Earns highest marks in Engineering in Paper Technology basic studies program at Munich University of Applied Sciences
On July 29, 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 for the seventeenth time at the Munich University of Applied Sciences. The grant was presented for the seventeenth time in conjunction with the closing ceremonies for the school's Master of Engineering in Paper Technology program, which is headed by Prof. Dr. Stephan Kleemann. The winner, Michael Zirm, received the traditional award for having achieved the highest marks in the basic studies program.
From left to right: Professor Stephan Kleemann, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Head of the Engineering in Paper Technology program, Michael Zirm, winner of the 2016 Huyck.Wangner Talent Award and Ernst Kerschhofer, Vice President Sales & Services Xerium EMEA
After receiving a vocational college certificate in conjunction with a dual study program at Schoeller Technocell GmbH & Co. KG in Günzach, Germany, Michael Zirm enrolled in the Engineering in Paper Technology program at the University of Munich for the 2015 winter semester, with the help of a scholarship from his employer. During his apprenticeship, he also earned an advanced technical college certificate at the Gernsbach papermaker school. This year's award winner had no difficulty choosing Munich as the place to study. For one, the university's paper technology faculty has gained an outstanding global reputation thanks to its practice oriented and increasingly international approach. In addition, former apprentices at Schoeller Technocell who had also studied in Munich and serve as excellent role models recommended this path. And of course, fellow students he knows from his apprenticeship days, the appeal of the Bavarian capital, with its countless recreational opportunities, and naturally, the proximity to his home in the Allgäu, were also all key factors that influenced his decision.
As the top graduate of the "Engineering in Paper Technology" basic studies course, Michael Zirm beat out his nearest rival by just five one-hundredths, earning an average grade of 1.71 and thereby capturing the Huyck.Wangner Talent Award valued at 1500 euro. The award not only tops up the student's bank account, but above all serves as motivation to tackle the second half of his studies with equally strong enthusiasm. Furthermore, as seen at the closing ceremonies, former award recipients have the set the bar quite high: Marcel Prinz, Huyck.Wangner prize winner in 2013, had the highest marks of all graduates of the Bachelor's program; after winning the 2011 basic studies award, Lars Gaida received the Palm Award this year for top Master's graduate, and Sebastian Porkert, who received the Huyck.Wangner award in 2006 and was honored as the top graduate of the class of 2009, added a doctorate to the list of winners' degrees.
In his speech at the award ceremony, Ernst Kerschhofer, Vice President Sales & Services Xerium EMEA, emphasized the importance of the paper engineering program in view of the high demand for recruits in the paper industry. But he also stressed that all of the paper technology knowledge the students have acquired so far is only the kick-off for their careers. Ever-advancing digitization and the associated papermaking complexity (ref: paper mill 4.0) makes it essential for graduates to familiarize themselves with changes in the sector, new technologies and products and to continuously further their education. He recommends that budding papermakers also pay considerable attention to a harmonious work environment, excellent team spirit, a collegial approach and responsible employee management, all of which are equally important success factors. In his closing remarks, he thanked Professor Kleemann and his faculty colleagues for not only providing their students with a solid foundation in paper technology, but also offering them outstanding prerequisites for a promising start to their careers thanks to the school's established networks with industry and trade associations.