20 years of C3L

Celebrate two decades of lifelong learning with us

The C3L - Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of Oldenburg was founded twenty years ago. Since then, it has stood for scientifically sound, practical and socially relevant further education across all phases of life. As an interface between the university, the world of work and society, the C3L shapes learning that strengthens people, develops organisations and promotes future skills.

This autumn, we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary with a diverse anniversary programme and numerous exciting event highlights - together with our partners, companions, participants and teaching staff.

We cordially invite you to register for our anniversary events on these pages, learn about key milestones and gain insights into the past, present and future of lifelong learning at C3L.

Our anniversary events from 15 September to 2 October 2026

The future begins with education - trends and challenges

Our anniversary kick-off event combines 20 years of experience in lifelong learning with the common question of how education is shaping the future in times of AI, social change and new learning cultures - today and until 2050.

more: The future begins with education - trends and challenges
Photo: Group meeting

Everything is upside down - when emotions take over

At the event ‘Everything’s Upside Down – When Emotions Take the Wheel’, the Institute’s outpatient clinic invites children aged 10 to 12 to explore emotions, coping strategies and personal strengths in a playful way.

more: Everything is upside down - when emotions take over

Science meets school

Think, discuss and help shape the future:
‘Science Meets School’ brings social issues to life for pupils – interactively, in an accessible way and closely linked to everyday life.

more: Science meets school
Guest lecture workshop

Learning without borders - opening of the guest semester

For over 40 years, the University of Oldenburg's guest lecture programme has opened up selected courses to an interested public. As a guest student, the courses offered by the University of Oldenburg are open to you regardless of your age, educational or professional background. The new guest lecture semester opens on 29 September.

more: Learning without borders - opening of the guest semester

The development of the Institute for Training and Further Education in Psychotherapy

Through its outpatient clinic, the C3L has been committed to psychotherapy further education and continuing professional development for many years. The event ‘Understanding History – Shaping the Future: The Development of the Institute for Training and Further Education in Psychotherapy’ offers a retrospective look at developments at the C3L, contextualises the current situation following the…

more: The development of the Institute for Training and Further Education in Psychotherapy

Future Readiness - aspiration meets realisation

Future readiness is the imperative of our time: companies must anticipate change, withstand uncertainty and enable innovation. But how can the step from formulated aspiration to effective implementation be achieved? The event focuses on key areas of action and decisive levers; concrete solutions are made tangible through best and next practices.

more: Future Readiness - aspiration meets realisation

Loneliness as a social challenge

Loneliness has become a growing social challenge. The pandemic, social media and digitalisation have contributed to the fact that people of all ages are now affected. Social consequences, scientific findings and possible courses of action will be discussed in three short presentations and a panel discussion.

more: Loneliness as a social challenge

Security of supply and the energy transition: Who pays the price?

Between rising energy prices, ambitious climate targets and geopolitical tensions, our energy future is being put to the test. As the No. 1 energy state, Lower Saxony in particular plays a key role in this: with its strong position in renewable energies and as a central location for infrastructure, it will help decide how the energy transition succeeds. But who will ultimately bear the costs of…

more: Security of supply and the energy transition: Who pays the price?

20 years of C3L - the milestones


The C3L - Centre for Lifelong Learning has existed in its current form for 20 years. But its roots go back to the founding year of the University of Oldenburg: the contact centre for advanced scientific training was established back in 1974 - adult education was part of the profile of the reform university from the very beginning.

more...

Education brings about change: people and their life journeys, organisations and society

Rebekka Hilbrands’

“Developing new approaches and solutions”

Rebekka Hilbrands is a crewing superintendent and is studying Business Administration whilst working. Although she often works in South-East Asia, an entirely online degree programme was out of the question for her.

more: “Developing new approaches and solutions”
Altje Hasche

"I don’t know that one. Sounds interesting. I’ll give it a go."

Altje Hasche is a guest student and, on her fourth day of retirement after 45 years in the workforce, attended her first philosophy lecture.

more: "I don’t know that one. Sounds interesting. I’ll give it a go."
Aron Schwertner 

“Learning from one another in interdisciplinary groups”

Aron Schwertner heads the School Development programme at the Pacemaker Initiative. He particularly values the fact that, at C3L, he learns a great deal from students from other sectors.

more: “Learning from one another in interdisciplinary groups”
Jochen Harke

“A wide range of subjects and close supervision”

Jochen Harke is studying information law whilst working. As well as the subject-specific expertise, he values the friendly atmosphere on the Master’s programme.

more: “A wide range of subjects and close supervision”
Lorella Lenze

"Trying out new things is just great fun"

Lorella Lenze is training to become a psychotherapist. She is looking forward to the start of the seminars, where she will be able to gain new experiences.

more: "Trying out new things is just great fun"
Rümeysa Karaköy

"The right degree programme for my career development"

Rümeysa Karaköy is studying risk management and financial analysis whilst working. It is important to her that she can balance her studies and her professional experience effectively.

more: "The right degree programme for my career development"
Alexander Mischenko

"Employed, self-employed and a student – it’s possible!"

Alexander Mischenko is an IHK consultant and runs a start-up. At the same time, he is studying innovation management and entrepreneurship. He puts the knowledge he gains from his studies directly into practice.

more: "Employed, self-employed and a student – it’s possible!"
Photo by Jutta Günther

"I'm curious to see what else my career has in store"

Thanks to the Z examination, Jutta Günther has built a career that has taken her from being a pharmacy assistant to becoming Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bremen.

more: "I'm curious to see what else my career has in store"
Photo by Nicole Messner

“An intensive development process”

Nicole Messner holds a Diplom in education and has completed the seven-semester part-time course in Systemic Counselling, Family and Systemic Therapy.


more: “An intensive development process”

Statements zum C3L-Jubiläum


20 Jahre C3L – ein guter Grund zum Feiern, weil das C3L sich zu einer herausragenden Einrichtung für Weiterbildung und berufsbegleitendes Studieren in Niedersachsen entwickelt hat. Es bietet flexible Bildungswege, die fundiertes Wissen mit gelebter Berufspraxis in einem modernen Umfeld verbinden. Lebenslanges Lernen ist für die Zukunftsfähigkeit unseres Landes unverzichtbar, dazu leistet das C3L einen wichtigen Beitrag. Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Jubiläum!“

Olaf Lies, Ministerpräsident von Niedersachsen


20 Jahre C3L – ein guter Grund zum Feiern, weil die Weiterbildungskompetenz der Universität für die Bewältigung des Fachkräftemangels von entscheidender Bedeutung ist. Mit Aktivitäten der offenen Hochschule wie dem Gasthörstudium ist das Center für lebenslanges Lernen zugleich ein starkes Bindeglied zwischen der Stadtgesellschaft und der Hochschule.“

Jürgen Krogmann, Oberbürgermeister der Stadt Oldenburg


20 Jahre C3L – ein guter Grund zum Feiern, weil das Center für lebenslanges Lernen die Universität für alle Bildungsinteressierten öffnet und innovative Formate für das Lehren und Lernen entwickelt. Das C3L ist bundesweit Vorreiter in der wissenschaftlichen Weiterbildung, die schon seit Gründung unserer Hochschule zu deren zentralen Aufgaben zählt.“

Prof. Dr. Ralph Bruder, Präsident der Universität Oldenburg

Statements zum C3L-Jubiläum


20 Jahre C3L – ein guter Grund zum Feiern, weil das C3L sich zu einer herausragenden Einrichtung für Weiterbildung und berufsbegleitendes Studieren in Niedersachsen entwickelt hat. Es bietet flexible Bildungswege, die fundiertes Wissen mit gelebter Berufspraxis in einem modernen Umfeld verbinden. Lebenslanges Lernen ist für die Zukunftsfähigkeit unseres Landes unverzichtbar, dazu leistet das C3L einen wichtigen Beitrag. Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Jubiläum!“

Olaf Lies, Ministerpräsident von Niedersachsen


20 Jahre C3L – ein guter Grund zum Feiern, weil die Weiterbildungskompetenz der Universität für die Bewältigung des Fachkräftemangels von entscheidender Bedeutung ist. Mit Aktivitäten der offenen Hochschule wie dem Gasthörstudium ist das Center für lebenslanges Lernen zugleich ein starkes Bindeglied zwischen der Stadtgesellschaft und der Hochschule.“

Jürgen Krogmann, Oberbürgermeister der Stadt Oldenburg


20 Jahre C3L – ein guter Grund zum Feiern, weil das Center für lebenslanges Lernen die Universität für alle Bildungsinteressierten öffnet und innovative Formate für das Lehren und Lernen entwickelt. Das C3L ist bundesweit Vorreiter in der wissenschaftlichen Weiterbildung, die schon seit Gründung unserer Hochschule zu deren zentralen Aufgaben zählt.“

Prof. Dr. Ralph Bruder, Präsident der Universität Oldenburg

Our partners
and sponsors

Find out more about 20 years of C3L

Our anniversary is the focus of the annual report – featuring fascinating interviews and programme news.

Advice and contact

Sabine Joos
Educational Co-operations and Sponsoring

+49 (0)441 / 798 47 47


Support our anniversary programme

and join us in celebrating 20 years of C3L – Centre for Lifelong Learning

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Login page of the C3L learning environment C3LLO

(Changed: 24 Jul 2026)  Kurz-URL:Shortlink: https://uol.de/p88615en
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