two days FULL OF HIGHLIGHTS: THE 2024 GRADUATION CEREMONY

On Friday, 20 September and Saturday, 21 September, the campus of the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences was transformed into a centre of celebration. Over 1,600 people - including graduates, families and friends - gathered to celebrate the successful completion of the degree programmes. The ceremonies took place in the auditorium of Kufstein University of Applied Sciences, where the graduates entered to the sounds of a brass band and the applause of their families and friends. Accompanied by the confident moderation of Yvonne Kestermann, BSc (Corporate Design & Campaigns Expert in Marketing, moderator on Friday) and Sara Neubauer (Head of Quality & Project Management, moderator on Saturday), the official programme, which was to provide many emotional highlights in the coming hours, took its course.

EMOTIONAL SPEECHES AND INSPIRING MESSAGES

A humorous highlight was the film by the exchange students - students from partner universities who are spending their semester abroad in Kufstein. They addressed their congratulations to the new graduates in their native languages.

University Rector Prof. (FH) Dr. Mario Döller (Friday) and University Vice Rector Prof. (FH) Dr. Michael Kohlegger (Saturday) then took the floor. In his speech, Döller compared studying with a journey, at the end of which competent, self-confident people would emerge: "You are ready to change the world." He emphasised the importance of being courageous and being guided by big dreams. Current global challenges such as the climate crisis and the energy crisis also featured in his speech. Döller's clear message: the graduates are well prepared for the future thanks to their excellent education at the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences.

Vice Rector Michael Kohlegger used the metaphor of the four seasons to illustrate the graduates' academic journey. Starting with spring, which stands for the enthusiasm at the beginning of their studies, through the summer of intensive commitment, to the autumn of harvest and reflection, he described the course of the academic journey. Kohlegger concluded with the winter, a time of rest and preparation for new things, and encouraged the graduates to take the knowledge and academic values acquired in Kufstein out into the world: "Be a role model and preserve the values that unite us as academics."

The academic oath was followed by the ceremonial highlight: the presentation of the diplomas by Rector Döller and Vice-Rector Kohlegger as well as the programme directors.

VOICES OF THE GRADUATES AND GUESTS

At the subsequent champagne reception, the graduates and their guests gathered on campus to celebrate their success in style.  The proud father of graduate Nina Fleischhut, Martin Fleischhut, praised the event: "It's impressive how festively this is celebrated here." He also particularly liked the international orientation of the FH Kufstein Tirol.

Graduate Atiye Ekici, who studied International Business Studies, emphasised her year abroad in Helsinki and a practical project with Liebherr as personal highlights. "The three years had ups and downs, but I'm glad I did it," she summarised.

Hope Ofurum, a graduate of the Master's in International Business Studies, also emphasised the importance of the international community at the university and praised the support provided by the lecturers.

Domitius Atzl, a graduate of International Business Studies, was satisfied with the outcome: "I learnt more than I expected." He particularly appreciated the exchange with fellow students about professional challenges, which gave him valuable insights. His tip to first-year students: "Don't give up." Many drop out for fear of being overwhelmed. "Even if it's a lot at first, keep at it!"

Monika Nestl and Chiara Wörgötter, who became friends during their Sport, Culture & Event Management degree programme, were impressed by the graduation ceremony. "The graduation speech was touching," said Chiara. "The highlight of my studies was meeting Monika," she added, while Monika emphasised: "You don't just develop academically, you also make friends for life."

AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY

The 2024 graduation ceremony not only celebrated the graduates' academic successes, but also showed how closely friendships and unforgettable experiences are linked to studying at FH Kufstein Tirol. We would like to congratulate all graduates on their success - a day that everyone involved will remember for a long time to come.