On 25 July 2025, the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences at the University of Passau held a festive ceremony to bid farewell to 73 graduates. The event focused on recognition, gratitude, and a forward-looking call for social responsibility.
The ceremony was hosted by Professor Dr Detlef Urhahne, Dean of Studies and member of the Faculty Board. In his address, he congratulated the graduates on completing their studies and encouraged them to take an active role in shaping the future of society.
Student representatives Pia Büttner and Clara Schillinger also addressed the audience, reflecting on the graduates’ academic journey and celebrating their achievements.
Professor Dr Urhahne presented the degree certificates together with Professor Dr Jutta Mägdefrau, Head of the Bachelor of Education programme; Professor Dr Werner Gamerith, Vice President for Transfer and Internal Networking and Head of the M.A. programme Geography: Culture, Environment and Tourism; Professor Dr Lars Rensmann, Head of the M.A. programme Governance and Public Policy – Political Science; Professor Dr Ralf Hohlfeld, Head of the B.A. programme Journalism and Strategic Communication; and Professor Dr Wolfram Schaffar.
A particularly memorable moment was the recognition of Professor Sima Caspari-Sadeghi (PhD), whose habilitation in Educational Science was honoured in a personal laudatory speech by Professor Dr Mägdefrau. Special congratulations also went to Dr rer. pol. Roland Kufner, who completed his doctorate in Political Educational Sciences.
Musical accompaniment was provided by Michael Vilsmeier on guitar and vocals. Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a reception in the foyer, where the University’s alumni club offered a photo booth to help capture lasting memories.