15 years ago in September 2001 Jacobs University (then called IUB) celebrated its Opening. The keynote address was given by Helmut Schmidt - highlighting why we need “institutions of higher learning that are modem, performance-oriented,[...] interdisciplinary, and, at the same time, international”. Sadly we lost Helmut Schmidt in 2015 - his vision, courage and his words of advice will be missed, especially facing the global political and cultural challenges of the 21st century. |
In the year 2015 we encountered terrorism as well as economic and humanitarian crisis that will take beyond 2016 to solve. We have faced a similar crisis before - 15 years ago - the opening ceremony of Jacobs University was just days after 9/11. And thus Helmut Schmidt’s words are worth repeating, because they are as relevant today as they were 15 years ago, and to remind us of what we set out to create: “Nobody has only rights; everyone has duties as well. And any elite also has to be an elite of responsibility. “
- Cornelia Scheitz
- Cornelia Scheitz
Helmut Schmidt, Former Chancellor of Germany
Keynote Address IUB Opening Ceremony
When Professor Lust, Chairman of the Board of this university, invited me months ago for today's occasion, I had three good reasons to accept his invitation. First, there was my friendship with Reimar Lust. Second, from the time of my youth, I have felt a special sympathy for the partner city of Bremen – m particular for this very town Grohn-Vegesack, where I spent two years in basic training: face-left, face-right, running, pushups. All pretty senseless, but I still cherish the memory of the Strandlust, the Havenhaus, and the brewer's agent Take. Incidentally, does the "Grauer Esel" still exist?
Keynote Address IUB Opening Ceremony
When Professor Lust, Chairman of the Board of this university, invited me months ago for today's occasion, I had three good reasons to accept his invitation. First, there was my friendship with Reimar Lust. Second, from the time of my youth, I have felt a special sympathy for the partner city of Bremen – m particular for this very town Grohn-Vegesack, where I spent two years in basic training: face-left, face-right, running, pushups. All pretty senseless, but I still cherish the memory of the Strandlust, the Havenhaus, and the brewer's agent Take. Incidentally, does the "Grauer Esel" still exist?