The canteen at AU Herning was decorated with colourful flowers, and the air buzzed with relief and joy as the 137 graduates were celebrated in the company of their families, friends and employees from AU Herning.

The celebration was kicked off by Head of Department Anders Frederiksen, who welcomed the guests, followed by a speech by Peter Kjeldbjerg, Director of ErhvervsForum Holstebro. He emphasised that there is great demand for the many engineering graduates in West Jutland, which has the potential to develop into a new European hub for green energy, potentially creating up to 2,000 jobs.

Skills and personal development
The graduation speaker was Dagmara Anna Makula, who has completed her MSc in Technology Based Business Development. In her speech, she emphasised that education is not only about professionalism and competencies:

Reflecting on the challenges we've overcome the last three to five years, the late-night study sessions and the group projects, it's clear that this journey has been about more than just earning a degree. It's been about personal growth, resilience and the bonds we've formed along the way.

May the critical thinking skills we've gained, the relationships we've built and the knowledge we've acquired empower us to navigate the complexities of tomorrow. In today's rapidly evolving world, where technological advancements are shaping the future, our expertise is more crucial than ever.

Dagmara concluded her speech by encouraging her fellow graduates to enthusiastically step into the next chapter of their lives:

As we stand at the beginning of a new chapter of our lives, let us embrace the challenges that lie ahead with enthusiasm, courage and a sense of purpose. In the face of rapid technological advancements, let us remain agile, adaptable and always hungry for knowledge. Let us be advocates for ethical and sustainable business practices, utilising technology as a force for positive change. The world awaits our contributions, and I am confident that each of us will leave an incredible mark on the future.

Winter graduation prizes

• Winter graduate of the year: Maiken Lydholm. The prize was sponsored by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.
• The MSc in Engineering prize: Alexandra Cojocaru and Ema Lea Holosova. The prize was sponsored by Hans Foxby’s Fond, Kyocera Unimerco.
• The Bachelor of Engineering prize: Frederik Trust Davidsen and Rasmus Sebastian Tang Jeppesen. The prize was sponsored by SMV Herning.                       

The 137 graduates were distributed across the following study programmes:

• Forretningsudvikling (Business Development), BDE
• Electronics
• Electrical Energy Technology
• Global Management and Manufacturing, GMM
• Mechanical Engineering
• MSc in Technology Based Business Development