Celebrating Change: Constructor University bids farewell to the Class of 2026

Every ending is a new beginning – on June 5, under the theme "What Remains Is Change," Constructor University celebrated its graduates as they transition into a new chapter of their lives. Families, friends, university members, and supporters gathered from all corners of the globe to mark this milestone in the lives of the 498 young talents of the "Class of 2026." For the very first time, both the festive Commencement Gala and the diploma ceremony took place on the same day. 

The celebrations kicked off during the Commencement Gala with inspiring speeches from the university community, as well as a performance from Constructor University’s student orchestra. Speaking on behalf of the student body, Amelie Kramer, Asmae Nakib, Alua Aldaniyaz, Qais Mohammed Kamel Al-Ramahi, Muhammad Hamza Hussain and Friedrich Matteo Lüderitz addressed the invited guests. They expressed their deep gratitude to the faculty for sharing their knowledge and academic guidance, while emphasizing the strong bond shared with their peers.

“Our time here has turned strangers into friends and friends into family, with so many people from so many different places becoming a community,” said Kramer. “Diversity is more than a statistic. It’s what happens when you sit beside someone whose life is nothing like your own, and yet by the end of the year, they are family,” added Kamel Al-Ramahi.

Constructor University President, Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov, opened the ceremony by reflecting on this year’s theme of change. "Change is a difficult thing to teach, but what better place to do it than at Constructor University? It is woven into our history, and even better, it is something we embrace as we look to our future,” said Professor Novoselov.  

“It’s part of why we chose to call ourselves Constructor. Our goal isn’t simply to give you knowledge. It is to equip you with tools, values and pathways to fuel your lifelong success. Change will be the motto for the rest of your life. It can make life complex and difficult at times, but it makes it richer as well, and once you learn to embrace change, you’ll never stop learning.”

A similar message was conveyed in the speech of Judith Michels, President of the Constructor University Alumni Association, and alumna of the Class of 2005, who emphasized the value of the broader community: “More than 20 years ago, I sat exactly where you are sitting today, back when it was still called International University Bremen. Looking around now, I see all the changes that have taken place over the years – the campus, the name, the logo – but what hasn’t changed are the people. Talented, passionate and ambitious individuals from across the globe who have come together to build a community around curiosity, creativity and ambition. Today, you receive more than a diploma. You gain access to a global network of people who have shared the same experience as you. This community will always be there to support you, inspire you, and help shape your future.”

A warm welcome was extended to Hashem Al-Ghaili, Class of 2015, who is renowned today as a science communicator and content creator. He commended the young graduates for their perseverance and resilience in staying focused on their goals in such a fast-paced world. He encouraged them to always view change as an opportunity to forge new paths and go beyond their degrees. "Degrees provide an invaluable foundation, but it should never be viewed as a limitation. The world is constantly evolving, and some of the most rewarding opportunities come from adapting, exploring new paths, and combining your knowledge with your passions. I hope our graduates leave with the confidence to embrace change, keep learning, and build upon their degree in ways that allow them to create an impact far beyond what they ever thought possible."

Dr. Serg Bell, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Constructor Group, also addressed the graduates this year with insight on navigating a rapidly changing world: "We are living through a period of profound transformation. I have never witnessed changes unfolding at the speed and scale we see today—there is no time to lose," said Dr. Bell.

"GenAI is transforming intelligence, while advances in science, computing, and geopolitics are redefining the world around us. Intelligence is changing life itself, improving its quality and extending its possibilities. The only constant that remains is change. Today’s graduates must keep pace with these trends and continuously adapt. They are always welcome to join the Constructor ecosystem and grow with us through Constructor Tech, Constructor Labs, Constructor Knowledge, and Constructor Capital."

Following both the Commencement Gala and the diploma ceremony, guests gathered for the Beyond the Pond Alumni Reception. The celebrations concluded with the traditional hat toss on the Joachim Treusch Terrace.