The approximately 1,200 guests were treated to a magical sight right at the beginning: the graduates, dressed in gowns, sashes and hats, walked into the auditorium in torchlight, accompanied by the ceremonial sounds of the bagpipes of the Kochen Clan Pipe Band. Bathed in the colors of the rainbow, the auditorium was transformed into the world of Oz for a magical evening. After a short film clip, University Rector Prof. Dr. Harald Riegel entered the auditorium on the "yellow brick road" to great applause. Visibly proud, he congratulated the large number of young people who had persistently pursued their goal of graduation through "many hours of learning, research and effort" on the path of knowledge. Last year, 562 Bachelor's and 358 Master's degree programs were completed at Aalen University of Applied Sciences.
"You have shown perseverance and discipline," Riegel addressed the graduates in his speech and quoted a character from the "Wizard of Oz": "'Never give up, no matter how hard it gets. You have stuck to this motto. You also had to learn to trust yourself and your abilities." Certainly, the students sometimes felt as if they were at the mercy of evil forces – for example, when the pressure of deadlines, exams or submission deadlines for project work increased. "But you have managed not to let these dark moments get you down and can now proudly hold your certificate in your hands." Regardless of where the graduates' path now leads them, they have all taken three important things with them from their Studies, said the university rector, once again drawing a parallel with the Wizard of Oz: "And that is understanding, courage and heart." He called on the former students to apply these three things not only to their professional future, but also to social interaction. "Help shape the world and work on solutions to pressing problems. Our country needs your drive! Use your knowledge to contribute to the dialog in our society – with respect, openness and a clear view of the facts."
In his speech, Riegel also thanked all the professors, lecturers and staff at Aalen University of Applied Sciences as well as their families and friends for their support, which had contributed to the success of their studies. "Just as the main character Dorothy was accompanied on her journey through Oz by the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tin Man, you were never really alone on your journey. And we look forward to seeing you again when your path leads you back to us – be it at an Open Campus or another university event or perhaps even when you continue your studies."
Franziska Nagel then addressed her former fellow students. In her graduation speech, the graduate of the "Mechanical Engineering / Development: Design and Simulation" course recalled the highs and lows of her time at university. With a great sense of humor, the 24-year-old talked about exhausting exam phases, cool projects such as drones from the 3D printer, how she worked her way out after failing exams and the joy of having done well in her Studies in the end. "We can really pat ourselves on the back," said Nagel and thanked everyone for their support and encouragement to keep going – be it from family, friends, professors or fellow students. At the end of her speech, she called on the latter to use the skills they had acquired during their Studies, such as distinguishing reliable from bad sources and debunking false information, in their everyday lives. "The world is currently a crazy place and one that often scares me," says Nagel. This makes it all the more important to remain critical and trust in science. "And most importantly, be human, empathetic and kind to each other."
The graduation ceremony was hosted in an entertaining manner by Prof. Dr. Lorena Körner and Prof. Dr. Holger Schmidt, who charmingly transported the graduates and the numerous guests to Oz during the "magical finale". Another highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to the 76 best graduates of the year and the 13 prizewinners. Musical entertainment was provided by the band "Cassandra & Simon", who performed Judy Garland's song "Over the Rainbow", among others. The celebration continued in a colorful and exuberant manner until late into the evening at the University of Applied Sciences. And of course a photo or two was taken with Dorothy, the scarecrow with brains, the lion with courage and the tin man with a big heart.
