RWTH Celebrates its Graduates in Style
A sold-out event was held in the dressage stadium in Soers. There was a clear message from Dr. Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim in her keynote speech.
The message was well received: "Be aware that you can make more of a difference than many others. Take with you a sense of empowered responsibility for this society," said Dr. Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim in her keynote address to the graduates at the RWTH Graduate Festival. In doing so, she challenged the 1400 graduates to conscientiously shape the future. The speech by the science journalist, who was also awarded the Aachen Engineering Prize on the same day, was not only entertaining but was also to be understood as a call to action: "There are hardly any non-academics among the most influential people in this country. So you not only have increased chances for a good personal life, but also increased chances to get into positions of responsibility where you will make decisions that affect the lives of others."
Along with the traditional hat throwing, it was the highlight of an eventful celebration that focused on the graduates of all faculties and degree types - Bachelor's, Master's, State Examination and Doctorate - of RWTH Aachen University for the summer semester 2021 and the winter semester 2021/2022. With a total of 5,000 guests in the dressage stadium, the graduation celebration was once again sold out and the families and friends of the graduates loudly celebrated the entry of the graduates, accompanied musically by the Big Band of RWTH (lead by Jacqques Cuypers, vocals by Rafiandi Kresnanto) and DJ Bridness.
An Entertaining Program
Other participants in the entertaining program were the Campus Dance Crew, which itself was founded by Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim, Beats of India, Mayor Sibylle Keupen as well as Janina Gold and Lukas Schnelle for the AStA of RWTH. The program was hosted by RWTH Rector Ulrich Rüdiger and Vice-Rector Malte Brettel with Chancellor Manfred Nettekoven and Vice-Rector Ute Habel.
Especially successful graduates were honored in the run-up to the program in the stadium. With the Springorum memorial coin, the proRWTH sponsoring association honors those who have passed their Diplom main examinations, Master's or Magister examinations and teaching examinations with distinction. The Borchers plaque is awarded to graduates who have completed their doctorate with "summa cum laude".
The event and the supporting program were supported by proRWTH, the Association of German Engineers VDI, and the sponsors Knorr Bremse, adesso and Strabag.