The founding event of Witten/Herdecke University was opened on 30 April 1983 with the words ‘We are committed to the living spirit’. Since then, the aim has been to create a place that enables people to receive a holistic education. Concepts such as the living spirit, the esprit engagé or the Witten spirit are central to the cultural memory of this institution. For some, these terms are an expression of Witten's special character; for others, they are nothing more than an empty ideal. Regardless of how you categorise them, they are always an impetus to examine the question of what education actually means, what it should mean here at this university and, above all, what it can mean for your own development.

In discussions with founding members, students from the first semesters, alumnae and alumni as well as long-standing professors, the organisers want to explore together with the participants what it means to bring one's own spirit to life and what role the institution of Witten/Herdecke University plays in this. To kick off the series of events, founding president Konrad Schily will come to the UW/H and discuss this topic with the participants.

Over the coming weeks, he and other guests will trace personal careers, share formative experiences during their time at the university and examine the interplay between the individual and the institution. What ideas did personalities enter this institution with, what ideological impulses did they encounter here and what developments resulted from them? In this way, the past and cultural history of the university will be illuminated - not from an abstract, but from a personal perspective.

The concept of Esprit Engagé builds a bridge between the institution and the individual and enables two levels of observation: What does an institution, and in particular the institution of Witten/Herdecke University, have to achieve in order to live up to its own educational ideal? And with what mindset should I as an individual enter such an institution in order to be able to educate myself in the best possible way?

The organisers want to approach the question of what is needed in the future - on the personal level of the students and on the institutional level of the university - so that a creative commitment can be developed and Witten/Herdecke University can continue to be a place for the living spirit.