Fifty years ago, they ended their studies at what was then the Technische Hochschule, today the Technische Universität Ilmenau – and to this day they remain closely connected to their university. That was reason enough for around 200 graduates of the 1971 matriculation year to return this week to their alma mater – bringing along a very special gift.
They studied technical cybernetics, biomedical engineering, information technology, electrical engineering, electronics design and technology, precision engineering, physics and technology of electronic components, or mathematics. To celebrate their Golden Jubilee, alumni from all over Germany gathered at TU Ilmenau from September 23 to 25, 2025. At a festive ceremony, they received their golden diploma certificates in person from University Vice President Prof. Stefan Sinzinger, while the university chamber choir provided the musical accompaniment for the celebration:
I am delighted to see how many of your matriculation year have found their way back to your alma mater. This speaks to the lasting and positive impact that studying at TU – then TH – Ilmenau has had. It also strengthens our determination to further develop the university with all our energy, so that many future generations of students can lay the foundation for successful careers through an excellent engineering education and help address the challenges society faces.
On behalf of all jubilee alumni, Professor Dr. Gabriele Schade recalled memories with photos from their shared student days and from the graduation ball:
Many eyes lit up, and the memories came rushing back. ‘Damn, the end comes too soon’ was our motto when we finished our studies – a reflection of how much we enjoyed studying in Ilmenau.
Storm-proof and resilient
After the ceremony, alumna Gabriele Schade and alumnus Wolfgang Schulke presented their alma mater with a very special gift: a red oak tree, chosen as “Tree of the Year 2025” for its storm-resistance and resilience. It continues the tradition, begun last year, of planting matriculation trees for new students – a symbol of common roots, of the strength drawn from solidarity and lifelong learning, and of the shade and shelter that each generation of graduates provides for those who follow.
For the class of ’71, this is true in more than one sense. Their gift is not only a particularly climate-resistant tree that can grow up to 35 meters tall. With an additional donation, the former students of TU Ilmenau are also supporting young researchers financially, through Germany Scholarships to be awarded for the coming winter semester. “On behalf of the students, we would already like to express our heartfelt thanks,” said alumni coordinator Sarah Winckler.
During a campus tour and an evening gathering, the alumni looked back especially on their own student days – from memories of shared lectures, to baby carriages outside the former family housing block, to women’s football and tug-of-war at the traditional “Bergfest,” which still today marks the halfway point of the degree program with a festive week at TU Ilmenau.
Impressions of the Golden Diploma celebrations
