After years of study, this semester also marks the end of many students' time at the TUM School of Life Sciences. After the first collective graduation ceremony for all graduates of their Master's degree at the School, the Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences Student Council has also organized a graduation for the Bachelor's students of the department.

Prof. Ralph Hückelhoven, Prof. Kurt-Jürgen Hülsbergen, Prof. Heinz Bernhardt, the student council and Petra Högl, deputy chairwoman of the Committee for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism in the Bavarian state parliament, bid farewell to the graduates with words of encouragement.

Into professional life with “courage and humility”

The speakers talk of countless opportunities when it comes to starting a career, but also of difficult beginnings. This failure, the “stumbling forward”, is also part of beginning the professional career, emphasizes Prof. Ralph Hückelhoven, Academic Director of the course. He therefore wishes the graduating class “courage and humility” - to choose a challenging profession, but also to accept and seek help from colleagues.

Making a difference with your career is possible with a degree in agricultural and horticultural sciences: at the interface of sustainability and food security, you work in this field on two of the key issues of the 21st century. Pia Jackermeier from the Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences student council summarizes: "Our studies have taught us more than just specialist knowledge. It has shown us that we have a responsibility - for nature, for ourselves and others and for the future".

The Golden Drone

Wheat ear, cow and drone - the prize for the best teaching was awarded again this year. After Prof. Julia Steinhoff-Wagner received the Golden Cow at the graduation ceremony two years ago, this year, the student association awarded the Golden Drone, honouring the field of expertise of the awardee. Simon Grebner, a doctoral student at the Chair of Agricultural Systems Engineering at TUM, was chosen on the basis of a survey of almost 100 students. According to Pia Jackermeier, his commitment to teaching and the fact that he always has an open ear for students' concerns make him stand out in particular.

“Our work is often invisible,” explains Magdalena Bauer from the student council. So it's all the nicer that on days like these, the commitment of the student council is also visible and the students and student council are honored at the same time. You can find out more about the work of the student council and get contact information here.