Like many of my generation, I came to Oldenburg through the University of Oldenburg. As a journalist at NDR, as press spokesman for the city and even more so as a member of the state parliament, I later realised the enormous economic and cultural importance of the university not only for the city, but also for the region. I would like to emphasise and support this through my commitment.

Innovative strength, the ability to cooperate ("people know each other") and the still very relaxed atmosphere on campus are location factors in competition with anonymous mass universities.

At least the same positive development that it has seen in its first 40 years. Many talented minds, finally more money, especially from federal research funds, and that it retains the special flair that makes the University of Oldenburg so likeable.

Rattling is part of the trade. The anniversary is not only a great occasion to celebrate, but also a good opportunity to show political decision-makers at state and federal level what has been achieved so far and what is still possible and necessary. This opportunity should be utilised with the celebrations.