Starting the new semester together

With its Opening Ceremonies, Frankfurt School officially kicks off the new semester. For the new students, this marks the beginning of much more than a degree programme: they will gain knowledge for the working world of tomorrow, grow through new experiences and build connections that will last long after they leave campus.

The opening week began on 24 August with the ceremony for 441 new Master’s students. Professor Nils Stieglitz, CEO and President of Frankfurt School, officially welcomed them and shared some first thoughts for this new chapter in their lives. Drawing on his own experience as a student, he encouraged them to stay curious – even when the relevance of what they learn may only become clear later in their professional lives. In his keynote, Dustin Herr, Partner at Roland Berger and Frankfurt School alumnus from the class of 2014, highlighted the wide range of opportunities that can open up after graduation. William Hongach, FS student and winner of the 2026 Spirit Award, offered a personal perspective on what makes Frankfurt School special: The ambitious, hard-working and versatile community. It is the people who made Frankfurt School feel like home to him. He encouraged the new students to embrace this spirit and become an active part of the community from day one. The get-together that followed gave the new students the perfect opportunity to meet their fellow students and make their first connections. 

On 26 August, the spotlight was on the Foundation Year. For 57 students, the Opening Ceremony marked the beginning of their time at Frankfurt School. Jessica Javeid, Foundation Year alumna and current Bachelor of Science student, urged the new students not to be discouraged by challenging moments. She stressed the importance of consistency, asking for help when needed and building friendships that can become one of the most valuable parts of the Foundation Year experience.

The celebrations continued on 28 August with the Bachelor in Business Administration. 163 new Bachelor’s students were welcomed to Frankfurt School by Professor Nils Stieglitz. Vlera Rexhepi, Wealth Management Associate at Bethmann HAL, created a special link between student life and professional practice. Returning to Frankfurt School as an alumna, she inspired the new students to look forward to the opportunities ahead – from new friendships and experiences to personal and professional growth – while trusting their own path and never underestimating what they can achieve. Alumna Selina Saller, Team Lead Product Management Investment and Sustainability Officer Private Banking at HypoVereinsbank – UniCredit, shared three lessons from her own time at Frankfurt School: manage your time well, find your own path instead of comparing yourself to others, and never underestimate what you are capable of achieving. She also encouraged the students to participate actively, ask questions and set their own ambitions – while always remaining empathetic and human. The get-together afterwards offered plenty of time to deepen first conversations and get to know the new community.

The opening week concluded on 29 August with the ceremony for 631 new Bachelor of Science students. In his welcome address, Professor Nils Stieglitz reminded the students that learning does not only happen in the classroom: by actively engaging in campus life, they gain new experiences and grow personally. Afterwards Ann Kristin Niethammer, Head of Business Development & Strategy International Franchise at Sixt and FS alumna class of 2016, shared personal insights and inspiration for the students’ own paths ahead. She encouraged them to stay open, look beyond their immediate surroundings and invest in the people they meet along the way. Drawing on her own experience, she highlighted that some of the strongest friendships and most valuable connections at Frankfurt School are formed outside the classroom – and can last long after graduation. Fleur Dolmetsch winner of the 2026 FS Spirit Award, shared three personal lessons from her time at Frankfurt school: write your own story, embrace unexpected turns and value the people who become part of your journey. She motivated the new students to be proactive, get to know as many people as possible and approach fellow students and professors whenever they need support. The evening ended with a relaxed get-together with students and parents as well.

Four ceremonies, 1292 new students and countless first encounters: the Opening Ceremonies showed that the start of a new semester is about much more than timetables and lectures. It is about arriving, connecting and becoming part of a new community.

A warm welcome to Frankfurt School – and a successful start to the 2026/27 winter semester!