On October 11, 2026, Friedensau Adventist University held its annual graduation ceremony in the Friedensau Chapel, conferring bachelor's and master's degrees to the class of 2026. A total of 42 graduates successfully completed their respective programs, with 28 in attendance to receive their certificates in person.
The ceremony marked the inaugural commencement presided over by the university's new president, Professor Gerald A. Klingbeil, who was introduced to the academic community by the former president, Professor Roland E. Fischer. Dr. Christian Noack, director of the Marienhöhe School Center in Darmstadt and lecturer in New Testament at Friedensau, delivered the graduation address.
Degrees were awarded across the institution's two primary academic divisions. The Faculty of Social Sciences included programs such as the Master of Arts in Counseling; Master of Arts in Development Studies, offered in full-time format; Master of Arts in International Social Sciences; and Master of Arts in Music Therapy, with certificates presented by Professor Thomas Spiegler. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Theology included the Bachelor of Arts in Theology alongside Master of Arts programs in pastoral ministry, theology, and theological studies, with certificates presented by the Dean of Theology Alexander Schulze, PhD.
Following the certificate presentations, several awards were distributed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The Waltraud and Herbert Blomstedt Award for Music was presented to theology student Ali Akkouch, in recognition of his instrumental contributions and his leadership of the university choir. The Waltraud and Herbert Blomstedt Award for Theology was awarded to Damir Mitrov, from the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry program, for academic achievement and voluntary service on the Student Council. Vice President Dr. Friedegard Föltz presented the Freundeskreis Friedensau International e.V. Award to development studies student Uriel Agbojo for his service as Chair of the Student Council. Additionally, the DAAD Prize was awarded by the dean of social sciences to international graduate Mwaka Chooka, who completed her Master of Arts in Development Studies with distinction.
Official greetings were delivered by Vice President Föltz, on behalf of the university administration, and Student Council Chair Uriel Agbojo, on behalf of the student body. Samuel Ramirez and Cin Deu Tuang offered remarks on behalf of the theology and social sciences graduating classes, respectively.
The event featured musical performances by pianist Svetlana Syumko, who performed works by Giulio Caccini, Frédéric Chopin, and Sholom Secunda. The ceremony concluded with a bilingual rendition of the hymn “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name”, a prayer of dedication by Chaplain Dittmar Dost, and closing remarks from President Klingbeil.
Founded in 1899 and having celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024, Friedensau Adventist University is a state-recognized institution of higher education operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The university offers ten bachelor's and master's degree programs through its faculties of Social Sciences and Theology, with options for part-time and online study.
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