The first week of July at IMC Krems was dedicated entirely to the summer graduation ceremonies – a true highlight of the academic year for alumni and guests alike. This year, the Volksbank Award and the Young Scientist Award were presented.
Press
Graduation ceremonies with honours: Two awards for outstanding academic theses
In a series of festive ceremonies held in the event hall on the IMC Krems campus, graduates of the bachelor degree programmes and master degree programmes were honoured throughout the first week of July. For those unable to attend in person, the celebrations were – as always – livestreamed.
Over 500 alumni from 14 bachelor degree programmes and 10 master degree programmes celebrated their academic achievements together with family, friends, teaching staff, and employees of IMC Krems. The guests were visibly moved to see the graduates so happy and to join in their celebrations.
From study to international network
The alumni are now part of the global IMC Alumni Community – supporting the network with dedication and carrying the values of their alma mater into the world. The atmosphere at the graduation ceremonies reflected the distinctive strengths of IMC Krems: a genuine passion for teaching and research, strong commitment, internationality and diversity, a thirst for knowledge, and a shared belief in lifelong learning.
During the official graduation events, alumni were introduced, took their academic oaths, and were awarded their degrees in the presence of the university management. “The IMC spirit is always palpable during these ceremonies – our alumni form a vibrant community of young individuals with excellent prospects on the job market,” said Martin Waiguny, Academic Head of IMC Krems.
Presentation of the Volksbank Award
The Volksbank Award was presented during the graduation ceremonies on 30 June by Herbert Aumüller and on 3 July by Rainer Kuhnle from Volksbank. With this award, Volksbank Niederösterreich and its affiliated cooperative VB Krems-Zwettl Beteiligung e.G. reaffirm their commitment to cooperative values, particularly the principle of mutual support and development.
- Moritz Pauser received the award for his bachelor thesis in the Unternehmensführung programme on the topic: “The Impact of Economic and Technological Trends on Branch Networks and Customer Service Models of Austrian Regional Banks.”
- Fu Kie Adrian Lee received the award for his bachelor thesis in the Business Administration programme on the topic: “Understanding How the Financial Behaviour of Family and Peer Networks Influences the Financial Literacy of Generation Z in Austria.”
Presentation of the Young Scientist Award
IMC Krems once again presented the Young Scientist Award this year – an honour bestowed for outstanding bachelor and master theses. The award-winning theses stood out for their social relevance, innovation, and international and interdisciplinary perspectives. Four graduates were recognised for their excellent academic work:
- Hanna Barta for her bachelor thesis in the Chemistry programme on the topic: “Enantioselective Isochroman Synthesis via Tertiary Carbocation Formation.”
- Alexandra Eichinger for her bachelor thesis in the Tourism and Leisure Management programme on the topic: “Travel as a Way of Self-Discovery.”
- Eva Lücke for her master thesis in the Angewandte Gesundheitswissenschaften programme on the topic: “Bringing Social Warmth Through the Heat: Addressing Social Isolation of the Elderly During Heatwaves.”
- Matthias Körner for his master thesis in the International Business and Economic Diplomacy programme on the topic: “The Determinants of Populist Voting in Austria.”
The diversity of the submissions – ranging from health and nursing sciences to economic and social topics and innovative chemistry – highlights the wide research spectrum at IMC Krems. “With the Young Scientist Award, we bring the best theses into the spotlight. Every year, our students show what is possible with dedication, curiosity, and academic ambition,” said Martin Waiguny.
Graduation ceremony in Sanya: successful completion of two transnational programmes
IMC Krems also congratulates its most recent cohort of graduates from China. From 19 to 23 May 2025, final bachelor exams were held at Hainan Tropical Ocean University in Sanya as part of a transnational education programme. The festive graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of their studies. Amadeus Gabriel and Mattia Rainoldi, both programme directors for transnational programmes at IMC Krems, took part in the celebrations.
The focus was on the awarding of Austrian degrees to graduates of the Export-oriented Management programme and Tourism and Leisure Management. The ceremony represented a significant moment in international academic collaboration.
Graduation ceremony in Tashkent
On 20 June 2025, the fourth cohort of joint bachelor degree programme students in Tourism and Leisure Management and Export-oriented Management graduated from IMC Krems and Tashkent State University of Economics. Programme Director Amadeus Gabriel provided tireless support during the exams. Representing IMC Krems, Chen Yang, Head of International Projects, attended the graduation ceremonies in Tashkent.
Graduation ceremony in Baku
During the week of 23 June 2025, the 2022–2025 cohort of the transnational bachelor degree programme Tourism and Leisure Management at Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University in Baku successfully completed their studies. Jens Peter Ennen represented IMC Krems at the ceremony.
This programme was launched in 2007 and is the longest-standing transnational programme offered by IMC Krems – and the first of its kind in Azerbaijan. With nearly 400 graduates to date, the cooperation has made a significant contribution to the professionalisation of the country’s rapidly growing tourism sector.
Congratulations to all our graduates!
