Last Friday (7.11.) and Saturday (8.11.), graduates of the University of Wuppertal were officially welcomed into the circle of former students and graduates, the so-called "alumni", at several ceremonies organised by the respective faculties. The events were the highlight of the academic year and honoured the achievements of the students as well as their teachers.

People at the centre

The deans of the faculties personally presented the certificates to the graduates in a festive setting. In addition to music and speeches, the focus was on the people - young talents who are making their way in business, science, culture and society from here. A subsequent champagne reception and the obligatory souvenir photo in a gown were just as much a part of the programme as an ecumenical service and information stands for the new alumni.

On Saturday evening, the celebrations reached their festive climax at the University Ball. Here, the graduates were able to honour and celebrate this important stage in their lives together with family and friends. Around 2,300 guests from the Bergisches Land region enjoyed the varied stage programme, the elegant ambience and the diverse musical offerings - from a classic ballroom to a club atmosphere.

Ball guests raised 8,000 euros for a good cause

The Casino Royale and the popular raffle were once again among the highlights. Special thanks go to the numerous companies and shops that donated a total of 350 prizes for a good cause. The main prize - a Thermomix TM7 from Vorwerk - was a source of great excitement. This year, the proceeds totalling almost 8,000 euros will go to the Wuppertal educational project Kinderhaus Luise Winnacker e.V.

The ball night began with the opening by Rector Prof Dr Birgitta Wolff. Günther Matern and his dance orchestra then performed a musical programme ranging from elegant waltzes to rhythmic salsa, from disco fox to rock'n'roll, ensuring that the dance floor in the main hall was full at all times.

Thrilling live music and breathtaking show acts

Once again this year, the "4 to the bar" formation was a permanent fixture in the Mahler Saal, delighting guests with their South American-inspired mix of jazz and dance music. DEEJAY plus" in the Mendelssohn Saal and DJ Louis in the Rossini were responsible for the club feeling until the late hours.

The dance breaks were accompanied by impressive show acts: the UniChor under the direction of Christoph Spengler, the hip hop show "Crewunited" from the Schäfer dance school and Mr Benedict with his acrobatics on the CyrWheel provided the best entertainment.