times, he said, in which we must reflect on our shared values. For Weber, who is retiring at the end of September, it was his final graduation ceremony. The Lord Mayor thanked the President for their trusting collaboration and the wonderful time they’d spent together: “The success of the city of Ulm is the success of Ulm University,” said Ansbacher. This was met with loud applause.
Jette Kirsch and Igor Mikhailov spoke about their work in the university’s (StuVe). The university should not only be a place for learning, but also one where people feel at home, said Mikhailov: “I think of the people who have been there for me and the experiences we’ve shared.” And Kirsch advised the graduates: “If something isn’t right for you, see where you can make improvements. Your opinion matters.”
To round off the evening, the young men and women were treated to a serenade. The ‘Prof-isorium’ project choir – comprising professors, other university staff and members of the university choir – sang ‘Für euch soll heut’ die Uni strahlen’ (Today the university shall shine for you) to the tune of ‘Für mich soll’s rote Rosen regnen’ and “You Are the Champions”, based on the Queen hit, before representatives from all four faculties warmly congratulated the graduates. This was followed by the highlight of the evening: the grand finale with the spectacular hat-throwing against the backdrop of Münster Cathedral.
Once the official part of the proceedings had drawn to a close, the young graduates and their guests continued celebrating long into the night on Münsterplatz, taking group photos and dancing at the ‘Schwör mal!’ party – first to the sounds of DJane Caro Line & DJ Link the Beat and the Viennese punker Salò, before the headline act, Drunken Masters, really got the party going. Those who wished to do so rounded off the evening at the Cocomo Club. The graduation ceremony was organised by the Marketing Department at Ulm University.
Further information:
Diana Frankenhauser, Marketing Department, email: diana.frankenhauser(at)uni-ulm.de
Text and media contact: Christine Liebhardt