58 Doctor’s degrees awarded

15 September 2020. Prof. Dr. Bernhard Ehrenzeller, President of the University of St.Gallen, congratulated the new doctors on their degree. “In the past few years, you trained your mind to an extent to which only few people do,” he said in his address. “But what with all the presumed superiority of scientific knowledge, do not neglect the training of your inner impartial observer, which turns you into a compassionate, empathic being and teaches you to put yourself in someone else’s position.”

Soft skills: the keys for sustainable success

The HSG President continued his speech by stating that the so-called soft skills such as the ability to work in a team, the readiness to communicate and empathy were the keys to genuine and sustainable success. “It is about this crucial human property, empathy, that I would like to devote my address to you, for I need hardly talk to you about the achievements that you will be capable of in your professional future,” said Bernhard Ehrenzeller.

Doctoral studies, he went on, were a stony path. Those who had reached the goal had learnt enough about their own limitations and potentials to tackle the next, probably no less challenging path with justified self-confidence and optimism. “Sooner or later you will be able to rise into responsible positions in society, business and academia, particularly thanks to your intellect, your extraordinary analytical skills, your capability and your tenacity,” said Bernhard Ehrenzeller and added: “Leaders who are able to empathise and understand others are also more honest towards themselves and can own up to weaknesses towards themselves and others – and only thus become open to criticism.”

The award ceremony was conducted in strict compliance with the Covid-19 code of conduct and protective measures.