On 5 December 1973, it was finally decided: Oldenburg would have a university. On this day, the corresponding resolution of the Lower Saxony state parliament came into force. Prior to this, there had been years of discussion and demonstrations for the founding of the university, such as here in Oldenburg city centre.

Around 50 years later, more than 60,000 people have graduated from the University of Oldenburg, many of whom have stayed in the region. The Throwback series on the history of the university was launched at the end of 2023 with this post to mark the university's 50th anniversary. It contains curious, significant and unexpected insights into the university's history - and is presented on these pages for the interested public.