It was a celebratory moment for 367 Bachelor students from two faculties of the University of Luxembourg last week as they received their diplomas at their graduation ceremonies.
On 19 November 2015, 284 students graduated from three different degree programmes at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance. The majority of students (119) graduated with a 'Bachelor en Droit', followed by the 'Bachelor en Gestion' (89) and the 'Bachelor en Sciences Économiques et Gestion' (75). The event was cause for celebration for the educators as well, with Associate Professor in economics Benteng Zou receiving the Faculty's second ever Teaching Award after winning the student vote.
The class of 2015 represented the seventh Bachelor class graudating from the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance. Dean Stefan Braum congratulated the students, their parents and teachers on the achievements they had made. In light of the attacks in Paris on Friday 13 November, Professor Braum also called on the recent alumni to use their education in defending democracy and the values of 'liberté, égalité, fraternité' in the world.
"Today, you are not only received a degree," the Dean commented, "but also a responsibility." Student speaker Helen Inghelram, best 'Bachelor en Droit' graduate, echoed the Dean's words, adding that the spirit of internationality, diversity and community at the University was one of the strongest antidotes against the fears these attacks aimed to instil.
Members of the Luxembourg Special Olympics Team also arrived at the Maison du Savoir at the Belval Campus to join the graduations celebrations, still revelling in their 28 Medals from the Special Olympics World Summer Games which were held earlier in the year in Los Angeles. Alexandre Teixiera-Badois and Michelle Rock motivated the students to push beyond their limits and act in solidarity, bringing with them the Special Olympics motto: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
The following day, Friday 20 November 2015, a total of 83 students graduated from four different bachelor programmes at the Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication. These four programmes were the Bachelor in Engineering, Bachelor in Science and Engineering, Bachelor in Informatics and Bachelor in Life Sciences.
In his opening speech, Dean Paul Heuschling lauded the graduates for their commitment and hard work, encouraging them to stay in contact with the University in their new status as alumni. Invited speaker Betty Fontaine, General Director of Brasserie Simon, encouraged graduates to face failures head on in their professional lives and to view them as an opportunity for reflection and tolerance rather than as an indication not to continue.
Before the formal graduation, five students were rewarded for their outstanding academic results: Tim Hosceit received the Secolux Award; Paul Kremer the Prix de la Revue Technique; Aline Gritchenko the SGI Ingénierie S.A. Award; Sarah Juchems the Zonta Club Luxembourg Award and Steve Dias Da Cruz the Best Mobility Award.
Marc Hansen, Secretary of State for Higher Education and Research, emphasised the importance of using education in order to give back to society. He urged each graduate to become a 'multiplier', promoting education and lifelong education within their social networks, especially among young people who might be frustrated about their future and therefore in need of encouragement.
Photos by Michel Brumat/University of Luxembourg
