05. November 2024

Of enthusiasm and solidarity

Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences bid farewell to its graduates at this year's graduation ceremony.

"Do you know why I'm standing here? Out of enthusiasm and solidarity. Enthusiasm led me to study communication psychology, and during my time in Görlitz, connectedness became my motto in life." Graduate Carla Wagner began her graduation speech with these words, touching the approximately 500 guests in the Zittau auditorium. At the end of September, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences held a graduation ceremony to bid farewell to its graduates who successfully completed their studies between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024.

The event was a festive highlight at which particularly outstanding academic achievements were also honored. The awards presented included the Al Makwai Prize from the Faculty of Economics and Industrial Engineering as well as six prizes from the Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Carla Wagner was one of the recipients and gave an impressive account of her time as a student in her speech:

The special thing about this university for me was that I felt really seen. We weren't just student numbers, but the lecturers remembered our names. We could always come up to them and talk to them. No matter how full their schedule seemed, we somehow still managed to fit in. That helped us through many a crisis.
Carla Wagner, graduate and winner of the sponsorship award

The attendees, including many graduates, nodded in agreement. Many of them had mastered their studies under the difficult conditions of the coronavirus pandemic. On this day at the latest, it became clear that lecturers, staff and students had successfully overcome the challenges together.

In her speech, Carla Wagner emphasized how important it was for her to be in contact with her fellow students during her studies and to experience the feeling of mutual understanding and community. She concluded by appealing to the audience: "Let's go through the world united and never lose our enthusiasm. "

Rector Prof. Dr. Alexander Kratzsch was visibly proud of the achievements of this year's graduates:

Carla Wagner's impressive words are a testament to the dedicated work of our university. They reflect what makes the HSZG so special: its family atmosphere and the close contact between teaching staff and students. It was clear to hear, see and feel today that this is not just an empty phrase.
Prof. Dr. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector

Andreas Manschott, first deputy mayor of Zittau, deliveredgreetings from the city of Zittau . This year's keynote speech was given by HSZG alumnus Dr. Clemens Schneider, Head of the Competence Centre for Thermodynamic Converters at the Fraunhofer IEG in Zittau. The ceremony was given a remarkable musical accompaniment by alumna Lea Leistner (vocals and piano) and student Jonathan Zopf (piano). HSZG alumna Franziska Stölzel moderated the event in her usual confident and refreshing manner. The graduation ceremony was embedded in a varied supporting program with campus and city tours, a joint lunch in the canteen, the symbolic naming of the graduation tree in the Zittau student park and the evening Exma party in the Zittau Volkshaus.

Our award winners

Prize of the Friends of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for outstanding academic achievements:

  • Mr. Diplom-Ingenieur (FH) Hendrik Hackl, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  • Ms. Marie Runge, Master of Arts, Faculty of Management and Cultural Studies
  • Mr. Diplom-Ingenieur (FH) Franz-Justus Müller, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering - With the kind support of Prof. Dr. Markus Klaubert.
  • Mr. Master of Science Ali Al Hamad, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
  • Ms. Bachelor of Arts Carla Wagner, Faculty of Social Sciences - With the kind support of Görlitzer Werkstätten e.V.
  • Mr. Luca Staub, Diplom-Wirtschaftsingenieur (FH), Faculty of Economics and Industrial Engineering

 

Dr. Rashid A. Al Makhawi Prize:

  • Mr. Bachelor of Arts Marvin Wünsche, Faculty of Business Administration and Industrial Engineering

Photos: Marcel Schröder

Thank you!

Many thanks to all those involved who made this festive day possible: the staff of the HSZG, the Student Council, the Studentenwerk Dresden and the Förderverein der Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz.

Photo: M.A. Antje Pfitzner
Pressestelle
M.A.
Antje Pfitzner
Office of University Development and Communication
02763 Zittau
Theodor-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 1.65
1st floor
+49 3583 612-3031