Renee Oymann, a student from Moers, Germany, is set to graduate from Temple University with a degree in economics, according to an April 15 announcement. Oymann said she will continue her studies at Goethe University Frankfurt, where she plans to pursue a master’s degree in international economics and economic policy.
Oymann said she chose Temple University because of its women’s fencing team and the opportunity it provided to combine sports with academics. “I learned about Temple through its women’s fencing team. I came to the U.S. to fence because I knew there was an opportunity in this country to combine sports and academics,” Oymann said.
She explained that her interest in economics was influenced by her parents’ work in the industry and her desire to address societal challenges. “I’ve always found it interesting how economics gives you the tools to solve complex problems. Through economics, I want to make a positive impact by tackling challenges society is facing,” Oymann said.
Reflecting on her time at Temple, Oymann credited the fencing team for helping her adjust and thrive during her studies. “In my first year here, I wasn’t sure if I was going to stay. I had never been to the U.S., Philadelphia or Temple, so I came in not knowing anything. But the fencing team transformed my experience. I now have 17 best friends to guide me through my everyday life… The fencing team is a big reason I’m going to miss Temple so much,” she said.
A significant moment for Oymann was participating in a Public Policy Lab challenge focused on health policy issues affecting Philadelphia mothers. She described working with a teammate on proposals addressing maternal mortality rates and disparities impacting Black mothers: “As two women, we’re driven to advocate for women’s fundamental rights and critical healthcare needs.” Their proposal placed third among five finalist teams.
Looking ahead, Oymann indicated that these experiences solidified her ambition of working in economic policy.
