On Friday, 24 April 2026, the 21st graduation ceremony of Brunswick European Law School (BELS) took place. This year, more than 70 alumni from the Faculty of Law, who graduated between 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026 were present. In total, more than 250 people celebrated in the auditorium of Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences.
Dean Kai Litschen was delighted with the packed auditorium and warmly congratulated the graduates. In his welcoming address, he pointed out that the Faculty of Law is continuing to develop and that, among other things, the joint degree programme "Law and Management of Renewable Energy Systems" is planned for the future in cooperation with the Faculty of Supply Engineering.
In his welcoming address, Dean of Studies Udo Wolfgang Becker took a look at the current difficult economic conditions. Even in these times, our graduates are in need of the skills they have acquired at our faculty. This was also emphasised by Ivica Lukanic, mayor of the city of Wolfenbüttel, who stressed how important legal regulations are for living together. He pointed out that everything is regulated in Germany, even the purchase of cocktails in a bar. However, legal knowledge is also important in companies and administrations, for example in the area of wind turbines.
Conrad Wegmann, graduate of our Master's degree programme in Law, Personnel Management and Personnel Psychology and currently a research assistant at BELS, looked back on his studies from his perspective in his speech. He pointed out that the graduates have acquired important tools during their studies, which they now need to apply.
The silver medal of merit "Aequitas" was awarded to the long-standing lecturer Dr Jens Zitzewitz in recognition of his extraordinary accomplishments in teaching and research.
The focal point of the ceremony, however, was honouring outstanding alumni achievements and the ceremonial presentation of decorative certificates to all graduates present.
Honours for special achievements
Tanja Ruthemann and Leander Becker each received a PKF Fasselt Award for outstanding achievements in their studies. The awards were presented by lawyer Sören Damerau. Marc Michaelis received the Eckert & Kollegen Award, presented to him by lawyer Adrian Linden. The Faculty Award 2026, donated by the City of Wolfenbüttel, for outstanding achievements in the Master's programme went to Anna Riedel and was presented by Wolfenbüttel mayor Ivica Lukanic.
Music duo "Perceived as One" mudsically accompanied the event.
We congratulate all graduates and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.