Celebrating Excellence: Gisma University of Applied Sciences Winter 2024 Graduation
Gisma University of Applied Sciences recently hosted a momentous graduation ceremony at its Potsdam Campus, celebrating the achievements of 188 bachelors and masters graduate students from five advanced programmes, including the prestigious AMBA-accredited Global MBA. Additionally, the first ever bachelor cohort graduated in this December 2024 celebration. This significant occasion marked a new chapter in the academic and professional journeys of these graduates as they prepared to make their mark in their chosen fields.
With 94 graduates attending in person and 94 joining online from around the globe, the event was a truly international celebration. Family, friends, and distinguished guests also participated in the live-streamed ceremony, making it a memorable day for all involved.
The ceremony commenced with a heartfelt welcome from Prof. Dr. Maurits van Rooijen, Chairman of Gisma, who highlighted the university’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation. He stressed the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in a rapidly evolving world, urging graduates to apply the knowledge and skills gained during their time at Gisma to future challenges and opportunities.
This was followed by an inspiring address from Professor Dr. Ramon O’Callaghan, President of Gisma. He praised the graduates for their resilience, dedication, and remarkable achievements, emphasising that their success was a testament to their hard work and the unwavering support of their families, friends, and the Gisma community. He also reaffirmed Gisma’s mission to cultivate leaders who are prepared to tackle global challenges with confidence and competence.
Keynote Speech by a Visionary Leader
Another highlight of the ceremony was the commencement speech delivered by Dr. Michael Perscheid, Head of the SAP Innovation Center. As a distinguished innovator and alumnus of the Hasso Plattner Institute, Dr. Perscheid shared insights from his illustrious career, which includes pioneering advancements in enterprise systems and driving adaptability in business technology. His speech inspired graduates to embrace innovation and resilience as they navigate their careers in an ever-changing world.
Stories of Success: Valedictorian Speeches
Two valedictorians, Sepideh Kalafi and Diego Portilla Amarillas, shared their inspiring journeys, while the third Valedictorian (Masters, September 20204), Hamza Saleem, was not able to join on campus because of long-term commitments):
- Sepideh Kalafi, a graduate of the Master’s in Data Science programme (June 2024), exemplified how it is never too late to follow one’s passion. After years of dedicated learning, she stands ready to shape the future of AI.
- Diego Portilla Amarillas, originally from Monterrey, Mexico, embarked on a bold journey by relocating to Germany for his studies. From working as a student to rising as a Team Lead in Data Science and AI, Diego now serves as Technical Product Owner at SCHWAPe GmbH. His story showcases resilience, growth, and a commitment to leveraging technology for societal impact. Diego is our very first Bachelor Valedictorian.
Recognising Academic Excellence
The ceremony also honoured outstanding academic contributions with the presentation of the Thesis Prize. Notable research included:
- Sepideh Kalafi: Towards Fairness: Investigating and Challenging Political Leaning in LLMs Through Rumor Fact-Checking (Master’s Thesis, June 2024)
- Mohammad Amin Borghei: The Role of Fintech in Shaping Risk-Taking Behaviours in EU Banks: An Empirical Investigation (Master Thesis, September 2024)
- Ishrat Abdul Rehman Shaikh and Saadiya Abdul Rehman Shaikh: Bridging the Skills Gap: An AI-Driven System for Personalised Skill Development (Bachelor’s Thesis, September 2024)
A Celebration of Memories and New Beginnings
A video complemented the ceremony with heartfelt messages from professors and peers. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates, a jubilant cap-throwing moment, and warm applause from the audience.
Following the formal proceedings, graduates and their family and friends enjoyed a celebratory reception. This was a time to share memories, capture photos, and look forward to the bright futures that lie ahead.
Gisma University of Applied Sciences takes immense pride in its graduates and looks forward to seeing their continued success as they contribute to creating a better, more innovative world.