Author: Sebastian Benad

On September 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., the winter semester 2024/25 was ceremoniously opened in the beautifully renovated Görlitz Synagogue. The event brought together students, lecturers and practice partners to celebrate a joint and motivating start to the new semester. Accompanied by musical interludes and inspiring speeches, the main focus was on the practical teaching at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. A special highlight was the celebratory review of the 30th anniversary of the Tourism Management degree program.

The opening began with warm words of welcome from Mayor Benedikt M. Hummel, who welcomed the students and emphasized the importance of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for the city and the region. This was followed by inspiring speeches from representatives of

such as Martin Vits, Deputy Chairman of the Görlitz Tourism Association, who emphasized the importance of tourism for the region, and Laura Pittke, Nursing Director of the Weißwasser District Hospital, who encouraged the healthcare management students to make the most of their opportunities in the healthcare sector. Stephan Witschas from the German Center for Astrophysics emphasized the innovative strength of the region. Kristina Milewski, Chairwoman of the Nursing Training Association, welcomed the nursing science students and emphasized the importance of academic training for the region. The director of the Gerhart-Hauptmann-Theater, Dr. Daniel Morgenroth, also gave a particularly impressive speech. He encouraged the students to follow their inner voice: "Just take the next step - listen to yourself and follow your own path, step by step."

A special highlight of the event was the celebratory review to mark the 30th anniversary of the Tourism Management course. Professor Ute Pflicke and lecturer Solvig Langschwager looked back on the beginnings of the course. Like the other members of the specialist group, Professor Martina Zschocke, Professor Jana Stolz-Römmermann and lecturer Sebastian Benad, they emphasized the close connection to practice, which will continue to be the focus in the future. Over the past 30 years, the Bachelor's and Master's degree courses have trained many specialists for tourism in the region and far beyond and have continued to develop. Both courses offer a wide range of opportunities for practical projects and international cooperation. The latter is of particular importance with the IBS Academy Austria, represented by Managing Director Professor Christa Riffert, who has been cooperating with the HSZG for over 15 years with very successful courses.

The musical contributions on the grand piano, including Mozart's "Rondo alla Turca" and Piazzolla's "Oblivion", lent a festive note to the opening. Maurice Merkel, a 3rd semester International Business Communication student, inspired the new students with his successful presentation. The Faculty Student Committee presented the varied supporting program during the introductory week - by students for students. Dean Prof. Dr. Falk Maiwald motivated the students at the end of the degree to use their studies as an opportunity for personal growth. "Take advantage of the opportunities that the university offers you - from close collaboration with practitioners to international exchange opportunities." He emphasized the family atmosphere and encouraged all first-year students to start their studies with commitment.