Of enthusiasm and solidarity
Zittau/Görlitz University bid farewell to its graduates at this year's graduation ceremony.
“Do you know why I’m standing here? Out of enthusiasm and a sense of connection. Enthusiasm led me to study communication psychology, and during my time in Görlitz, a sense of belonging became my life’s motto.” With these words, graduate Carla Wagner began her commencement speech, moving the approximately 500 guests in the Zittau auditorium. At the end of September, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences held a formal disenrolment ceremony to bid farewell to its graduates who had successfully completed their studies between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024.
The event was a festive highlight during which particularly outstanding academic achievements were also honored. Among the awards presented were the Al-Makwai Prize from the Faculty of Business Administration and Engineering Management, as well as six prizes from the Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Carla Wagner was among the honorees and gave an impressive speech in which she reflected on her time as a student:
What made this university special to me was that I felt truly seen. We weren’t just student ID numbers—the professors remembered our names. We could always go to them and talk to them. No matter how full their schedule seemed—somehow we always managed to fit in. That helped us get through quite a few crises.
”Those in attendance, including numerous graduates, nodded in agreement. Many of them had successfully completed their studies despite the difficult conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. By this day, at the very latest, it had become clear: Together, faculty, staff, and students had successfully overcome the challenges.
In her speech, Carla Wagner emphasized how important it was for her during her studies to stay connected with those around her and to experience a sense of mutual understanding and community. She concluded by appealing to the audience: “Let’s walk through the world united and never lose our enthusiasm.”
Rector Prof. Dr. Alexander Kratzsch was visibly proud of this year’s graduates’ achievements:
Carla Wagner’s inspiring words are a testament to the dedicated work of our university. They reflect what makes the HSZG so special: its family-like atmosphere and the close relationship between faculty and students. It was clear to hear, see, and feel today that this is not just a cliché.
”Andreas Manschott, first deputy to the mayor of Zittau,delivered a message of greeting on behalf of the city of Zittau . This year’s keynote address was given by HSZG alumnus Dr. Clemens Schneider, director of the Center of Excellence for Thermodynamic Converters at Fraunhofer IEG in Zittau. The ceremony featured remarkable musical performances by graduate Lea Leistner (vocals and piano) and student Jonathan Zopf (piano). HSZG alumna Franziska Stölzel served as emcee with her usual confidence and charm. The formal disenrolment ceremony was part of a varied program of events that included campus and city tours, a group lunch in the student canteen, the symbolic “christening” of the class tree in Zittau’s Student Park, and the evening disenrolment party at the Zittau Volkshaus.
Award from the Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for Outstanding Academic Achievement:
- Mr. Hendrik Hackl, B.Eng. (FH), Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Ms. Marie Runge, Master of Arts, Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies
- Mr. Franz-Justus Müller, Diplom-Ingenieur (FH), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering—With the kind support of Prof. Dr. Markus Klaubert.
- Mr. Ali Al Hamad, Master of Science, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Ms. Carla Wagner, Bachelor of Arts, Faculty of Social Sciences – With the kind support of Görlitzer Werkstätten e.V.
- Mr. Luca Staub, Diplom in Industrial Engineering (FH), Faculty of Business Administration and Engineering Management
Dr. Rashid A. Al-Makhawi Prize:
- Mr. Marvin Wünsche, Bachelor of Arts, Faculty of Business Administration and Engineering Management
Photos: Marcel Schröder
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved who made this festive day possible: the staff of the HSZG, the Student Council, the Dresden Student Services Association, and the Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University.
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