Moved because of the planned building work at the university’s underground parking lot, the graduation ceremony had to take place in the indoor arena. The weather on Saturday evening also would have made an outdoor celebration difficult.

After a delayed start due to a slightly problematic journey to the venue - the graduates had to be shuttled over in packed buses, while cars were stuck in traffic jams and people could not find parking spaces - it all went according to plan. Or at least mostly. After all, there was a constant coming and going in the arena, as guests could get food or drinks at the stalls or have a look at the photo booths? instead of following the ceremony for its entire length.

Then again, the speakers kept their speeches to a minimum. Professor Andreas Pinkwart, minister for economy, innovation, digitalization and energy in North Rhine-Westphalia, spoke concisely and briefly.

He remembered his own university days, which did not end in a ceremony back then, and he called for people to constantly challenge the science institution. „We need to stay critical, use the available resources - and should enjoy science and studying“, he said. As a thank you for his contribution, the headmaster Michael Hoch and the university’s press officer Andreas Archut handed him a cap and gown and a similar certificate to the one the graduates got.

The highlight of the day: The traditional hat-throwing, a farewell symbol, goodbye student life. Thanks to a huge panoramic shot of the university building, it looked as if it took place outside the original location. Headmaster Hoch also threw his hat.

The official ceremony was over but the party lasted much longer. Approximately 2000 people celebrated the graduation and the start of a new phase of life in the Maritim Hotel in Bonn.

Original text: Thomas Kölsch. Translation: Mareike Graepel