Welcome to the new phase of life
HSZG holds a formal enrolment ceremony at St. Peter's Church in Görlitz with about 800 guests.
On October 2, 2025, approximately 800 guests attended the Zittau/Görlitz University’s ceremonial enrolment ceremony at the impressive St. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Görlitz. The first-year students of the new 2025–26 academic year were welcomed in a festive setting. In addition to students, family members, and friends, the guests included representatives from politics, academia, business, and civil society.
Starting Their Studies with Courage and Confidence
The ceremony was opened by Pastor Dr. Matthias Paul, followed by welcoming remarks from State Secretary Prof. Dr. Heike Graßmann and Minister of Culture Conrad Clemens, in which they also reflected on personal experiences and encouraged the young students to tackle pressing social issues with confidence and a good dose of curiosity. Benedikt Hummel, Görlitz’s mayor for integrated urban development, highlighted the advantages of Görlitz as a place to study during a live talk. Following this, the Vice President for Education and Sustainability, Prof. Dr. Małgorzata Maćkowiak, presented the certificates to this year’s recipients of the Germany Scholarship at the university. She also paid tribute to the sponsors, without whose support the Germany Scholarship at HSZG would not be possible in its current form.
Shaping the Future Beyond Borders
Another highlight of the ceremony was the speech by Rector Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, who officially enrolled the new students on behalf of the entire university. At the same time, he reminded them of the challenges and unique opportunities of their studies: “Our university offers a wide range of support services. You are not alone. Get actively involved in the university community, because you, too, can be there to lend a helping hand to others.”
You, dear first semester students, are not only learners, but also shapers of a community that looks beyond borders - geographically, culturally and intellectually.
”“Cheers to you all!”
The ceremony was charmingly hosted by Victoria Hohlfeld, who gave the audience a truly spine-tingling moment with her special rendition of the World Cup song—“Auf uns”—by Andreas Bourani. Following the symbolic enrollment ceremony and the procession of the academic honor guard, the university and the Student Council invited everyone to a get-together at the adjacent Vogtshof. With culinary delights provided by the “Bauchgefühl” catering service and support from the Dresden Student Services and the student club “Die Maus,” the first-year students took the opportunity to network with one another as well as with faculty, staff, and guests.
Part of a vibrant community
Starting at 9 p.m., the celebration continued at the student club “Die Maus”: The new students kicked off this new chapter of their lives with music, drinks, and a good atmosphere.
Through the ceremonial event, the personal welcome for students of all nationalities, and the party that followed, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences underscores its close-knit yet international character—and makes it clear: Studying at HSZG isn’t just about learning, but also about becoming part of a vibrant community.
Photos: Philipp Herfort
1st floor