On October 3, 2025, the academic inauguration ceremony for the rectorate and the 30th anniversary of the University for Continuing Education Krems took place in the Audimax. A high-profile audience attended the ceremony, including National Council President Walter Rosenkranz; Federal Minister for Women, Science, and Research Eva-Maria Holzleitner; and Governor of Lower Austria Johanna Mikl-Leitner.
Since its opening in 1995, the University of Krems has established itself as the leading public university for continuing education in Europe. As the only public university for continuing education in the German-speaking countries, it specializes in academic continuing education for working professionals. With its expertise in teaching and research, it works to overcome societal challenges.
A look back at the academic ceremony
View a summary of the speeches and interviews from the academic ceremony.
The video recordings are in German. To translate the content, go to “Settings” (the gear icon at the bottom right of the screen), then “Untertitel/Subtitles,” then “Automatisch übersetzen/Translate automatically,” and select the desired language.
Click here to browse through the photo gallery of the academic ceremony.
Rector emeritus Friedrich Faulhammer handed over the chain of office to the new rector, Viktoria Weber.
Ceremonial entrance of the rectors, vice rectors, and officials into the Audimax of the University for Continuing Education Krems.
ORF-Moderator Tarek Leitner lead the audience through the program.
In his opening speech, Rector Emeritus Faulhammer emphasized that since its founding in 1995, the university has distinguished itself as the only public university for continuing education in the German-speaking countries and a leader in Europe.
Numerous high-ranking guests were in attendance. The event was also broadcast via online stream.
Interview with Federal Minister for Women, Science, and Research Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Governor of Lower Austria Johanna Mikl-Leitner, and Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf
Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner explained: "As Minister of Science and Women's Affairs, I am particularly pleased that Viktoria Weber is the first woman to head the University for Continuing Education Krems. Together with her team, the new rector will continue to develop the university with courage, creativity, and responsibility—as a bridge between science and practice, from digitalization and sustainability to health and social cohesion. Together, we are committed to ensuring that education and research benefit everyone and that no one is left behind."
Daniel Varro, Vice-Rector for Financial Affairs and Sustainable Development, and Stefan Oppl, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, in conversation
The musical backdrop for the ceremony was provided by the brass ensemble quinTTTonic. The young musicians completed various courses of study at one of the world's most renowned music universities, the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW).
In her inaugural speech, Viktoria Weber emphasized that it was obvious that continuing education strengthened the republic's innovative power, competitiveness, and prosperity. This also required broad access for the population to quality-assured academic continuing education in the interests of social mobility.
Following the academic ceremony, the university invited guests to Kloster UND for a closing reception.
President of the National Council Walter Rosenkranz, Rector Emeritus Friedrich Faulhammer, Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Rector Viktoria Weber, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, and Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf
Rector Viktoria Weber and the two Vice-Rectors Daniel Varro (left) and Stefan Oppl (right)
Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Rector Viktoria Weber, and Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner
Maximilian Richter (Federal Ministry for Women, Science, and Research), Brigitte Hütter (President of the Austrian Universities Conference uniko), Rector Viktoria Weber, and Ulrike Prommer (President of the Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences Conference)
Rudolf Mallinger (Karl Landsteiner Private University), Ulrike Prommer (IMC Krems), Rector Viktoria Weber, and Mayor of Krems Peter Molnar
Rector Viktoria Weber with the deans and deputy deans
Martina Höllbacher, Chair of the University Council, Rector Viktoria Weber, Anja Grebe, Chair of the Senate, and Maximilian Veichtlbauer, Chair of the Austrian Student Union at the University of Krems
Rector Viktoria Weber and Rector Emeritus Friedrich Faulhammer
Speeches
Watch the welcome address by Rector Emeritus Faulhammer here. In view of the growing importance of academic continuing education, Faulhammer called for continuing education study programs to be made more accessible in social terms. He advocated reopening access to master's programs in continuing education for qualified persons with professional experience, using the quality-assured validation instruments already provided for in the Universities Act.
In her inaugural speech, Rector Weber emphasized the role of universities in encouraging students to view uncertainty not as a deficit but as an opportunity to shape their future.
Greetings / Conversations
The Federal Minister for Women, Science, and Research, Eva-Maria Holzleitner, the Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, and the Deputy Governor for Energy, Science, and Agriculture, Stephan Pernkopf, discuss the international, national, and regional significance of academic continuing education with Tarek Leitner. Watch a recording of the conversation here.
Martina Höllbacher, Chair of the University Council, Anja Grebe, Chair of the Senate, and Maximilian Veichtlbauer, Chair of the Student Union at UWK, discuss future challenges for the new Rectorate from the perspective of key university boards.
In conversation: Stefan Oppl, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, and Daniel Varro, Vice Rector for Financial Affairs and Sustainable Development. The two Vice Rectors of the University for Continuing Education Krems provide insight into the strategic and content orientation of the new Rectorate.
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