The first cohort of the Master in Management program at the TUM Campus Heilbronn was bid farewell to in a graduation ceremony on July 22.

Eleven graduates received their certificates as freshly graduated Masters in Management at TUM Campus Heilbronn on July 22. They were among the first to start their studies at the TUM School of Management in Heilbronn in the winter semester of 2018 – the inaugural class. As such pioneers, they were able to play a formative role in shaping student life, for example by founding the first student council. Dressed in their doctoral hats and gowns, they were visibly pleased to receive their degrees in writing at a small ceremony together with their companions.

The event took place with only a few participants on-site. Loved ones, friends and family were able to join the celebration virtually. In addition, the entire event was recorded. In his welcoming speech, Prof. Dr. Gunther Friedl, Dean of the TUM School of Management congratulated the graduates and urged them to maintain their pioneering spirit in their future career steps.

Afterwards, Prof. Dr. Helmut Krcmar, Founding Dean and Delegate Officer of the President – TUM Campus Heilbronn, and Academic Program Director, Prof. Dr. Sebastian Müller, addressed the graduates personally. Helmut Krcmar recalled the courage of the first students in deciding to study at the TUM Campus Heilbronn and thanked them for the trust they placed in TUM along the way.

Sebastian Müller compared the graduates to pioneers: “Pioneers are essential for scientific progress, to which TUM and, of course, the entire scientific community are committed.” The task of the professors over the past two and a half years has been to impart the necessary management skills. The components of the Master’s program have been adapted to the requirements of modern companies, which are numerous in the Heilbronn-Franconia region: “You have learned much about accounting, finance, and the development of batch size models to optimize production. But with a view to the two centers at the TUM Campus Heilbronn, the Center for Digital Transformation and the Global Center for Family Enterprise, you also dealt with current business management issues during your studies. For example, you have addressed the question of how family businesses can use blockchain technology to optimize their supply chains.” In addition to these hard facts, however, it was no less relevant to convey the values TUM stands for in general: responsibility and integrity, a passion for excellence, entrepreneurial thinking, curiosity, openness, and cordiality toward others.

Sabrina Huber, the study program manager, also reflected on the past two years. “I was really impressed how motivated you were to bring your ideas forward.” An entertaining video brought back memories of the very first Welcome Day or the dragon boat race on the Neckar River. “In addition to the exciting campus life, I especially remember the study excursion to the EU Parliament in Strasbourg,” Huber emphasized, adding, “It was a real pleasure to meet all of you, to be part of your journey to your master’s degree and to see you develop into the people you are today.” As certificates were presented, some shared their very personal experiences in Heilbronn and offered insight into future career plans. At the end, the graduates had the opportunity to share and pass in review over a drink.