The graduates all processed onto the event site behind the deans and vice deans of their faculties. From the stage, Rector Michael Hoch welcomed the assembled graduates of the University of Bonn. He paid tribute to their accomplishments while also reminding them that, as well as marking the completion of their study journey, gaining a university degree also signaled the start of a new chapter in their lives: “As a graduate of the University of Bonn, you are ideally equipped to open this new chapter, because you have studied at the most successful University of Excellence in Germany and one of the leading universities in the whole world.”
Today was also an important day for parents, partners, friends and families, Rector Hoch said: “I hope you all retain fond memories of this day. I’ve seen at first hand how important it is to your families too to be able to be here today. We would be delighted if you were to come back and see us occasionally, dear graduates, because you are now part of the global community of University of Bonn alumni.”
Rector Hoch thanked all the staff, helpers, partners, sponsors and supporters who had made the Universitätsfest possible and taken care of preparations. Special thanks were reserved for Mia Wietkamp and Frederik Schumacher from the campus radio station bonnFM, who had guided the audience through the varied program on the main stage.
Franziska Munz from the Faculty of Protestant Theology spoke on behalf of all her fellow graduates, inspiring her peers and the assembled guests with her speech, which was as personal as it was rousing.
The event also included the presentation of the University’s teaching prizes to exceptional teachers (see separate report).
Bonn offers excellent prospects
Mayor of Bonn Guido Déus likewise congratulated the graduates and admired their tenacity: “Doing a degree program isn’t always easy, but you’ve all managed it with aplomb and have good reason to be proud of yourselves today.” As a University of Excellence, Déus said, the University of Bonn had given them an outstanding education and the best possible preparation for the next stages in their lives, one that had opened many doors for them. The mayor also encouraged the graduates to preserve their links to his city and the region: “Here in Bonn, you have some particularly attractive career prospects in science, academia, business, industry, international organizations and associations—and even in the city administration.”
Bonn-style Wibbele celebrates landmark Carnival anniversary
The Bonner Stadtsoldaten-Corps von 1872 were on hand to lend a distinctly Rhenish tone to proceedings. Marking the 200th anniversary of the Bonn Carnival, the soldier corps had been marshaled to give the graduates a taste of a custom that is unique to the city as, together, they rehearsed the Wibbele. This traditional dance sees the dancers stand back-to-back and sway to and fro in time with the music. What initially required a bit of practice soon turned into a joyful communal experience and showed that it is perfectly possible to combine academic ceremoniousness with the lust for life that is synonymous with the Rhine region.
The emotional highlight was the traditional “tossing of hats” in front of the stage. Moving as one, the graduates hurled their caps into the air, creating one of those images that have been inextricably linked with the University of Bonn’s Universitätsfest for many years now.
The graduates had earlier been presented with their decorative certificates in the “Faculty Village” at the foot of the Post Tower. Numerous stands dotted around the site invited visitors to socialize, take souvenir photos and enjoy hands-on activities. Among those represented were the Alumni Network, the Universitätsgesellschaft, University Sports, Healthy Campus Bonn, the Bonn Graduate Center, the Transfer Center enaCom, the Career Service, Bonn city council and bonnFM.
The celebrations continued even after the official ceremony had come to an end, with the band Knallblech and a DJ on hand to really get the party going. Guests also had the opportunity to get musical themselves at the Singfonie sing-along concert with orchestral accompaniment conducted by Martin Kirchharz.
