They did it: Congratulations to AU Herning’s 154 summer graduates

They set a goal. They worked hard for it. They persevered. Even when things got tough. And on Friday, 26 June, it was time to celebrate at AU Herning’s graduation ceremony, where this year’s summer graduates could proudly say: We did it!

This year’s guest speaker Jakob Nørgaard, Head of Department at JN Data and an ITKO graduate, class of 2020.
Graduate speaker and newly graduated MSc in Engineering Julia Koch.
The MSc in Engineering award for best master’s thesis was presented to Alex Fredsgaard Skotner and sponsored by Kyocera Unimerco. The MSc in Information Technology award for best master’s thesis was presented to Mikkel Meineche Kristiansen and Frederik Thrane Møller and sponsored by SMV Herning.

A special time on campus

There has been a special atmosphere at AU Herning over the past few weeks. Smiles, hugs and a sense of relief. Some carrying flowers. Others surrounded by family. And that quiet feeling that an important chapter is coming to an end.

On Friday, 26 June, it all culminated in the graduation ceremony, where we welcomed graduates, family and friends for a day of applause, music and speeches. It was an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate several years of projects, exams and collaboration with industry.

And then the speeches

The programme was opened by Head of Department Anders Frederiksen, who welcomed everyone and reflected on the graduates’ journey through university, as well as the opportunities and challenges that now lie ahead.

This year’s guest speaker was Jakob Nørgaard, Head of Department at JN Data and an ITKO graduate, class of 2020. He shared his experiences of transitioning from student life to professional life and spoke about the choices and opportunities that come with earning a degree.

“There is not one correct way to succeed. There is only the challenge – and opportunity – of finding the role where you can become the best version of yourself. Take the time to celebrate this moment. Enjoy it fully. Enjoy your friends. Enjoy your families. Enjoy what you have achieved.”

Later, newly graduated MSc in Engineering Julia Koch delivered the graduate speech. It was a personal reflection on community, finding your footing along the way and growing through experiences you may not have expected when you first began your studies.

“Here, you call your professors by their first names (really had to get used to that), and they’re actually really approachable for questions, ideas and as sparring partners.”

Celebrating academic achievement and dedication

Following the speeches and musical performances, each graduate was recognised individually with a handshake, applause and a letter of congratulations.

Among the highlights of the day was the presentation of graduate awards to two graduates whose master’s theses stood out as the strongest of the year:

  • The MSc in Engineering award for best master’s thesis was presented to Alex Fredsgaard Skotner and sponsored by Kyocera Unimerco.
  • The MSc in Information Technology award for best master’s thesis was presented to Mikkel Meineche Kristiansen and Frederik Thrane Møller and sponsored by SMV Herning.

The 154 graduates are distributed across the following programmes:

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Business Development, BDE
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Global Management and Manufacturing, GMM
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics
  • MSc in Information Technology in IT, Communication and Organisation
  • MSc in Engineering (Technology Based Business Development)
  • Graduate Diploma in Business Administration

Congratulations to all graduates. We are proud to have been part of your time at university and look forward to following your future paths.