Graduation celebration in Hagen: cheers for 70 newly minted masters!

Graduation celebration in Hagen: cheers for 70 newly minted masters!

On May 27, 2025, 70 students from the faculties of cultural and social sciences and psychology celebrated their successful completion of their distance learning course at the FernUniversität in Hagen. Offering both personal and inspiring moments, the celebration brought together numerous graduates to honor their individual educational stories.

The moment was particularly emotional for Beatrix Martin, who traveled with her mother from Lake Constance to Hagen to celebrate her master's degree in European history. She wasn't the only one who shared her experiences during the celebration. Manuela Wienhauer, graduate of the Master's in eEducation, reported on the challenges and opportunities of digital education during the Corona pandemic. Her distance learning course took her on trips through Ireland and Italy, which she described as an enriching experience.

Celebratory honors and inspiring messages

The graduates were welcomed by Rector Prof. Dr. Stefan Stuermer encourages you to remain curious and hungry for education. He emphasized the diverse opportunities that the FernUniversität offers its students. Martina Soddemann, head of the education department, also highlighted the cooperation between the university and the city of Hagen and emphasized how important it is to open up perspectives through education.

Kübra Mukaddes Firat, a psychology graduate, planned to extend her stay in Hagen to complete additional skills training before embarking on the master's program. The evening was musically accompanied by the Hagen musician Joy Bach, who set emotionally touching accents during the celebration and has already expressed interest in her own distance learning course.

Variety through online formats

The Online graduation ceremonies Distance learning is an established and popular format, especially for students who value the flexibility of this form of learning. Before the celebrations, many participants relax at home with champagne, nibbles and snacks before the celebration officially begins. During the ceremony itself, graduates will have the opportunity to give their own speeches and personal honors.

Special awards such as the Best Thesis Award, which honors the best theses, are also presented at such celebrations. Only work with the top grade of “1.0” can be accepted for the prize, and participation is voluntary. Winners receive certificates and prize money, which provides an additional incentive for graduates to show their best performance according to IU distance learning.

The celebratory evening ended with a recommended break during which the graduates had the opportunity to end the day with family and friends and pursue personal preferences and activities. Such celebratory gatherings not only offer recognition to the completed courses, but also a platform for alumni to maintain networks and make plans for the future.