Once again this year, the Department of Economics at Mainz University of Applied Sciences hosted its academic commencement ceremony at the Electoral Palace in Mainz. On Saturday, November 9, 2019, the graduates received their diplomas and then celebrated the successful completion of their studies with their loved ones, professors, lecturers, and fellow students. Alumnity took this opportunity to show the new alumni how they can stay in touch with the university through us. Although graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter in life, Alumnity wants to continue supporting our former students throughout this new phase as well! Once again this year, we had the honor of presenting the Kurt Dörr Prize to a special member of the department. This year, Mr. Lothar Steiger was honored for his exceptional dedication to the department. Not only did he develop the exam review system, but he also played a key role in establishing the AWIS degree program and introducing the ECDL. Both his colleagues and his students expressed great enthusiasm for our decision, as was evident from the thunderous applause from the guests.

On Wednesday, October 23, 2019, we once again hosted our annual lecture evening, “Alumnity Presents.” The theme of the evening was “Workload & Work-Life Balance.” The topic was introduced with a keynote presentation by Prof. Dr. Rohleder , who provided an overview of facts and figures. It became clear that stress and excessive workloads can lead to physical illness. Following this, Prof. Dr. Hanno Kämpf and Prof. Dr. Norbert Rohleder engaged in a discussion with students Nora Hildebrand (Master’s, B.A.) and Ann-Kathrin Grohs (Bachelor’s, W.R.), as well as Master’s graduate Daniel Willuweit. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr. Anna Rosinus. At the outset, the group discussed whether students are actually experiencing overload from work and studies, or whether the demand for work-life balance is merely a passing trend. The audience also shared their opinions shortly thereafter. A very lively discussion ensued, during which all participants—despite their differing views—sought to find potential solutions. Many thanks to everyone who attended for a wonderful evening! We’re already looking forward to next year.

Alumnity played a variety of roles during this year’s orientation week for first-year students. As early as Monday morning, September 23, 2019, during the welcome address for first-year students by our Chairwoman Claudia Huberti, Alumnity was present with a roll-up banner and verbal information. That evening, at the AStA’s “Grill & Chill” event, our board members Soufiane El-Bali and Dominik Schreiber promoted Alumnity with a promotional booth. We contributed a portion of the proceeds from the delicious sausages sold by the AStA to the Department of Economics. Alumnity maintained a constant presence throughout the event, as evidenced by the 17 new members who signed up during and after Orientation Week.

On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, we once again hosted the gathering for former professors. This year, not only did 10 of our former professors join us for coffee and cake, but also several staff members, who were very happy to catch up with their former colleagues. It was a truly wonderful afternoon, during which we even spontaneously gained a new member. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Once again this year, the Department of Economics held its annual summer party on June 27, 2019. In keeping with the hot weather, Alumnity supported the event with a delicious donation of ice cream.

On Friday, May 17, 2019 , we met again for our annual general meeting. This year, we went to the Kuehn Kunz Rosen Brewery. At 5:00 p.m., the approximately 1.5-hour brewery tour began, during which the owner explained everything worth knowing about the art of brewing and beer. The 20 attendees were able to sample four different—yet equally delicious—beers. Those who didn’t want to drink alcohol were offered a selection of non-alcoholic beers. Around 6:30 p.m., we moved to the brewery’s restaurant, where we could sit together comfortably while enjoying tarte flambée, other small treats, and a wide variety of beers. After a warm welcome from Chairwoman Claudia Huberti, the official portion of the general meeting began. This year, two positions on the board were up for election. The position of deputy secretary is now held by Ann-Kathrin Grohs (student). Gerold Kiefer (alumnus) was elected as the new board member, having previously served on the board for one term several years ago. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Franziska Bruch and Frank Ehresmann for their many years of dedication! Following the official portion of the meeting, there was plenty of time for good conversations and networking. We thank you for coming and look forward to seeing you again at our upcoming events!

This time, the “Alumnity Meets!” get-together took place on April 9, 2019, at Weyer’s Erntehof. Starting at 7:00 p.m., members gathered for a cozy get-together to chat about a wide variety of topics over food and drinks. The high number of students in attendance was particularly encouraging. A successful evening—one worth repeating!

Once again this year, we gathered for our annual New Year’s reception. With about 30 members and guests, we headed to Restaurant Pomp on Sunday, February 3, 2019, around 10:30 a . m. to enjoy a varied and delicious breakfast. We engaged in lively conversations about the first few days of the new year, as well as the upcoming 2019 club year. Around 1:00 p.m., the participants set off for the Shrine of Isis and Mater Magna. During a very successful guided tour of this structure dedicated to Eastern cults—including the cults of Isis and Mater Magna—our guests were able to experience one of Mainz’s cultural landmarks up close. What makes this archaeological site special is that it is the only structure of its kind uncovered in all of Germany. The tour focused primarily on the challenge of reconciling the city’s history with the modernization of its infrastructure. Is the city’s embodied history more worthy of protection than modernization? Or should the old be sacrificed in favor of the new? An intriguing question that is not easy to answer. Visitors can marvel at oil lamps, sacrificial figurines, terracotta pieces, magical clay dolls, altars, coins, consecration tablets, miniature axes, bronze statuettes, and grave goods. But the sanctuary also had plenty to offer in terms of multimedia: from an audio drama segment to projections, sound effects, and computer animations, all the way to a short film. We hope our guests enjoyed this kickoff to the new year. Here’s to a successful 2019 for our association!