On November 21, a total of 97 graduates of the TUM School of Management and the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology celebrated their graduation at Campus Heilbronn of the Technical University of Munich. The auditorium became a place where languages, stories, and life paths converged, highlighting just how international this campus has become.
A Sampus With an Intercultural Character
In his opening speech, Professor Ali Sunyaev highlighted what sets TUM's newest location apart. “Heilbronn shows how a young campus can combine international diversity, excellent education, and economic strength to create an environment that truly nurtures talent. Germany, as the world's third-largest economy, is reflected here.”
The Vice President of TUM Campus Heilbronn reminded the audience how selective the path to a study place is. Fifteen percent of almost four thousand applicants were selected this year. “And you have been among them, when you once started. You can be so proud of that.“
He then addressed the families: "Behind every success story is something that went very well before. Thanks to parents, families and the supportive surroundings of each student. And dear graduates – thank you for spending some of the best years of your life with us.“
The festive atmosphere in the auditorium reflected these words. The diversity of the audience showed how naturally internationality is lived on campus.
Best in Class – Awards for Special Achievements
A particularly personal moment followed when the Best in Class Awards were presented. The awards went to the best graduates of the Bachelor's in Management and Technology, the Bachelor's in Information Engineering, and the Master's in Management. They received a TUM hoodie, which for many served as a symbol of belonging.
Jannik Nerpel, a recent Master's graduate in Management, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the three honorees. He said he had started his master's degree in Heilbronn with mixed feelings, unsure how to assess the international environment. “But I quickly realized how enriching the cultural diversity of my fellow students was. It was so much more than just studying.”
What Makes Heilbronn Special
Professor Christoph Kaserer, Dean of the TUM School of Management in Munich, reminded the graduates how important education is for their future careers. “Investing in your education is the most important investment in your life. More than in cars or houses. And trust me, as a Professor of Finance, I know what I’m talking about.”
He placed the Heilbronn location in the overall picture of TUM and emphasized its importance as a talent factory that combines academic depth and international perspectives with the special features of the economically strong region.
CIT – a Study Program With a Special History
The TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology was also present – via a video message from its dean, Professor Hans Joachim Bungartz. He recalled how challenging the start-up phase of the study program in Heilbronn was: "The first program started during the pandemic – hard for the students and equally demanding for the interim professors Carsten Trinitis, Stefan Krusche and Michael Luttenberger from Munich.“
When he described this start-up phase as “Pilgrim fathers' times,” spontaneous applause broke out. It was a moment that highlighted the bond between the students and their teachers. Bungartz concluded by saying, “You will all be excellent ambassadors for TUM Campus Heilbronn.”
High-level Research – an Outstanding Dissertation
Another highlight was the tribute to Dr. Christian Breitung, one of the six doctoral graduates honored that evening. The financial scientist received the “Friends of TUM e. V.” award for his dissertation, which “examines how efficiently financial markets process and price text-based information using modern methods of artificial intelligence.”
Breitung said in an interview: “Heilbronn offers an exceptionally good research environment – modern, supportive and internationally connected.” He is pursuing an academic career and is currently applying for positions as an assistant professor.
A Degree That Opens Doors
The evening was marked by many small scenes. Students nervously smoothing their gowns. Parents wiping away tears. Graduates sending video messages to their relatives in their respective home countries. Professors looking visibly proud of the young generation they had accompanied.
At the get-together that followed, TUM Campus Heilbronn also demonstrated what it stands for: internationalism in practice, academic quality, and close ties to a region that offers young people exceptional opportunities.
When the hats were traditionally thrown into the air at the end, a moment arose that symbolizes the location: courage, community, and a new beginning.
At that moment, it became obvious what this day meant for the students: a transition. A step. A new direction — from studying to the world.