„"Dr. Rita Kellner-Stoll and Reiner Stoll have supported and been involved with the University of Bremen for many years," said University President Jutta Günther during the ceremony. "They have been closely connected to the university for over a decade and are among its most dedicated advocates. They maintain regular contact with their beneficiaries and treat them with great respect. On behalf of the entire University of Bremen community, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for their outstanding commitment.”
Social Responsibility: Promoting Sustainable Research
On February 22, 2012, the Kellner-Stoll spouses founded the KELLNER & STOLL – FOUNDATION FOR CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT – as the very first trust foundation under the umbrella of the University of Bremen Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to promoting science and research. This includes funding diverse research and teaching projects in environmental and resource protection, on the topics of climate change and climate protection, as well as renewable energies and related research and teaching fields – particularly on the University of Bremen campus. However, the KELLNER & STOLL FOUNDATION FOR CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT’s commitment also extends to the area of knowledge transfer.
A Special Focus: Supporting Students and Researchers in the Early Stages of Their Careers
The diverse range of support includes the awarding of scholarships, support for study abroad programs and for visiting students on the Bremen campus, as well as grants for academic publications, investments, events, research projects, and applications for third-party funding.
One area of focus of the foundation’s work is on supporting students and researchers in the early stages of their careers. Since 2016, the KELLNER & STOLL FOUNDATION FOR CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT, together with the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), the University of Bremen, and the University of Bremen Alumni Network, has presented the CAMPUS AWARD, which is endowed with 3,000 euros. The award honors outstanding theses by master’s and doctoral students at the University of Bremen that address the sustainable use of resources and the protection of the environment, climate, and oceans.
Professional Life
Born in Bremen, Dr. Rita Kellner-Stoll began studying history and math at the University of Göttingen in 1971, where she later earned her doctorate in modern urban history, focusing on the founding of the city of Bremerhaven. In 1984, she completed her postgraduate internship with the Second State Examination. After holding positions in adult education and the cultural sector in Bremerhaven, as well as serving as director of the Hessian Adult Education Association in Frankfurt, she returned to her hometown in 1991. She worked there for the Senator for Environmental Protection, first as a European affairs officer and, starting in 1992, as the head of department, until her retirement.
Reiner Stoll was born in Bremerhaven. After graduating from high school, he first completed an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk at Farbwerke Hoechst in Frankfurt. He then began studying business studies in Göttingen, graduating with a German business diploma degree. Starting in 1977, he worked at Kaffee Hag and, in various management positions – most recently as director of strategic development sales at Kraft Foods – accompanied the eventful development of the long-established Bremen-based company until his retirement in 2008.
Further Information:
All honorees: https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/university/profile/awards/honors-by-the-university-of-bremen
https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/cooperation/grants-and-sponsorships/the-university-of-bremen-foundation/about-us
https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/cooperation/grants-and-sponsorships/trust-foundations
