20 Years – 20 Personal Moments

Rector of the University of Bremen

“Over the past 20 years, the Alumni Association of the University of Bremen has connected graduates with their university. Emerging from an initiative within the university, it has developed into a vibrant network that keeps generations of alumni in contact with one another and with their alma mater—locally, across Germany, and internationally.

The Alumni Association contributes to strengthening the exchange between the university, society, and Bremen as a hub for science. With their diverse experiences, perspectives, and contacts, our alumni accompany the development of the University of Bremen—engaged, interested, and offering constructive criticism. This interest and sense of connection are of great value to the university.

My sincere thanks go to all those who have built, shaped, and further developed this network over the past years. I warmly congratulate the Alumni Association of the University of Bremen on its 20th anniversary and wish it continued success in the future.”

Founding Member

“I warmly congratulate the Alumni Association on its 20th anniversary and look back with great pleasure on its beginnings.

What once started as a shared idea among committed members has today become a vibrant network that connects people with the University of Bremen and fosters exchange across generations.

It is a pleasure to see how positively this community has developed over the past two decades.”
 

Founding Member

“In 2006, I considered the decision by Rector Wilfried Müller to establish the Alumni Association as an institution formally independent of the university—rather than as an internal department—both courageous and far-sighted. At the time, there had already been an alumni structure within the university for some time, organized by Sigrid Schneider-Gerwien, the then managing director, with events mainly within the individual departments, which continues in a similar form today. However, it had no external presence.

Wilfried Müller’s idea was to anchor graduates in an independent association within the civic society of the city. The aim was to strengthen the university’s public visibility, to communicate its concerns more clearly through its alumni, and thereby to build broader support for its goals in teaching and research.

Over the past 20 years, there have been many special moments—one of the most significant was, of course, our founding. It created a wonderful sense of new beginnings; we had many ideas and experimented with a wide range of formats. Some were short-lived trials (such as a surprisingly well-attended dance tea!), while others have endured, such as special lectures or the annual summer festival. It was also a great experience to celebrate the university’s Excellence status and other milestones of the university and its institutes, which we highlighted along the way.

For me, having studied elsewhere and only completed my doctorate in Bremen—and therefore having had limited insight into university life—this was a wonderful opportunity to get to know my ‘second university’ better and to meet alumni from entirely different disciplines. It was a great pleasure from the very beginning, and that has remained true to this day.

I wish the Alumni Association, which I have had the privilege of accompanying for over 20 years, continued steady growth in the years to come and, as in the past, always engaged management and board members with many good ideas. May they continue to guide it through changing times and challenges, and consistently seize opportunities for its further development in line with our shared goals.”
 

Supporting Member

“As the Bremer Heimstiftung, we are committed to the Alumni Association of the University of Bremen because the connection between academia and practice is important to us.

The exchange within this network provides valuable impulses for our work and supports us in recruiting skilled professionals. We are pleased to be part of this network.”

Sponsored Project

“We are very pleased that the Alumni Association has been supporting our B-Human robot soccer team for many years, thereby helping to cover part of our students’ travel costs to international competitions.”

Member

“At Open Campus 2019, I ran into a fellow geosciences student with his family. After completing my master’s degree in 2012, it was a wonderful surprise. The campus connects people across time.

A network that lasts.”

Member

“For me, being a member of the association primarily means staying connected. For many, the time spent studying is one of the most formative phases of life—and that is certainly true for me as well.

The Alumni Association offers a wonderful opportunity to connect the past and the present."

Member

“Make active use of the network.”

Alumni meet alumni—this is the idea our network lives by. Whether in Bremen or elsewhere, in person or online: numerous events connect you with other alumni. This also includes networking events hosted by companies or organisations that feel connected to us.
 

Member

“I only studied at the newly established University of Bremen for three semesters from 1973 to 1975, but those were intense times! There were only about 2,000 students back then. To this day, I still enjoy hearing and reading about this remarkable development. Congratulations!”

Mitglied

"My time at the University of Bremen shaped my scientific identity and global outlook. One of my most formative experiences was the close mentorship and open research culture, which strengthened my confidence as an independent researcher and educator.The interdisciplinary environment continues to influence how I approach science and collaboration today. 

The international nature of the university, despite being a German institution, is unique. Attached is a picture of my class showing diversity, taken in 2016."
 

Member

“We were in MIER02 in Department 7 at the time. Prof. Dr. Sell and Prof. Dr. Wohlmuth organized a study trip to Belarus to visit the Technical University of Minsk. I am the student with the longer hair.

A fond memory.”
 

Member

“My seven years at the University of Bremen laid the foundation for my career. Today, I work as a Senior Quality Expert in the field of battery cell transformation at the Volkswagen Group.

My exciting role involves supporting the transfer of advanced Chinese battery cell manufacturing technology directly to Germany in order to drive forward the mobility transition. The precision and structured thinking I learned in Bremen help me every day in building these technological bridges.

Congratulations on the 20th anniversary, Alumni Bremen!

I am proud to be part of this network and to help shape the future of energy.”