HomeComing 2026: Reunions, Memories and Milestones

Some paths lead back. Back to places we leave behind, but in truth never truly leave behind. That’s exactly what the FH Kufstein Tirol’s HomeComing 2026 impressively demonstrated: Over 300 guests accepted the invitation to return to their alma mater and transformed the campus into a place full of memories, encounters, and new stories. This year’s event focused particularly on the university’s first graduates, who returned to the place where they studied 25 years after graduating.

Special Anniversaries

The festivities kicked off with an anniversary celebration for alumni marking the tenth, twentieth, or—for the first time—twenty-fifth anniversary of their graduation or semester abroad. The guests were welcomed by the university’s executive director, Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch, who emphasized the importance of the alumni network and the close ties many graduates maintain with their university. At 7:00 p.m., the campus finally opened its doors to graduates from all graduating classes and numerous other guests.

This year, the first graduating classes of the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences in Tyrol celebrated a special anniversary. The students from the Facility Management class of ’97 and the International Business Studies (now: International Business Management) class of ’97 graduated in 2001 and looked back on a quarter-century of shared history at the Homecoming event.

Founder Recalls

Among them was Prof. KommR Walter J. Mayr, MBA, founder of the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences in Tyrol. For him, reuniting with so many colleagues was a moving moment. Mayr recalled the university’s early days, which were marked by a great deal of persuasion, courage, and personal dedication.
 

While the vision from the outset was for FH Kufstein Tirol to develop into an internationally connected university of applied sciences, witnessing this development over the past 29 years fills him with particular pride, as he explains in the interview.

International Solidarity Across Borders

In addition to the anniversary classes, another first this year provided some special moments: For the first time, former international exchange students took part in Homecoming.

One of them was Daria Aparina. Born in Russia, she originally came to the university of applied sciences for one semester but extended her stay to a full academic year. Today she lives in Kufstein and still looks back on her time at the university with great gratitude.

"LIKE AN ANCHOR TO ME"

“That was the best, happiest coincidence of my life,” Aparina says, looking back. She was particularly shaped by the openness of the people, the support from students and staff, and the international atmosphere. “FH Kufstein Tirol remains an anchor for me to this day.”

For Aparina, returning to Homecoming was therefore much more than just an ordinary visit. She wanted to relive the feeling that had first brought her to Kufstein ten years ago. “Yes, that feeling came back right away,” she said during the event.

Christoph Reimer, a graduate of the ERP Systems & Business Process Management program, is another example of just how formative the college experience remains for many graduates. For him, the college is still associated with special memories to this day.

“When I think back on Kufstein University of Applied Sciences in Tyrol and my time as a student there, it feels like a family to me,” said Reimer. He particularly appreciated the communication on an equal footing, the support from faculty and staff, and the strong sense of community within the university. The Homecoming is therefore an ideal opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and relive old memories.

For Jennifer Könneker, BA, Alumni & Corporate Relations Expert and the person primarily responsible for organizing the Homecoming, the event was a particular success: “The atmosphere was excellent, the joy of reuniting was palpable everywhere, and the interest in the development of the Kufstein Tirol University of Applied Sciences was impressive. This was evident not least in the high demand for campus tours. In my nine years at the university, this was the best HomeComing I’ve ever experienced.”

More Than Just an Alumni Reunion

Year after year, events like Homecoming show that the connection to FH Kufstein Tirol extends far beyond graduation. Many alumni remain connected to the university as industry partners, faculty members, or valuable networking partners. Others simply come back to relive memories and reconnect with former classmates.Year after year, events like Homecoming show that the connection to FH Kufstein Tirol extends far beyond graduation. Many alumni remain connected to the university as industry partners, faculty members, or valuable networking partners. Others simply come back to relive memories and reconnect with former classmates.

Once again, it became clear that the university’s history is not just about buildings, degree programs, or statistics. Above all, it is brought to life by the people who have shaped it—and who, even many years later, are always happy to return.

Regional partners such as Gruber’s from Angerberg, PURE, and Fotoschmiede Tirol helped create a festive atmosphere.

Links:

• HomeComing | Event Series