On Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Department of Health and Sport Sciences invited guests to this year’s Absolvia in BayWa Lecture Hall 1 at the TUM Campus in Olympiapark. Over the past year, 12 doctoral dissertations, 94 master’s theses, 346 bachelor’s theses, and 181 teaching qualification theses were successfully completed.
The keynote speaker at Absolvia was Prof. Dr. Gerhard Kramer. The Vice President for Research and Innovation at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) emphasized: "A graduation ceremony is a special milestone, both for you and for TUM. You have laid the foundation to make a professional impact on the health and well-being of others. This is the beginning of a long journey of discovery. Studying at TUM opens doors. You now have the responsibility to drive innovation and promote the importance of movement and health in society."
As Vice Dean Academic and Student Affairs of the TUM School of Medicine and Health, Prof. Dr. Pascal Berberat also welcomed the graduates and their families, saying: "Today is primarily about you – it’s a big day. You should celebrate your graduation properly, as the next step often comes too quickly. That’s why I want to encourage you: Take this day to pause for a moment and consciously experience it. Your families and friends can truly be proud of you. Stay excited, expectant, and confident – we need you!"
Prof. Dr. Joachim Hermsdörfer, Head of the Department of Health and Sport Sciences, had already emphasized in advance: "Absolvia has now become a fixed part of our annual calendar and is a great event that brings our graduates and their families together in celebration. I wish everyone a wonderful afternoon. Don’t miss the opportunity to toast to the graduates’ success afterward in our beautiful gymnastics hall."
Representing the student body, Markus Simon (Bachelor of Health Sciences) reflected on challenging years of study during the pandemic, as well as memorable parties, summer festivals, and special lectures. Summing up his experience, he said: "We can all be truly proud to have studied here at TUM!"
As part of the academic graduation ceremony, the Dr. Gertrude Krombholz Prize was awarded for the 27th time. This prize honors outstanding scientific work in the fields of sports and health sciences that particularly connects theory and practice. This year’s jury once again included the prize’s founder, Dr. Gertrude Krombholz, as well as Prof. Dr. Ansgar Schwirtz, Head of the Chair of Biomechanics in Sport, Prof. Dr. Joachim Hermsdörfer, and the new jury member, Prof. Dr. Karsten Köhler, Academic Program Director for the Sports Science program. A total of 22 submissions showcased a wide range of topics. Prof. Schwirtz highlighted the prize’s motivation and the jury’s work: “For Dr. Krombholz, it has always been important that teaching and research are connected to practice. Once again, we sat down as a jury and deliberated: Which works this year best combine theory and practice? The decision was not easy.” The prize was awarded to Felix Hanika and Lena Pöhlmann (master’s theses), as well as Nina Gut (bachelor’s thesis) and Raphael Haas (Teaching sports degree). Each winner received €500.
Dr. Gertrude Krombholz was visibly delighted to present the awards, stating: "First of all, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all graduates. I, too, once sat in the same boat as my sports students. And I owe it to them that, even at 92 years old, I am still standing on my feet today. I wish you all to find your path as I have found mine."
Recognition was not only given for outstanding theses – excellent teaching was also honored with six awards in the categories of "Best Lecture" and "Best Seminar/Exercise." This year’s teaching awards in Health Sciences went to Prof. Dr. Nikkil Sudharsanan and Sieglinde Hechenbichler Figueroa. Dr. Florian Paternoster and Theres Mühlberg were recognized for their exceptional teaching in Sports Science, while Veit Kraft and Gernot Bleichner were honored for their contributions to teacher training.
Following this, the department’s 12 doctoral graduates were honored by Prof. Dr. Felix Ehrlenspiel. Their dissertations addressed topics such as "Telemedicine to Address Barriers to Follow-up Care Among Women Undergoing Cesarean Section in Rural Rwanda" and "Physiology and Training of Marathon Runners from Recreational to World-Class."
Later in the afternoon, Prof. Dr. Klug, Prof. Dr. Köhler, and Prof. Dr. Helmut Adelsberger bid farewell to the graduates of the bachelor's programs in "Health Sciences" and "Sports Science" as well as the master's programs "Health Science – Prevention and Health Promotion," "Sport & Exercise Science," and "Radiation Biology." Additionally, graduates of the part-time master's program in "Traditional Chinese Medicine" and the teaching qualification program were honored.
A special highlight between speeches was two performances by young gymnasts. Under the direction of Frank Grob, Head of Gymnastics and Movement Arts at the department, and their trainers Jenny Grob and Tamina Grauberger, they delivered an impressive show on the balance beam and captivated the audience with acrobatic floor gymnastics.
Toward the end, the department’s student council also bid farewell to ten of its long-standing and dedicated staff members: Vassilia Inioutis, Fiona Lehnis, Lars Minor, Luci Sakoman, Anna Kaufmann, Benedikt Arnold, Markus Simon, Chiara Thiel, Nadia Amir Shemiraniha, and Marina Keuchel.
Prof. Dr. Leonie Sundmacher, Head of the Chair of Health Economics, who represented the department at Absolvia on behalf of Department Head Prof. Dr. Hermsdörfer, concluded the event with inspiring words: "We are proud of you, and you should be proud of yourselves. I believe your future looks bright, even if it may not always be easy. Always remember: Every new beginning holds a magic within it – one that protects us and helps us to live."
Following the graduation ceremony, all graduates, along with their families and friends, were invited to a get-together in the gymnastics and dance hall of the TUM Campus in Olympiapark.
Contact
Dean’s Office
TUM School of Medicine and Health
Department of Health and Sport Sciences
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich
Phone: +49 89 289 24601
Email: deans.office(at)mh.tum.de
Text: Jasmin Schol
Photos: Jasmin Schol