Mortarboards Flying High

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 Graduation Celebration. 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 types of degree – Bachelor's, Master's, State Examination and Doctorate -– for the 2021 summer semester and the 2021/2022 winter semester. 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 from 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 graduates who have passed their final exams 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.

– Thorsten Karbach