Certificate Ceremony and Farewell Celebration at the PharmaCampus Münster
On 23 October 2025, the farewell ceremony for pharmacists who had passed their second pharmaceutical examination took place in a festive setting, as has been a tradition in Münster for many years.
Before the academic ceremony, everyone gathered for the obligatory group photo in front of the PharmaCampus. The large lecture hall was almost full, confirming the long-standing trend that this day is a very special occasion for pharmacists in Münster, celebrated in style together with family and friends. Professor Dr Andreas Hensel, chair of the examination board, welcomed all candidates and guests on behalf of the University of Münster and highlighted the excellent graduation results achieved by Münster's pharmacy students. During the opening of the ceremony, Hensel also emphasised what actually constitutes an academic degree: not merely factual knowledge, but the critical, independent and responsible handling of facts. A university degree does not have to enable pharmacists to know and be able to do everything on their first day on the job (no degree in the world can guarantee that), but graduates should be able to work independently and based on scientific facts in their everyday work with basic knowledge, methodological skills, personal motivation and creativity.
Certificate presentation and festive farewell ceremony for
A university degree does not necessarily equip pharmacists with all the skills and knowledge they need on their first day on the job (no degree in the world can guarantee that), but graduates should be able to master everyday tasks in the pharmaceutical environment independently and based on scientific facts, thanks to their fundamental knowledge, methodological skills, personal motivation and creativity – a challenging but rewarding goal.
The welcoming address by the Dean of Studies of the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Prof. Dr. Klaus Langer, confirmed the efficiency, dynamism and quality of pharmaceutical training in Münster, which has been observed for many years. The Dean of Studies clearly emphasised the importance of the profession of pharmacist in the past and in the future.
A university degree does not have to enable pharmacists to know and be able to do everything on their first day on the job (no degree in the world can guarantee that), but graduates should be able to master everyday life in the pharmaceutical environment independently and based on scientific facts, thanks to their basic knowledge, methodological skills, personal motivation and creativity – a challenging but rewarding goal.
The welcoming address by the Dean of Studies of the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Prof. Dr. Klaus Langer, confirmed the efficiency, dynamism and quality of pharmaceutical education in Münster, which has been observed for many years. The Dean of Studies clearly emphasised the importance of the profession of pharmacist in the past and in the future.
In his keynote speech, ‘Why we are not oxidised by oxygen – and how light-controlled antibiotics are used,’ Professor Dr Cristian A. Strassert (Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry) showed how systematic basic research can be used to develop innovative active ingredients.
Sandra Potthast, member of the board of the Westphalia-Lippe Chamber of Pharmacists, then conveyed the chamber's greetings, congratulated all graduates and outlined the opportunities that the chamber – ‘now your chamber’ – will offer aspiring pharmacists.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Westphalia-Lippe Pharmacists' Foundation Study Award to Mr Manuel Barenbrügge for his outstanding performance in the second part of the pharmaceutical examination (1.0).
Mr Ole Simon Brouwer, Mr Linus Anton Rehder and Ms Ellen Schmalz received awards for achieving four ‘very good’ grades.
In a closing speech, the students, represented by Mr Manuel Brüggemann, looked back on their studies, highlighting not only the challenging aspects of their time at university but also the enjoyable ones.
The highlight of the ceremony was, of course, the presentation of the 57 certificates to the candidates by Prof. Hensel.
The festive academic ceremony concluded with a standing reception, followed by a long and festive gala dinner in a fitting atmosphere.
Congratulations to all the successful graduates!
Prof. Dr. A. Hensel, University of Münster