Graduation & Opening Ceremony – M.A. Olympic Studies

On Sunday, 28 September 2025, the Institute for Sport History at the German Sport University Cologne (GSU) hosted a special double event: the graduation ceremony for alumni from previous cohorts of the M.A. Olympic Studies and the official opening of the 10th intake of programme.

The evening was opened by Prof. Ansgar Thiel, President of the German Sport University Cologne (GSU), who underlined the importance of the programme for the university and extended his best wishes to both the graduates and the new students.

Following this, Prof. Stephan Wassong, Director of the programme, welcomed the guests, the 11 graduates and the 32 new students. In his speech, he highlighted the international diversity of the programme and the unique way in which graduation and a new beginning were brought together in this celebration.

After the opening remarks, Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski, Executive Board Member of the IOC warmly congratulated the graduates and welcomed the new students to the programme in a video message.

At the Graduation Ceremony, the President of the GSU presented the diplomas as part of the graduation ceremony and Mr. Francesco Ricci Bitti (Honor Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Honorary Life President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF)), handed over the Pierre de Coubertin medals.

The evening concluded with a festive dinner, offering an opportunity for graduates, new students and guests to celebrate together and exchange ideas in a convivial atmosphere.

See more photos of the event here.