Graduation ceremony 2nd State Examination Pharmacy
PharmaCampus of the University of Münster - Certificate presentation and festive farewell ceremony for the candidates
On 27 October, the farewell ceremony for pharmacists who have passed their 2nd Pharmaceutical Examination, which has become a tradition in Münster for many years, took place in a festive setting.
Prior to the academic ceremony, the students met for the obligatory group photo at the PharmaCampus. The large lecture hall proved to be largely full, confirming the long-standing trend that this day in Münster is a very special occasion for pharmacists, which is celebrated in grand style with family and friends.
Professor Dr Andreas Hensel, Chairman of the Examination Board, welcomed all candidates and guests on behalf of the University of Münster and pointed out the good final results of the Münster Pharmacy Department. Even the difficult situation during the pandemic had not detracted from this trend, as both the lecturers and students worked together very constructively and pragmatically. During the opening of the ceremony, Hensel also emphasised what actually constitutes an academic degree - not just the pure knowledge of facts, but the critical, independent and responsible handling of facts. A university degree programme does not have to enable pharmacists to be able to do and know everything on their first day in the profession (no degree programme in the world can guarantee this), but graduates should be able to master everyday life in the pharmaceutical environment perfectly independently and based on scientific facts with basic knowledge, methodological competence and personal motivation and creativity - a demanding but worthwhile goal.
The welcoming address by the Dean of Studies of the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Prof. Dr Henning Mootz, confirmed the efficiency, dynamism and quality that has been observed for many years in pharmaceutical training in Münster. The Dean of Studies clearly emphasised the scientific orientation of the Pharmacy degree programme and encouraged the graduates to always think and act scientifically in their future professional environment and to be eager to learn new things.
In the keynote speech "Gib Gummi – Löwenzahn einmal anders betrachtet", Professor Dr Dirk Prüfer (Institute of Plant Biotechnology, University of Münster) showed how systematic basic research can lead to everyday products: Rubber substitutes made from dandelions and car tyres made from dandelion rubber, an impressive development in terms of innovation, science, sustainability and a clear sign that the transfer of science from academia to industry in Germany is possible and also economically promising.
On behalf of the Board of the Westphalia-Lippe Chamber of Pharmacists, Ms Sandra Potthast then conveyed the Chamber's greetings, congratulated all graduates and pointed out the opportunities that the Chamber - "from now on your Chamber" - will offer the prospective pharmacists. The preliminary highlight was the presentation of two study prizes from the Apothekerstiftung Westfalen-Lippe to Ms Katharina Schmidgall and Ms Luisa Hidding, which were awarded for outstanding achievements in the second section of the pharmaceutical examination (1.0).
In a graduation speech, the students, represented by Ms Marie-Sophie Linde, looked back on their studies, highlighting not only the strenuous aspects of their time together at university but also the enjoyable ones.
The highlight of the ceremony was of course Prof Hensel's presentation of the 33 certificates to the candidates. The festive academic event was rounded off with a standing reception and then ended in a festive and long night at the gala dinner in an appropriate atmosphere. Congratulations to all successful graduates!