Over 10,000 people – students, alumni, WU employees, and area residents – came to Campus WU over the course of the day to celebrate the end of the academic year together.

As every year, visitors were in for a treat, with a colorful program for all ages and interests: From the ORF Kasperltheater puppet show for our little guests to the WU Tigers athletics program on the campus lawn and the Start-Up Challenge in the WU Entrepreneurship Center to our 2025 highlight, the live performances of KTEE, Megan, and Tagtraeumer on the festival stage in front of the LC building.

A festive mood overshadowed by tragic events

However, the party atmosphere was clouded by the school shooting that had taken place in Graz only a few days earlier. In memory of the victims and everyone affected, WU Rector Rupert Sausgruber opened the Summer Celebration with a few words about this tragic incident. “We decided not to call off our Summer Celebration. It was a deliberate decision – but by no means an easy one. We believe that it is very important today to stand together as a community, and with our Summer Celebration, we want to send out a message and create a moment where we’re there for each other and express our gratitude for what unites us,” Sausgruber said.

A minute of silence was therefore observed at 7:10 pm – the artist KTEE paused her stage performance to commemorate the victims of the Graz shooting together with the audience.

Fun and enjoyment until the late hours of the evening

Throughout the Summer Festival, the summery weather created a true party atmosphere among the attendees, and the visitors enjoyed treats and activities at the food court, the sponsor booths, and the different stands, got together with friends and colleagues on Campus WU, partied together, and enjoyed the live music. As Tagtraeumer entered the stage for their second appearance on the WU Summer Celebration since 2017, the members of the audience were holding up lights and phones to illuminate Campus WU, and after this performance, the WU Summer Festival drew to a successful conclusion in the late hours of the evening.

We would like to thank all WU employees, the organizers, and our sponsors, whose invaluable support makes it possible for us to host our free annual Summer Celebration for all members of the WU community. We’re already looking forward to 2026, when we hope to see all of you again at our next Summer Celebration on Campus WU!