A full house, beaming faces and sunshine: On Friday, April 17, 2026, the Faculty of Computer Science at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts celebrated its graduates from the summer semester 2025 and winter semester 2025/26. 140 students received their certificates in a festive atmosphere - accompanied by family, friends, lecturers and companions.
After a convivial reception with drinks and initial discussions in the foyer, the event began in lecture hall A.E.01. Prof. Dr. Daniel Hamburg, Dean of the Faculty, and Vice Dean Prof. Dr. Gabriele Kunau welcomed the guests with warm words. The bilingual moderation in German and English also included the families and friends of the international graduates. First, an entertaining faculty quiz created a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. This was followed by a short basic lecture on the concept of alumni and the graduates were warmly invited to actively live out their new role.
Haralabo Papanikolaou is an alumnus of the faculty and is now Head of IT Services at SozialBank AG. He used images from the fairy tale of the ugly duckling to show how different career paths can be in an inspiring keynote speech.
Fittingly, he threw lots of yellow ducks into the auditorium throughout his talk, much to the amusement of all those present. Haralabo Papanikolaou spoke openly and authentically about his own path from student to department head and encouraged the graduates to go their own way with courage and confidence.
Singer Karo Fruhner, participant in the TV show "The Voice of Germany" and winner of the "Jugend musiziert" competition, then provided another emotional highlight. She brought the ceremony to a musical close - a powerful moment that led directly to the ceremonial toss of the hat for the group photo.
In sunny weather, the celebrations continued inside and outside with snacks, drinks and a relaxed atmosphere. The photo box also provided special memories.
The Faculty of Computer Science would like to congratulate all graduates on their successful graduation, thank them for their time together and look forward to seeing them again - as part of our alumni programs, at events or whenever our paths cross again.