First HOK Graduation: 360 Reasons to Celebrate

The campus of HOK | University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol was bursting at the seams on Friday, September 18th, and Saturday, September 19th. In a total of six celebratory ceremonies, the approximately 360 graduates received their diplomas. Together with their families and friends, they filled the HOK campus with jubilation, pride, and emotional moments. It was also a successful premiere: For the first time, the traditional graduation weekend took place under the new HOK brand. The ceremony was moderated by Yvonne Kestermann, BSc, Marketing | Corporate Design & Campaigns Expert at HOK.

Together through the “crises of learning”

In his official welcome address, Rector Prof. (FH) PD Dr. Mario Döller emphasized the responsibility that comes with education and technological progress, and called on the graduates to take a stand and act as role models for respectful interaction: "Education means being aware of the consequences of one's actions."

In the speeches given by the program directors, one central theme resonated throughout the event: University degree program are not a solitary endeavor, but a team effort. Vice Rector Prof. (FH) Dr. Claudia Van der Vorst, MBA, emphasized the value of teamwork and mutual support: "Intelligence is not a solo endeavor; it's a team sport. The brightest mind in the room is useless if they can't ask the right questions." Even in the age of artificial intelligence, humans remain at the heart of the process. While a computer can provide answers, adapt, and know facts, it will never ask a better question or sense when something isn't quite right.

The program directors also picked up on this theme. Prof. (FH) Dr. Wolfgang Reitberger, MSc (Marketing & Communication Management | Digital Marketing), encouraged the newly appointed professors to boldly question established practices: "Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn't mean it has to stay that way." Asc. Prof. (FH) Dipl.-Ing. Christian Huber (Energy & Sustainability Management | Facility & Real Estate Management) echoed this sentiment: "Embrace the change you desire." Prof. (FH) Dr. Martin Adam underscored that HOK itself embraces this change, highlighting the ongoing development of its technical and business degree programs and the integration of AI.

PERSONAL WORDS OF FAREWELL

Theresa Meissl, who also represents HOK on social media, reflected in her graduation speech on the first days in the lecture room – full of curiosity, but also wondering whether she would find the right companions. "Looking back today, we think of conversations during breaks that lasted longer than planned, and of friendships that have endured," she said, describing the personal aspect of the training.

HOK has double cause for celebration: Theresa Meissl is staying on campus. Following her successful bachelor's degree, she will begin master's degree program in Digital Marketing the very next week. "The family atmosphere at HOK has always been the most important thing for me. I would come back in a heartbeat – and that's exactly what I'm doing," she revealed, visibly relieved after receiving her certificate.

COURAGE TO USE ONE'S OWN REASON

Linda Baumann, who took to the podium as a research assistant and graduate, also covered a range of topics in her speech, from late deadlines to the attitude towards the future: "Immanuel Kant formulated the sentence: Have the courage to use your own understanding. That is exactly what we have done."

After the formal reading of the academic oath and the traditional procession, the newly minted graduates dispersed across campus to celebrate. For Thomas Petzold, Head of Events at HOK, these moments are a highlight of the academic year: "It's wonderful to see how the students develop and mature over the years and finally proudly hold their Bachelor's or Master's degrees in their hands." Because: They take away not only degrees, but also a network that extends far beyond their degree program .

HOK | University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol warmly congratulates all graduates on their successful completion of their studies and wishes them all the best for their future lives and careers!

Links:

• Our new brand - HOK | University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol