Graduation Ceremony at Friedensau Adventist University

On October 11, 2026, graduates of the Class of 2026 of Friedensau Adventist University received their bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates during a graduation ceremony held in the Friedensau Chapel.

Of the 42 graduates, 28 were present to receive their certificates in person. Graduates from the Faculty of Social Sciences completed the programs Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Arts in Development Studies (full-time), Master of Arts in International Social Sciences, and Master of Arts in Music Therapy. Within the Faculty of Theology, ten graduates received their Bachelor of Arts in Theology certificates, including two graduates in absentia. Graduates of the Master of Arts programs in Pastoral Ministry, Theology, and Theological Studies likewise celebrated the successful completion of their studies.

Former President Prof. Roland E. Fischer introduced the new President, Prof. Gerald A. Klingbeil, to those attending the ceremony. Prof. Klingbeil presided over the graduation service for the first time. The graduation address was delivered by Dr. Christian Noack, Director of the Marienhöhe School Center in Darmstadt and lecturer in New Testament at Friedensau Adventist University.

Certificates were presented to graduates from the Faculty of Social Sciences by the Dean, Prof. Thomas Spiegler. Graduates from the Faculty of Theology received their certificates from the Dean of Theology, Alexander Schulze, PhD. The ceremony was followed by the presentation of awards recognizing outstanding students and graduates.

The Waltraud and Herbert Blomstedt Award for Music was presented to theology student Ali Akkouch. Through his instrumental performances he has contributed to numerous university events and helped bridge a several-month vacancy in choir leadership. As a result, he successfully prepared and conducted the university choir in an outstanding concert featuring film music.

The Waltraud and Herbert Blomstedt Award for Theology was presented to Damir Mitrov, a graduate of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry program, in recognition of his academic achievements and his voluntary service on the Student Council. Both awards were presented by Dean Alexander Schulze.

Vice President Dr. Friedegard Föltz presented the award of the Freundeskreis Friedensau International e.V. to Uriel Agbojo, a student in the Development Studies master’s program, for his exemplary commitment and dedicated service as Chair of the Student Council.

The DAAD Prize for Outstanding Achievement by an International Student was awarded by the Dean of Social Sciences to graduate Mwaka Chooka. She completed her Master of Arts in Development Studies with distinction in a remarkably short period of time, supported fellow students on campus, and assumed significant family responsibilities during a difficult period. “Reading her papers was a pleasure,” Dean Prof. Spiegler remarked.

Greetings followed from Vice President Dr. Friedegard Föltz on behalf of the university and from Student Council Chair Uriel Agbojo on behalf of the students. Words of appreciation from the graduates were offered by Samuel Ramirez for the theology graduates and Cin Deu Tuang for the social sciences graduates.

The musical program featured pianist Svetlana Syumko, who performed Ave Maria by Giulio Caccini, Frédéric Chopin’s Valse, Op. 64 No. 2, and an arrangement of the classic song Bei mir bist du schön by Sholom Secunda and Jacob Jacobs. Her performance was enthusiastically received by the audience.

Before Chaplain Dittmar Dost offered a prayer of dedication and blessing, and President Prof. Klingbeil concluded the ceremony with a farewell greeting, all those present joined in singing the traditional hymn Holy God, We Praise Thy Name in both German and English, providing an impressive finale to the celebration.

Founded in 1899, Friedensau celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024. Established as a missionary and industrial school, Friedensau Adventist University today continues this tradition as a state-recognized institution of higher education operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Faculty of Social Sciences and Theology offer ten bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, some of which can be completed part-time, online, or alongside professional employment. More information is available at www.thh-friedensau.de.

Prospective students are invited to attend preview days and experience academic and campus life firsthand. Additional information on study programs and university events can be found at www.thh-friedensau.de/news and www.friedensau.de.

Text: Andrea Cramer | Translation: KI