Moving forward with courage and determination – KLU Graduation 2023
A great journey came to a successful end today more than KLU graduates. They received their graduation certificates in the auditorium, the Golden Egg. Founder and benefactor Prof. Dr. h.c. Klaus-Michael Kühne personally congratulated the graduates.
KLU President Prof. Andreas Kaplan welcomed the graduates of the Master's programs Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management, International Management, and Sustainable Management and Operations (SuMO), as well as the Leadership and Supply Chain Management MBA graduates, the graduates of the Business Administration Bachelor's program, and the scholars who successfully completed their doctorates at KLU.
What unites logistics and management at KLU: the "operations mindset.”
Prof. Kaplan said: “No matter, what name your study program at KLU had, there's something that you've all obtained during your time at KLU – our so-called KLU operations mindset. Built by learning about specific theories and concepts, but also about mathematical modeling, algorithms, simulations, and statistics the operations mindset empowers you to be an effective team leader, providing clear direction, fostering open communication, delegating tasks, and creating a collaborative work environment where everyone knows their strengths."
Emission-free future – we are counting on you!
Prof. Dr. h.c. Klaus-Michael Kühne spoke in person. "These are eventful times in which you are entering a new phase of your life," he began his assessment of the global situation, naming the expansion of the BRICS countries, the war of aggression in Ukraine, and supply chains under climate stress. At the same time, Kühne expressed his deep confidence in the innovative strength of the logistics industry. Despite everyday challenges, he said, graduates must remain open to novelties and disruption in the face of modern technologies, especially generative AI and machine learning. "This is where we count on you! As highly trained professionals and leaders, it will be your job to critically examine these technologies as well." In addition, he stressed the importance of courage and determination in leading logistics into an emission-free future.
Award-winning students
The closing speech was given by Kühne Foundation Managing Director and KLU Supervisory Board Chairman Dr. Jörg Dräger. As is tradition, student and alumni speeches followed, then the presentation of this year's KLU Best Dissertation Award, which is supported by the Dr. Friedrich Jungheinrich Foundation, to Dr. Felix Anton Sklenarz. Another award was presented for the second time – the President's Medal for Citizenship went to Tim Zuther (MSc Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management). In addition, the Best Teacher Award was presented to Prof. Günter Lang and Dr. Peter Schubert.
Finally, the graduates received their certificates on stage – time to swing the tassels on their hats from left to right. The applause was still echoing through the hall as the graduates took their first steps as KLU alumni and changemakers in our world. We are proud of you! See you at homecoming in November.
