On December 4, 2025, UW/H celebrated its long-standing employees - people who together can look back on an impressive 670 years of service. 14 jubilarians were present at the ceremony and were honored by their superiors with warm, humorous and personal tributes.

The range of fields of work represented once again showed the diversity of the university: from library administration to controlling, from research funding to the post office and degree program secretariats, from clinical research and chairs in human medicine and dentistry to sustainable entrepreneurship. A colorful mix of colleagues who have contributed to the success of UW/H for many years.

Diversity of paths - diversity of people

Once again this year, the laudatory speeches provided a special look behind the scenes: an institute director who once began his professional journey as a mail carrier. A scientist who trained as a lifeguard. A colleague who lives her passion for horses. Another colleague who transports us to other worlds as an author of fantasy novels.

Once again, the superiors found creative words for the jubilarians: They were referred to as "Japanese soul", "Sherlock Holmes", "face of the department", "master of numbers", "multi-talented" or "creative workhorse" - affectionate honorary titles that reveal something about the individual's personality, commitment and special role within the university.

Numbers that tell a story

A total of 36 people were honored for their many years of service to UW/H: 11 employees for 10 years, 10 employees for 15 years, 4 employees for 20 years, 5 employees for 25 years, 2 employees for 30 years, 3 employees for 35 years, 1 employee for 40 years. An impressive sign of continuity, reliability and great solidarity.

In his speech, Chancellor Jan Peter Nonnenkamp emphasized how stable the university is developing in a challenging environment: "UW/H has been in the black for twelve years. It is developing well in an environment that is not so good." However, his most important message followed immediately: "The greatest asset we have is not in the figures. That is you!"

Three thanks from the President

To conclude, President Prof. Dr. Martin Butzlaff expressed his heartfelt threefold thanks: To the employees for their many years of dedicated, reliable and valuable service. To the laudatory speakers for their appreciative, attentive and caring words, which every year open up a new view into the history, personalities and hearts of the colleagues. To the HR department, especially Hannah Kurzer, for the perfect preparation and organization of this special celebration.

At the end, all those celebrating received flowers and warm applause - a festive moment for people who have shaped, developed and held UW/H together for many years.