A Milestone of Success - Class of 2024
On October 19, 2024, Berlin International University of Applied Sciences (BI) hosted its graduation ceremony at the prestigious Konzertsaal of the Universität der Künste. With an atmosphere filled with excitement and pride, students, faculty, and family members gathered to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Master of Ceremony, Amara Goodwin, who set a celebratory tone for the day, reminding graduates of their hard-earned accomplishments. "Today is not just a celebration of your academic journey, but also a new beginning," she remarked, encouraging the audience to appreciate the significance of the moment. This year’s event carried special weight as it coincided with the university’s 10th anniversary, a decade marked by growth and international expansion.
"Let's share smiles, laughter, and perhaps a few tears along the way. This is your day, graduates, and you deserve to revel in every moment of it.", she concluded and handed over to Berlin International’s President, Prof. Yüksel Pöğün-Zander, who opened the ceremony with a speech that reflected on the university’s progress.
"In just ten years, we have evolved from a small institution to a globally recognized university," she said. She expressed pride in the university’s inclusive environment and its commitment to fostering global talent, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of the graduating class.
The ceremony was graced by Hüseyin Yücel, Vice Chairman of Bahçeşehir University Istanbul and part of the BAU Global Education Network, to which Berlin International belongs. In his speech, Yücel emphasized the close connection between the institutions and their shared mission to provide world-class, future-oriented education. "Today, we celebrate not just your graduation but the expansion of our global family," he remarked. Yücel acknowledged the growing international presence of Berlin International, noting its student body now spans 97 countries. "With every new graduating class, our global spirit becomes stronger," he added. He also paid tribute to the graduates’ hard work and dedication, as well as the support from their families and faculty. "Your success is a reflection of the community that supported you," he concluded
A key moment of the ceremony was the presentation of the first-ever Trailblazer for Inclusion Award to Prof. Dr. Jutta Allmendinger. The award recognizes her impactful work in advancing gender equality. Another notable moment was the awarding of the Christian Wulff Scholarship to Mariia Orr, an exemplary student who demonstrated outstanding academic performance and community engagement.
Throughout the ceremony, several graduates were honored for their academic excellence. Feline Kreye, Yana Rudasevschi, Diana Sanabria, and Cecilia Vania Burgoa Diaz received awards for their exceptional theses, while Ana-Maria Bulugea and Aviv Katz were recognized as the best students in their respective faculties.
The student address, delivered by Joel Muheirwe from the Bachelor of Architecture program, stood out as a moment of reflection and gratitude. He spoke of the challenges and rewards of his academic journey, thanking the university for the opportunities it provided.
The event concluded with the traditional cap toss, symbolizing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The graduates were then welcomed into the Berlin International Alumni Association, which will continue to support them as they move forward into their professional lives.
As the reception began, there was a shared sense of accomplishment in the air. The Class of 2024, along with their families and faculty, left the ceremony filled with pride and excitement for the future.
We wish you all the best, Class of 2024!
