Outlook: Our graduation ceremony 2016

On April 23, 2016, our university will hold its sixth annual central graduation ceremony. “Central” means that the invited Bachelor, Diplom, and master’s graduates from all degree programs and both campuses will be honored together. In a festive setting, and usually in the presence of their proud families, the graduates will be sent off into this new chapter of their lives by faculty representatives and with a small gift from the HSZG. The ceremony is accompanied by a musical program, which will once again highlight the festive occasion this year. New this year are the presentation of the 2016 Teaching Award and the inaugural presentation of the FERCHAU Prize. These two awards are presented in this dignified setting to recognize exceptional achievements in teaching and academic study. Seating capacity is completely full this year, so unfortunately, registration for this part of the event is no longer possible.

The second highlight of the day is the joint dedication of the Graduates’ Tree in the Student Park. It was planted in 2009 on the initiative of the Student Council in the open space at the corner of Kantstraße and Hochwaldstraße. At that time, the first 15 trees were planted together with the mayor of Zittau, the university rectors, and the Student Council. Since then, 22 new trees have been added. Thus, the “Tilia cordata” (a small-leaved linden) to be christened on April 23 will be the 38th tree to grace the Student Park. For the third time, hundreds of green balloons will adorn the Zittau sky, allowing graduates to send their wishes and dreams skyward.

The day will culminate with the graduation ball in the evening, where guests will celebrate and dance well into the night. Right at the start of the event, even before the extensive buffet in the student canteen opens, the festively dressed graduates will be photographed by our professional photographer. Later in the evening, a “photo booth” ensures that individual memories of this special day can also be captured for eternity. Musically, we’re especially looking forward to the Zittau band Jenix, who will ensure an unforgettable graduation ball with a mix of cover songs and their own original tunes.

Since 2003, the all-female quartet from Zittau has been touring Germany and Europe. Thirteen years, 660 stages, a burned-out tour bus, a joint tour with the Bloodhound Gang (which they survived), and they’re still a band—not everyone can say that. Two albums, their own label, no fear of spiders (or crazy people), and a damn big heart—not just for each other and for the music, but also for the good in people. Their sound—sometimes edgy, sometimes sweet, definitely not heavy metal, but always right on target, straight to the soul and from there straight to the dance floor.

With well over 300 registered participants, the Graduation Ball is nearly at capacity. Nevertheless, we’d like to offer university members the opportunity to register late on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re interested, please contact us by email by April 10.