"As 1975 graduates, you have experienced a particularly exciting time. You were among the first to study in the new atmosphere of the Technical University, which was transformed in 1968 to include new subjects such as mechanical engineering, process engineering, physics, chemistry and mathematics," said University President Dr. Sylvia Schattauer, welcoming the more than 70 assembled alumni and guests of honor.

"The personal, friendly and original atmosphere makes Clausthal unique," praised Thomas Gundermann from the Association of Friends of Clausthal University of Technology in his welcoming address. "The recent NDR report emphasized this once again - we'd love more of it!"

Anecdotes from the student days

"When I came to Clausthal in the winter semester of 69/70, there was still snow until April," said Dr. Frank Leschhorn, opening the graduation speech. "The geological excursions with Prof. Andreas Pilger, where we collected fossils and inspected minerals, were a highlight. The South Africa excursion with Prof. Wolfgang Dreyer is certainly still a fond memory for many."

Even back then, Clausthal University of Technology offered many opportunities to gain initial specialist or professional experience abroad. The international connections continue to this day: Dr. Ubbo von Oehsen travelled all the way from Singapore to take part in the ceremony. The entrepreneur, who is still working, also took the opportunity to meet his doctoral supervisor.

The event was characterized by nostalgic memories, but also by a look at the present and the future. Today's research at Clausthal University of Technology came to the fore in the keynote speech. Prof. Jens Bremer (Institute of Chemical and Electrochemical Process Engineering) spoke about "The Haber-Bosch process: From the world's breadwinner to the energy supplier of the future".

How the university scores

During the presentation of the gold diplomas, the University President asked individual questions about the students' time at the University. When asked which professor had influenced the graduates, Prof. Gerhard Engels and Prof. Ludwig Wilke were mentioned, among others. "I still remember Prof. Eberhard Schürmann in particular. We were only three students in Foundry Technology and received very close supervision from him," replied Dr. Franz Münscher.

There were many reasons to study at Clausthal University of Technology. On the one hand, the university convinced them with pragmatic points such as short distances between the institutions and the opportunity to enrol a year in advance. For others, it was the personal support and international reach that counted . Dipl.-Ing. Helmut Beißner, on the other hand, was born into Clausthal University of Technology. "After my grandfather, my father and myself, my daughter is now the fourth generation to study here."

Life shaped by TU Clausthal

"You never felt lonely in Clausthal. It was a great community and I'm still friends with some of my fellow students," said Prof. Ludger Deters. "Back then, the professor greeted us with "My lady, gentlemen. As the only woman, that was a special situation," recalled Prof. Elisabeth Dennert-Möller. So much "choice" also had its positive sides. "I met my husband after just twelve days and it's still going strong today."

"The intensive working hours and the early involvement in research at Clausthal University of Technology have done me good. I was able to take a lot of potential with me for my professional life," Prof. Dr. Ugur Yaramanci summed up. He concluded the ceremony with an appeal: "Clausthal University of Technology is small, fine, modern and intensive - keep it that way."

Successful event with generational exchange

The ceremony was accompanied musically by Hosea Simanjuntak on the piano with vocals. Afterwards, there was a champagne reception and snack in the ballroom, where students took the opportunity to talk to the more experienced alumni.

The Gold Diploma ceremonies are organized annually by the TU's Alumni Management. For next year's event, the graduating class of 1976 is asked to contact Andrea Langhorst in good time: alumni@tu-clausthal.de

Photos and the report can be found at: 
www.tu-clausthal.de/pressemitteilungen/pressemitteilungendetail/goldenes-diplom-abschlussjahrgang-1975-geehrt