Celebrating the Class of 2026: Brandt School bids farewell to its newest graduates

Held at the historic Collegium Maius in Erfurt, the ceremony recognized not only academic achievement, but also the friendships, international experiences, and shared commitment to public service that define the Brandt School community. Throughout the afternoon, graduates reflected on two years of learning, collaboration, and personal growth before taking the next step in their professional journeys.

Opening the ceremony, Professor Andreas Goldthau, Director of the Brandt School, congratulated the graduating class and reflected on the important role that future public policy professionals will play in addressing increasingly complex global challenges. His remarks were followed by speeches from MPP graduates Irene Osei-Owusu and Jenna Fabris, who shared words of encouragement and reflected on the graduates' time at the Brandt School.

Celebrating excellence

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of graduation prizes, recognizing students for their outstanding academic performance, leadership, and contributions to the Brandt School community.

This year's award recipients were:

• The Academic Merit Award was bestowed upon Jenna Fabris for exceptional academic performance during the MPP program.
• The Dietmar Herz Award was presented to Irene Osei-Owusu, honoring her commitment, enthusiasm, and spirit of service to government, as exemplified by the Brandt School’s founding director, Prof. Dr. Dietmar Herz.
• The Excellence in Service and Leadership Award was presented to Waseem Iqbal Chandio for his engagement on behalf of fellow students and his strong sense of service to society, selected based on nominations and votes by his peers.

Their achievements reflect the talent, dedication, and commitment that characterize the Brandt School's international student body.

More than a graduation

The Farewell Ceremony also celebrated the community that accompanies students throughout their MPP journey. Families, friends, alumni, faculty, and staff came together to recognize not only academic success, but the relationships and experiences that make the Brandt School a truly international learning environment.

The event also included the presentation of the Commitment Awards, recognizing student initiatives with the potential to generate positive social impact. 

As the Class of 2026 joins the Brandt School's growing global alumni network, graduates carry with them the analytical skills, international perspectives, and practical experience developed throughout the programme. Whether pursuing careers in government, international organisations, civil society, consulting, academia, or the private sector, they leave Erfurt prepared to contribute to better public policy around the world.

The Brandt School warmly congratulates all graduates and wishes them every success in the next chapter of their personal and professional journeys.