88 Graduates of the Faculty Society and Economics celebrate their academic success
On Friday, May 29, graduates of the Faculty of Society and Economics at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences experienced an emotional and memorable afternoon. The Dean of the Faculty of Society and Economics, Prof. Dr. Ralf Klapdor, welcomed a total of 88 graduates together with their families and friends to the festive Graduation Ceremony held in the nearly fully occupied Audimax. The large audience and almost full auditorium highlighted the special significance of the occasion.
In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Ralf Klapdor spoke directly to the graduates: “Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and the Faculty of Society and Economics are proud of you!” Prof. Dr. Tatiana Zimenkova, Vice President for International Affairs and Diversity, also acknowledged the graduates’ achievements in her speech and emphasized the importance of this important milestone.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the 10th presentation of the Katjes Award, endowed with 1,000 euros. The award honors the best theses completed within the Faculty of Society and Economics during the current academic year. The selection process was based on criteria such as practical relevance, innovative potential, feasibility, and academic quality, and was carried out by representatives of both the university and the company Katjes. This year’s award was presented to Pauline Krusnin from the Bachelor’s degree programme Gender and Diversity for the outstanding thesis entitled “Queer Education in Uneven Spaces: SCHLAU Volunteers’ Perceptions of Regional Differences in School Workshops”.
In addition to the Katjes Award, the faculty also honored the best Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates. Ms. Katja Salmatin from the Bachelor’s degree programme Childhood Education and Ms. Leidy Johanna Bedoya Giraldo from the Master’s degree programme Sustainable Development Management received special recognition for their exceptional academic achievements.
During the ceremony, the graduates were presented with their degree certificates. The event concluded with a short speech by the Chair of the Student Council and a musical performance on the grand piano by Farhan Siraij. At the subsequent reception, graduates, family members, and professors had the opportunity to celebrate this special moment together and exchange memories and congratulations.
The Graduation Ceremony at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences marked a fitting conclusion to an important chapter in the graduates’ lives and the beginning of a new one filled with opportunities and challenges. The Faculty of Society and Economics wishes all graduates every success and all the best for their future.