Networked future: WFI alumni celebrate successes and challenges!

Networked future: WFI alumni celebrate successes and challenges!

The alumni event of the Ingolstadt Faculty of Economics (WFI) was a complete success, as reported on May 27, 2025. A variety of activities offered its participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and present of the faculty and to discuss current topics in economics.

Under the title “Past Meets Future,” over 1,200 alumni, active students and professors gathered to not only look back at the beginnings of the faculty, but also to discuss the challenges and opportunities of today. Prof. Dr. Bernd Stauss and Jakob Schäuble discussed the founding of the faculty in 1989, when it began with a handful of professors and students. In the years that followed, the faculty grew steadily, but initially had to assert itself without examination and study regulations and with a new library to be built.

Scientific insights and nostalgia

The program included, among other things, a lecture by Prof. Dr. Alexander Danzer, who analyzed the economic policy implications of the “Make America Great Again” movement. The competition between the USA and China and the effects on US unemployment were discussed. He also highlighted the influence of cheap labor on the American labor market.

Prof. Dr. Reinhard Weber also presented the economic aspects of climate change, while Prof. Dr. Götz Pfander gave an insight into the world of data science. These introductory lectures gave participants the opportunity to familiarize themselves with current research topics and practice-oriented approaches.

Interactive exchange

In addition, various activities were offered that promoted interactive exchange between alumni, students and prospective students. The guests had the opportunity to explore the faculty buildings, in particular the Georgianum and the Auf der Schanz campus. A nostalgic city tour, led by committed students, presented important places from the academic years and made the event an experience that combined both a look back and a look ahead.

The alumni network IN Kontakt e.V. played a central role in organizing the event. The association, which was founded in 1996, has over 1,200 members and promotes exchange between WFI graduates. IN Kontakt advocates for high standards of teaching and good study conditions and uses its members' donations to achieve maximum impact. Each year brings new members, which further strengthens the networking and exchange of experiences between alumni inkontakt.de determines.

Alumni networks like those on the Alumni portal Germany are not only used to maintain existing relationships, but also to promote professional exchange and cooperation among members. This underlines the importance of the community strengthening initiatives associated with the alumni event.

The event was rounded off with a panel discussion led by Prof. Dr. Heinrich Kuhn was moderated. In this context, alumna Prof. Dr. Sabine Benoit, Dr. Viktoria K. Klaus and Andreas Ruhsert shared their professional careers and passed on valuable career tips. This exchange contributed significantly to shedding light on the diverse opportunities and challenges that alumni face.