Posted on 13 June 2014
Yet again, May was a busy month of events for the German branch of the University of Wales Alumni Association.
Starting at the beginning of the month, the branch welcomed potential new members at the University’s Graduation Celebrations, celebrating the achievements of the German Students attending on the day. A week later, the branch then held its annual symposium for existing branch members in the beautiful city of Cologne.
2014 Graduation Celebration in Cardiff 2014
It was an unforgettable event for all German students entering the festive hall of the Millennium Centre at this year's Graduation Celebration. In the course of the proceedings each graduate was greeted on stage and congratulated personally by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Medwin Hughes, for their achievements.
Despite the mixed weather, there were plenty of opportunities for photographs to be taken to capture the special day and everyone was in great spirits, with one student commenting: “There is nothing which can top this!”
To end the day, all German students, together with their accompanying partners, were invited by the German branch to a celebration party at Henry's Cafe & Bar in the centre of Cardiff. Helmuth Stahl, Alumni Officer and one of the first of the branch members to receive an MBA award back in 1993, welcomed them all and expressed his hope that quite a few of them would become active members. It was an enjoyable party with everybody in a relaxed and happy mood, with even some dancing along to the night’s entertainment towards the end of the evening.
Annual Symposium in Cologne, 2014
A week later the German branch held its annual symposium in Cologne close to the city’s famous cathedral at the City Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt.
The agenda comprised three very interesting topics, with two of them dealing with the subject matter of the latest research on mind and brain issues.
Mr Sinisa Trisic, firstly explained how we make choices (mostly unconscious) based on emotional systems being characterized more by creativity/adventure, balance/security, or domination/competitiveness.
Dr. Martin Sauerland and Sandra Kaltner from the University Koblenz-Landau spoke about occupational cognitive developments to counter performance related deficiencies resulting from dysfunctional cognitions, mostly of negative nature.
The third topic was delivered by Dr Florian Schuhmacher, Human Relations Manager of Inter-Union Technhandel GmbH, who explained the modern process of selecting new employees, which was particularly of interest for those currently in search of a better job.
As well as the three papers, the day included the annual meeting where previous and future activities were discussed with the whole board re-elected unanimously.
To finish the day in style, members were treated to an excellent dinner.
As always, both events were well organized thanks to Mrs. Mandy Kraupner and Dorit Streitferdt from Allfinanz Hamburg.