40 years of friendship: HAK-Krem graduation meeting in Fels Castle

40 years of friendship: HAK-Krem graduation meeting in Fels Castle

School years are often the beginning of friendships that last a lifetime. This was proven by the participants at the 40th Matura meeting of the Higher Education Institute for Economic Professions (HAK) Krems, which took place on October 25, 2024 in the picturesque Fels Castle am Wagram. The former classmates have not only developed further over the last 45 years, but have also become successful in various professions.

The high school graduates said goodbye to each other with a diploma 40 years ago and have celebrated their reunion every five years since then. At such a meeting you not only risk looking back on many shared memories, but also discuss current topics and challenges in life. It is always impressive to see the paths in life that former classmates have taken, as evidenced by a former classmate who, after becoming paralyzed due to a tumor, wrote books, including his remarkable biography “How does cow shit get on the roof”.

Personal concerns and successes

During the meeting, participants were able to have more in-depth conversations. Leo Baumberger, a dairy farmer from St. Oswald, raised his concerns about the negotiations between NÖM and SPAR. These have currently led to a delivery stop, and Baumberger emphasized the need for fair remuneration for mountain farmers' milk, especially given the increasing demands on animal welfare.

The joy of meeting again was accompanied by lively conversations, especially by the excellent wine served by Fels Castle. Incidentally, this is also offered in SPAR stores far beyond Austria's borders, which made the meeting not only a culinary but also a business experience.

The atmosphere was characterized by nostalgia and a sense of community. Almost everyone present looked back on more than just one time at school. Klaus Wandl and Franz Kramer, who were in the same class and at the boarding school as Leo Baumberger, were enthusiastic about each other as they talked about old times and exchanged news.

Embedded in this exchange are also the reviews of successes. So there was great joy when you found out about old school friends who had embarked on remarkable careers; be it as a high-ranking advisor in the ministry or as a committed employee in the Red Cross.

The Matura meeting was not only a celebration of old friendships, but also a platform for personal concerns, successes and the life that has been lived over the last decades. A meeting that once again strengthens the bond of friendship that was once forged and reaffirms the confidence that we will see each other again soon.