New students formally enrolled

The Rector’s invitation was accepted not only by many first-year students and their families, but also by numerous prominent figures from various sectors of society, representatives of partner companies and organizations, and members of the academic community.

In his welcoming remarks, the Rector noted that the university has an excellent network of connections both nationally and internationally. “Like every university, ours is also a university in a state of constant change,” he said. He continued: “We adapt—to social, technological, and economic developments. The student body has changed; demographic trends, the Europeanization, and globalization of the academic landscape present us with ever-changing challenges, as does our mission to serve as a regional catalyst for knowledge and technology transfer. We do this on the basis of a solid foundation comprising a broad spectrum of disciplines, ranging from engineering to the natural sciences, economics, and the Social Sciences, with specialized focus areas that keep an eye on the issues of the future. This opens the door for our students not only to a well-rounded academic education, but also to unique international experiences or opportunities to participate in research. Keep all of this in mind as I encourage you to discover what it means to be a member of a university: not a consumer of education, but an active, contributing part.”

The Rector also addressed core values such as openness to the world and tolerance toward other cultures. Nearly 15 percent of first-year students come from abroad. To succeed as a university in teaching, research, and development, an environment that ensures an international focus is indispensable. The host, Pastor Margrit Mickel, also warmly welcomed the students and wished them all the good luck for their studies. Speaking on behalf of the mayor of Zittau, Mayor Philipp Fay addressed the new students in both university towns. He encouraged them to take advantage not only of their studies but also of the numerous cultural opportunities offered by the region and the entire “Three-Country Corner,” and to get involved in cultural life through high-profile student projects in their university towns. As a representative of the university’s student body, Stefanie Posselt from the Master's degree programme in Mechanical Engineering welcomed the new students. She encouraged the first-semester students to get involved in their faculties’ student associations or in the university’s student council and to take advantage of the university’s cultural and athletic offerings.

This year, Thomas Scholz, managing partner of Arno Hentschel GmbH in Oderwitz, was invited to serve as the keynote speaker. Thomas Scholz is a graduate of our university’s Engineering Management degree programme and, in his speech, discussed the various stages of his professional development. He explained how his various stays abroad, as well as his different professional roles, have shaped him. The extensive experience he gained is now good for him in his current role in his home region of Upper Lusatia. In 2015, he took over Arno Hentschel GmbH, a metalworking company in Oderwitz that was urgently seeking a successor and which he is now further developing.

A special highlight of the matriculation ceremony was the presentation of the 2019 Award for Outstanding Academic and Social Engagement by International Students. Lucie Kahounová is from the Czech Republic, is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree programme in Molecular Biotechnology, and has demonstrated good academic achievements. In addition, through her volunteer work with the Czech Red Cross, she demonstrates extensive social commitment that goes far beyond the norm. But even within her own studies, she contributes to a very good working atmosphere in her seminar group through her active participation and supports all students who find it somewhat difficult to keep up with coursework and exam preparations. Ms. Kahounová has just completed her work placement semester at Euroimmun AG, and her above-average commitment was also acknowledged by the company. The award, sponsored by the Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences e. V., comes with a cash prize of 500 euros.

Another highlight was the presentation of certificates to the Germany Scholarship recipients and their sponsors by the Rector, Prof. Friedrich Albrecht. The Germany Scholarship supports young people on their individual paths of education and career while also enabling them to continue their proven, diverse social engagement. The scholarship, amounting to 300 euros per month, is funded half by the federal government and half by a sponsor.