Approximately 450 first-year students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) celebrated the start of their studies in an unusual way last Monday. At Europa-Park, Germany's largest theme park, they spent the day at the invitation of owner Dr.-Ing. h.c. Roland Mack. The attractions offered an inspiring blend of engineering expertise and inventive spirit for the aspiring engineers.
Tradition of the First-Year Welcome
This special welcome event took place for the 13th time. The close relationship between KIT, MACK Rides, and Europa-Park aims to promote young talent in engineering.
Quote from Europa-Park Owner Roland Mack
Europa-Park owner Roland Mack emphasized the tradition of the first-year welcome. In addition to the impressions and experiences in the park, the students gain valuable insights into practical applications of research and teaching. Qualified mechanical engineers are central to the economy. He is delighted with the long-standing collaboration with KIT and hopes it will inspire more young people, especially women, to pursue mechanical engineering.
Quote from Dean Professor Christoph Stiller
Professor Christoph Stiller, dean of the KIT Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, highlighted the special experience of the welcome at Europa-Park. He thanked alumnus and honorary doctor Dr. Roland Mack for his sustained commitment. The studies provide the engineer's toolkit, with a high emphasis on linking theory and practice. The students get to experience fundamental mechanisms of mechanical engineering right at the start of their studies with plenty of fun.
The Tower Challenge
After speeches and spectacular show performances by Europa-Park artists, the aspiring engineers put their skills to the test. The challenge involved constructing the tallest possible freestanding tower, known as the "Euro-Tower." Only spaghetti and marshmallows served as building materials. This task required creativity and technical understanding. After 30 minutes of tinkering, discussing, and assembling, one group achieved a height of over 140 centimeters.
Discovery Tour and Backstage Insights
Afterward, the aspiring engineers explored Europa-Park on a discovery tour. The winning team of the tower challenge received an exclusive backstage tour. They gained exciting insights into the technical processes behind the scenes at the park.
