Awarding ceremony for best basic studies in Engineering Paper Technology at Munich University of Applied Sciences
For the sixteenth time, Xerium Technologies Inc., one of the world's leading suppliers of paper machine clothing and roll technology, awarded its 1500-euro Huyck.Wangner talent prize in conjunction with the closing ceremonies held on July 31 at the Munich University of Applied Sciences. The grant was presented together with Prof. Dr. Stephan Kleemann, head of the school's Master of Engineering in Paper Technology program. Georg Goldbrunner was the recipient of this year's traditional prize for best performance in the basic study period.
From left to right:Ernst Kerschhofer, Vice President Sales & Services Xerium EMEA, this year's talent award winner Georg Goldbrunner and Professor Stephan Kleemann, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Head of the Process Engineering for Paper and Packaging program
After graduating from secondary school in 2011, the 24-year-old, who stems from Weilheim, Upper Bavaria, took a year off to backpack across Australia, before enrolling in a paper technologies apprenticeship program at UPM's Schongau paper mill in 2012. After completing his apprenticeship in 2014, he began a work-study program at the mill, one of the largest and most modern papermaking companies in Europe. In parallel, he enrolled in the Engineering Paper Technology program at the Munich University of Applied Sciences.
Receiving the Huyck Wangner Talent Prize 2015 reflects not only his outstanding performance at the top of his basic studies, but also his passion for and huge interest in paper and papermaking. Georg Goldbrunner is also a battered fan of the traditional TSV 1860 soccer club in Munich. Toughened by the performance of the Löwen (lions, as the team is known locally), which in recent years has had its ups and downs and demanded a lot of staying power from its fans, he remains optimistic about his future in spite of gloomy predictions about the future of paper, and is full of conviction as he plugs away at his aim to become a papermaker.
After all, the unanimous view regarding future career prospects for budding paper engineers expressed by graduates, professors, industry and association representatives at the closing ceremonies last July was: "Outstanding!" In fact, there was an even stronger call than usual for more new recruits, who are essential to the paper industry's future. Here is what Ernst Kerschhofer, Vice President Sales & Services Xerium EMEA, had to say as he handed over the prize: "Paper is and will remain a modern, sustainable product, and blends wonderfully with the new digital world. It is well worth the effort to keep it fit for the future by bringing new knowledge and ideas to the table." In closing, he thanked Professor Kleemann, who together with his team is creating ideal conditions for ensuring a promising future for up and coming paper engineers. The development of the Master's program, "Engineering in Paper Technology", holds special promise. It is currently a one-of-a-kind dual-study program offered in the English language in close collaboration with American universities and is recognized throughout Europe. This year for the first time, the number of participants graduating with a Master's degree (14) was even higher than those receiving a Bachelor's (12).