In his speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Volker Sieber emphasised the importance of young academics for a sustainable future: "The world needs you – your ideas, your knowledge and your determination. Sustainability is an exercise in patience." The graduates are well prepared to shape change and take on responsibility, he said. "The future belongs to you," Sieber told the young people.
The graduates' contributions were particularly heartfelt. Rebecca Anzinger (B.Sc. Technologie Biogener Rohstoffe) and Max Francis Au (B.Sc. Bioeconomy) spoke on behalf of their classes. They thanked their families, friends and teachers for their support and guidance during their studies. "Straubing is not a large university location, but that is precisely its strength. Here, people know each other and help each other – that makes studying here personal and special," said Max Francis Au.
"TUM is a place where internationality is lived and breathed"
A highlight of the evening was the keynote speech by TUM President Prof. Dr. Thomas F. Hofmann, who praised the university's international orientation: "The graduates honoured today come from 34 nations. This diversity fills the TUM family with great pride and shows that TUM is a place of internationalism and excellence in action."
Dean of Studies Prof. Dr. Cordt Zollfrank bid farewell to the graduates with instructions on how to make a boomerang. Symbolically, the graduates should pass on the knowledge they have acquired, but also maintain their connection to their alma mater.
Straubing's mayor, Markus Pannermayr, was impressed by the commitment and knowledge of the young academics: “Straubing can be proud to educate so many talented young people here. They carry the name of our city out into the world and contribute their knowledge to business and society.”
Lucia Lara Vargas, a 2023 alumna of the Bioeconomy Master's programme, gave an inspiring keynote speech in which she provided insights into her career path. Now she works as a programme manager at TUM Climate Ventures in the field of sustainability and circular economy. Her presentation impressively demonstrated how the knowledge gained in Straubing can lead to concrete projects and innovations.
This was followed by the symbolic presentation of certificates to the graduates, divided according to degree programmes. Accompanied by festive music from Tabitha and Dorothea Schröder, conversations and memories, it became clear what distinguishes the Straubing campus: a strong community, a lively international atmosphere and a shared desire to work towards a more sustainable future.
