Graduation celebrations for the MEG16’s

Every MEG generation brings something unique and special to the program, but the MEG16’s generation in particular are a generation like no other.

The first, and hopefully last, cohort to spend the majority of their studies living and learning under the tightest COVID-19 regulations, the MEG16’s had to dig deep, innovate and show tremendous spirit in order to make their experience the best it could be.

But despite the enforced isolations, online lectures, digital excursions, and many other COVID-19-induced challenges to their MEG experience, the 16th generation rose above and beyond what was expected of them both inside and outside of the (digital-)classroom. 

So it was with even greater pride that friends and family gathered together to celebrate the graduation of this extraordinary cohort.

A glitzy event, self-organised by the MEGgies themselves, took place at the beautiful Historischer Peterhof building in Freiburg, attended by Meggies old and new, faculty staff, and those nearest and dearest to the graduates. Many were able to head to Freiburg for the event and an online stream was provided for those who could not attend in person.

MEG 16 students hosted the event themselves, with key features including awards that celebrated the unique nature of each MEG 16 student, a game of guess who based on baby photos, delicious homemade food (baked by the MEG 16s themselves), heartfelt speeches from both faculty heads and the students themselves, and of course the obligatory MEG afterparty (featuring karaoke).

Key moments of the MEG 16s journey were recalled, as well as many of their iconic successes, such as the formation of the Spirit Committee and MEG Walkabouts to counter the darkest days of the pandemic, and the running of an online guest speaker series that provided insights from experts doing key work around the world.  

The MEG16s have given all generations after them both a high bar to meet, and a source of true inspiration for what we can do when we pull together and use our collective strengths to make the world - even just a little bit - better.

As the MEG16’s look ahead to the next chapter of their lives, we wish them the very best of luck and cannot wait to see what they will achieve next.