Campus - 09.05.2025 - 19:00
“As a leading business university, we see it as our task to strengthen the importance of entrepreneurship for business and science and to promote innovation in the best possible way,” emphasised President Manuel Ammann in his speech.
Google, Apple and Microsoft – companies that are among the most valuable in the world today – demonstrate how important it is to combine innovative technologies with entrepreneurial know-how. In order for a business idea to succeed in the market, it needs innovators who are familiar with both science and business – and who are willing to take risks and invest time and money in new ideas, explained President Manuel Ammann.
The promotion of talented students and entrepreneurship has a long tradition at the University of St.Gallen. Numerous founders have taken their first steps here. In recent years, hundreds of start-ups have been established at HSG, over 160 of which bear the official HSG Spin-off Label, said Manuel Ammann. HSG intends to further expand this commitment. He presented the two new excellence programmes that will start in the autumn semester of 2025 and 2026 respectively: The ‘HSG Best Talents Programme’ is aimed at prospective Master's students. The ‘HSG Best Founders Programme’ is aimed at prospective founders with a connection to HSG.
“What does it mean to be a student in the current climate?” Lisa Militi, President of the Student Union, answered this question in her speech. Studying at HSG is demanding – deadlines, lectures, group work, short breaks in the student café [ad]hoc. In times of polarisation and division, however, the university is also a precious place for dialogue that must be protected. She cited the 54th St. Gallen Symposium, which had ended the day before, as an impressive example of academic exchange that brings people together.
The Student Union (SHSG) then presented the Mentor Award to Dr Marc Meyer, Dean of Studies and Academic Affairs at HSG for the past 10 years. Prof. Dr Karolin Frankenberger was named best lecturer and received a star in the Hall of Teaching Fame. The SHSG presented the Student Engagement Award for the first time this year. The student association oikos St.Gallen inspires HSG students with events on sustainability topics.
At the Dies ceremony, individuals who have rendered outstanding services to HSG are also appointed Honorary Senators. This year, Christen Sveaas, founder and CEO of the Norwegian investment company Kistefos AS, was honoured. As an alumnus, he is involved in the HSG Advisory Board. A passionate art collector, he donated the sculpture ‘Ourea’ by British artist Tony Cragg to HSG, which has been displayed in front of SQUARE since 2021.
The honorary doctorates were awarded to:
Sieglinde Geisel is a journalist, author, editor and writing coach. On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the University of St.Gallen, she wrote the commemorative publication, in which she wove together numerous stories and faces of HSG into a portrait. The honorary doctorate was awarded to her by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS-HSG).
Prof. Dr. Isabella Grabner is a renowned scientist in the field of management accounting. The BYU Accounting Ranking named her the best European researcher in her field for the period 2018-2023. The honorary doctorate was awarded to her by the School of Management (SOM-HSG).
Prof. Dr. Beata Javorcik, PhD. is an expert in international trade and development economics. The Chief Economist of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is the first woman to hold this position. The honorary doctorate was awarded to her by the School of Economics and Political Science (SEPS-HSG)
Prof. Dr. Mark Pieth, lawyer and former head of the Economic Crime Section at the Federal Office of Justice, is committed to fighting white-collar crime. He has shaped initiatives such as the UN Task Force on Money Laundering and the OECD Working Group on Bribery. In 1993, he was appointed professor ordinarius of criminal law at HSG. The honorary doctorate was awarded to him by the Law School (LS-HSG).
The Fondation Latsis Internationale honours young researchers at selected universities in Switzerland every year. This year, the Latsis Prize goes to Prof. Dr. Martin Wolf, an expert in international macroeconomics. In January 2025, he received the SNSF Starting Grant for his research project in the field of monetary policy and economic growth.
The HSG Impact Award is presented by the University of St. Gallen to HSG researchers whose projects make a particularly valuable contribution to society. This year's awards go to:
Further information about the celebration day can be found at: hsg.ch/dies
Images: Hannes Thalmann
