The Hochschule Niederrhein's (HSNR) HONOUR scholarship sponsors students for a year who have outstanding academic achievements, special social commitment or above-average motivation. The graduates have now received their certificates. State Secretary Matthias Heidmeier from the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia also accepted the invitation to the graduation ceremony at the Mönchengladbach campus.
The event was opened with words of welcome from Professor Dr. Gudrun Stockmanns, the new Vice President for Studies and Teaching Education. Afterwards, State Secretary Matthias Heidmeier praised the students for their social commitment in his keynote speech.
This year's graduating class was made up of students from eight different faculties. This underlines the diversity of the participants and the interdisciplinary nature of the program. The main aim was to encourage students to actively work on socially relevant issues and put their academic skills into practical application. The focus was on active and independent work.
A total of 17 committed students successfully took part in the program. Two participants were selected on the basis of their outstanding volunteer work through so-called "wild cards", an entitlement to participate without fulfilling the formal qualifications required for this. This illustrates the university's appreciation and respect for student commitment and social responsibility.
An important component of the HONOUR scholarship was the students' access to various continuing education courses during the summer and winter academies. These continuing education courses expanded their professional knowledge to include skills in the areas of leadership, networking and developing potential. A World Café and a Design Thinking workshop were further highlights that helped students to foster their creative thinking processes and develop innovative solutions.
The highlight of the ceremony was undoubtedly the certificate presentation, where the graduates were rewarded for their hard work and commitment. The event ended with a get-together where students, deans and guests took the opportunity to exchange ideas and share their experiences.
