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A Record 1,900 Visitors attend the 2013 Graduation Ceremony

Lüneburg. On November 16th, almost 600 students, together with 1,300 guests, celebrated their graduation from Leuphana University Lüneburg. This amounts to the highest number of attendees since the graduation ceremony was first introduced.  About 1,100 guests, including 340 graduates, gathered in Lüneburg’s Church of St. Michael for the closing ceremony.  A second convocation drew about 240 graduates and 540 guests as well. In his graduation address, President and Professor (HSG) Dr. Sascha Spoun, spoke of the many accomplishments and developments that the new university graduates have experienced during their education. He thanked the graduates and their parents for the trust they had placed in Leuphana, the teachers for their commitment and the organizational team for their very fine arrangements.
   
“The system of values that you received at Leuphana has taught you that it all depends on you, that education is focused on the individual, and that holding back is not an option,” Spoun said, encouraging the graduates onwards in their journey through life. But now is the moment to take your leave and to celebrate your educational accomplishment, he continued.
   

The President introduced the commencement speaker, Dr. Elizabeth von Thadden, journalist and feuilleton editor for Die ZEIT. In her speech to the graduates, Thadden focused on the topic of taking time and slowing down. “Learn to take time,” she urged her listeners. She cited Aristotle who saw leisure as the absence of coercion and as the path to a useful and self-determined life.   

The Lüneburg alumnus, Henning Appé, board member of the Alumni and Donors Association, advised the graduates to stay in contact with their alma mater even after they have completed their studies and to contribute to the success of future graduation ceremonies by becoming an active association member.

Because of the large number of participants, a second graduation ceremony was held on the same day for students finishing their Master’s and Diploma degrees in the Leuphana Graduate School. University President Spoun greeted a total of almost 800 guests at this ceremony. The commencement speaker, Dr. Elisabeth von Thadden, also spoke before these guests in St. Michael’s church. Over the course of the afternoon, diplomas in the various degree programs of Leuphana’s four faculties were awarded in individualized ceremonies held across campus.

The day concluded with a sold-out ceremonial ball in the university dining hall.  Many recent graduates used the opportunity say good-bye to each other and to celebrate the successful conclusion of their studies into the early hours of the morning.