Graduation ceremony 2025 of the social work degree programs
Graduation ceremony 2025 of the Siegen social education department
For 25 years, the social work degree programs at the University of Siegen have maintained the wonderful tradition of bidding farewell to their graduates at an annual event. Dr. Birgit Papke, spokesperson for the Institute of Social Pedagogy, began her welcome address at the start of this year's graduation ceremony on 9 July 2025 with a cursory overview of the wide range of topics covered in the graduates' theses.
54 graduates of the Bachelor's degree program in Social Work and the Master's degree program in Social Work came to the Audimax together with their families, as well as numerous lecturers from both degree programs.
A total of 158 students successfully completed the Bachelor's degree course and 21 students successfully completed the Master's degree course last year.
The evening was hosted by Prof. Dr. Benedikt Hopmann, Chairman of the Social Work course coordination team. Traditionally, the graduation ceremony in the Social Work degree programs includes a graduation lecture, which was also given by Prof. Dr. Benedikt Hopmann this year. In his speech, he congratulated the graduates with reference to the philosopher Martha Nussbaum. The speech concluded with a wish for the graduates that they use the skills they have acquired during their studies "to create spaces in which others can develop their skills". At the same time, he wished the graduates the courage to "keep asking the question: What structures do we need to change so that everyone can lead a good life?"
The social work graduation ceremony is organized in collaboration with the Social Work Student Council. That's why Elke Kröhner and Lea Kuhn, as representatives of the student council, took the opportunity to honor and bid farewell to their fellow students. As in previous years, Kevin Rudek provided the musical accompaniment to the event on the guitar.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the presentation of certificates to the graduates by Prof. Dr. Tobias Fröschle as Deputy Chairman of the Examination Board. The graduates came forward in groups to receive their certificates and congratulations to the applause of all those present.
The evening ended in the back of the Audimax, where the organization team had prepared champagne, non-alcoholic drinks, fruit and small snacks.
