CommunicationPublished on 1 November 2024

Unforgettable student days in Magglingen: SFISM's 2024 graduation ceremony

All dressed up and glowing with pride, 52 students received their diplomas: 26 Master of Science in Sports with a Specialisation in Elite Sport and 26 Bachelor of Science SFISM in Sports. Ralph Stöckli, director of Swiss Olympic's Olympic Games department and himself a former student in Magglingen, gave the keynote speech. Entertainment was provided in the form of music by the duo Matchenko and videos showcasing the students’ athletic prowess.

The Sport-Toto-Halle in its festive outfit — © BASPO

That evening the new graduates appeared in elegant robes instead of their usual training attire, with the Sport-Toto gymnasium also transformed for the ceremony. Carolina Oggenfuss, head of education and head of the Bachelor's degree programme, and SFISM lecturer Urs Rüdisühli hosted the evening with their usual well-trained flair.

The ceremony marked the end of an intense period together. The graduates had completed both theoretical and practical education, passed demanding exams and undergone high-intensity sport training – learning, performing and laughing together. The video sequences gave proof of this, inspiring amazement and laughter in equal measure. One thing is clear: the graduates will not forget their student days in Magglingen.

Ralph Stöckli, former Magglingen student

SFISM rector Dr Urs Mäder welcomed the guests and gave the floor to Ralph Stöckli, director of Swiss Olympic's Olympic Games department and head of Switzerland's Paris 2024 Olympic delegation. Mr Stöckli entertained his listeners with anecdotes about his student days at Magglingen. He talked about the Talent Treff Tenero (3T), an event that Swiss Olympic organises twice a year in which students from Magglingen also help to lead training sessions, which inspired him to work to promote Swiss sport on a daily basis. He encouraged the new graduates to pass on their passion for sport as well.

Best thesis awards

The time finally came for the highly anticipated diploma presentation: the Master's graduates were up first, followed by the Bachelor's. Awards were also given for the top two Bachelor's and Master's theses. The winners briefly answered questions on their thesis topics.

Students take centre stage

Musical interludes by Seeland duo Matchenko provided a change of pace, along with student contributions. Leonie Christen read a text on behalf of the 2021–24 graduating class of Bachelor's degree students, while Alessia Strebel and Nadine Rappo showed a video they had created that gave the audience a taste of their time at university.

Once again this year, the SFISM Alumni honoured a student for exceptional community engagement during their studies. Cinthya Hayoz was chosen as the winner by her fellow students. Nadja Schneider, Vito Gonzalez, John Felber and Noé Kaech showed off their skills in three challenge videos. The students took centre stage on this special evening – just as it should be at a graduation ceremony.

Recipients of a Master of Science Sports with Specialisation in Elite Sports (26):

Abächerli Livio, Bern; Ammann Simon, Oberrieden; Antille Jason, Embrach; Appenzeller Robine Léa, Wetzikon; Bohren Maël, St-Triphon; Brügger Stefan, Plaffeien; Caflisch Mauro, Samedan; Dähler Jonas, Thun; Fleury Mathieu, Bassecourt; Häni William, Fribourg; Kurz Tabea, Bürgstadt; Landolt Anita, Näfels; Lüthi Emmanuelle, Le Noirmont; Magyar Pascal, Aarau; Matti Thibaut, Monthey; Müller Dario, Biel; Neuenschwander Luc, Liebefeld; Neuenschwander Jonas, St-Imier; Nussbaumer Lina, Brunnen; Ricciardi Alessio, Frauenfeld; Staub Ivo, Bern; Vallat Gaëtan, Porrentruy; von Niederhäusern Stefan, Muttenz; Weber Pascal, Bern; Werro Lukas, Basel; Wigger Jana, Luzern.

Recipients of a Bachelor of Science SFISM in Sports (26):

Bartok Jakub, Spreitenbach; Besson Guy-Patrick, Chézard-St-Martin; Christen Leonie, Altdorf; Dietrich Sebastian, Schlatt; Felber John Julian, Luzern; Frehner Roy, Dübendorf; Girardi Thomas, Saignelégier; Giudici Sonny, Bellinzona; Gschwend Alex, St. Gallen; Hartmeier Patrik, Aarau Rohr; Hayoz Cinthya, Oberschrot; Hofer Jens, Aarberg; Howald Carole, Langenthal; Hug Julien, Gland; Leuthold Kilian, Grandcour; Pichler Ladina, Wittenbach; Rappo Nadine, Oberschrot; Rechsteiner Ruven, Biel/Bienne; Schneider Nadja, Steinhausen; Spicher Reto, Zumholz; Steiner Andrin, Rehetobel; Strauss Fabio, Siblingen; Strebel Alessia, St.Urban; Studer Benedikt, Sursee; Wildermuth Andrea, Wald; Winter Sandro Andrin, Kaisten.