A Festive Farewell for 97 Graduates

On June 19, RWU held two graduation ceremonies in one afternoon to honor the graduates of the Faculties of Mechanical Engineering and Technology and Management. A total of 97 students received their diplomas and celebrated the successful completion of their studies together with their families and friends.

“You have taken the time to lay the foundation for your future path”

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering kicked off the festivities in the RWU’s main building. In her welcoming remarks, Vice Rector Professor Dr. Heidi Reichle focused on the concept of “time.” She noted that the graduates had consciously taken the time to pursue their studies, thereby laying the foundation for their future paths. Looking ahead, she encouraged them to continue taking time for the things that matter to them. In keeping with this theme, she quoted the writer Ernst Ferstl: “The time we take for ourselves is the time that gives us something.”

In addition to the presentation of diplomas, outstanding theses were also recognized. The TWS Netz GmbH Award, presented by Helmut Hertle, went to Edward Tiessen (Energy and Environmental Engineering) for his thesis on the development of a concept for expanding public charging infrastructure, using the city of Friedrichshafen as a case study. The prize from the Association of German Engineers, represented by Sven Trötsch, was awarded to Michael Binder (Energy and Environmental Engineering) for his simulation-based analysis of the efficiency of drinking water treatment using an air-to-water heat pump. Mareike Hild (Mechanical Engineering) was awarded the prize from the Steinbeis Transfer Center Friedrichshafen for her thesis on bolted multi-material joints; the prize was presented by Professor Dr. Michael Niedermeier.

In total, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering bid farewell to 39 graduates. The champagne reception that followed in the foyer provided an opportunity to toast their achievements and share memories of their time as students.

Click here for the photo gallery of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty’s graduation ceremony

In the early evening, the Faculty of Technology and Management continued the celebrations at the Schlossbau. In his speech, Dean Professor Dr. Nils Hagen praised the graduates’ achievements. He noted that graduation marks not only the receipt of a diploma but also the end of a chapter in their lives. Behind this success lay decisions, doubts, perseverance, and the willingness to break new ground. Leaving one’s familiar surroundings and venturing into uncharted territory, in particular, had shaped many of them and helped them grow.

The deans of studies presented the diplomas and honored the top graduates from each degree program. The honorees were Yannik Schneider (Business Administration and Management), Dennis Heuchert (Industrial Engineering), Annika Kuchelmeister (Physical Engineering), Helena Lux (Advanced Business Management & Innovation), Adrian Tolkmitt (Technology Management and Optimization), and Vanja Petric-Glas (International Business Management).

“You were there when it mattered most.”

On behalf of the Technology and Management Student Council, Annelie Härle and Elias Baier presented the Student Council Award to Mercedes Bodenmiller, Moritz Hübschle, and Peter Aßfalg for their many years of exceptional dedication. “You were always there when it mattered,” read the emotional tribute.

In total, the Faculty of Technology and Management bid farewell to 58 graduates. The celebration was accompanied by music from the band “Heartcopy,” featuring Caroline Nachbaur and Martin Sauter. After a group photo, the evening came to a close with sparkling wine, snacks, and lively conversation in a festive atmosphere.

Click here for the photo gallery of the Faculty of Technology and Management’s graduation ceremony