Former mechanical engineering students celebrate 72 years after graduating!

Former mechanical engineering students celebrate 72 years after graduating!

On October 11, 2025, twelve graduates of the 1953 matriculation of the former University of Mechanical Engineering returned to Chemnitz. On this occasion, the participants reminisced about their time as students, which began 72 years ago. Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, the rector of Chemnitz University of Technology, was also invited to this special meeting. The event took place in the “Miramar” restaurant and offered alumni the opportunity to exchange ideas intensively about the challenges and experiences during their years of study.

The University of Mechanical Engineering was founded in 1953, at a time when Chemnitz was still called Karl-Marx-Stadt. The studies at the beginning of the course were not easy: the rent for a room was 30 marks and the students had to come to terms with food rationing. During the first half of the year, graduates were required to complete an absolute pre-internship, especially for those without vocational training.

A look back at the beginnings

The turbulent summer of 1953, marked by the popular uprising on June 17th in the GDR, led to delays in enrollment. 291 young people were finally able to start their studies at the university. From March 1954, lectures took place in the Böttcherbau, which offered the students a new learning environment. In the following years, around 180 students completed their engineering studies in 1959.

Since then, regular alumni meetings have intensified. In 2003, Chemnitz University of Technology celebrated the 50th anniversary of the former university. A large alumni meeting will also take place in 2025. From May 9th to 11th, Chemnitz University of Technology invites you to the 12th International Alumni Meeting, which includes numerous events and activities as part of the TUC Day.

Upcoming events and anniversaries

Alumni celebrating 25, 50, 60 or 65 years after their graduation have until April 27, 2025 to register to receive an honorary diploma. This honor will take place on May 10th by Rector Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier. The meeting will kick off on May 9th in the university library, followed by a tour of the newly designed library in the “Alte Aktienspinnerei”.

The program includes guided tours of historical and modern rooms, specialist lectures and activities on current research projects. A particular highlight is the “Long Night of Sciences” on May 10th, which will offer insights into the various scientific activities at Chemnitz University of Technology. The conclusion of the meeting on May 11th includes a city tour of well-known sights in Chemnitz.

Such meetings promote exchange between graduates and allow them to browse through their own student files to refresh personal memories. The regular meetings of regional groups also take place twice a year, which further strengthens networking among alumni. This shows how lively the tradition has remained at Chemnitz University of Technology and that the former students' connections to the university remain intact even after many decades.