"A joint expedition on the path of life": KU welcomes freshers for the winter semester

"Here you have the chance start off into a new direction, gain experience and grow from it." With these words, Prof. Dr. Klaus Meier, Vice President for Studies and Teaching, welcomed the new students at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU) on Monday morning. In the packed Aula, the University Management, the Mayor of Eichstätt Josef Grienberger and the Student Convention welcomed the newly enrolled students.

KU President Gabriele Gien
KU President Gabriele Gien

Around 1,200 students will start their studies at the KU in the 2024/25 winter semester. As KU President Gabriele Gien emphasized in her welcoming address, they expect more than just a specialized course of study: "We are a real community here; one of our central concerns is to strengthen your personality and develop your skills beyond traditional lectures and seminars." One advantage of being a small university is that students have a direct line to the University Management. "We invite you to help shape the future – you are the development potential of our University."

 

Vice President for Studies and Teaching at the KU, Prof. Dr. Klaus Meier. Dr. Klaus Meier
Vice President for Studies and Teaching at the KU, Prof. Dr. Klaus Meier

Vice President Klaus Meier congratulated the students twice: For having the opportunity to pursue studies and for doing so at the KU. "Delve into the magic of the academic world at our University", said Meier. The characteristics of a "universitas" in the true sense of the word – namely the community of teachers and students on the one hand, and the pursuit of the totality of knowledge on the other – are particularly fulfilled here. "The critical curiosity of our students and the passion of our teaching staff give rise to great intellectual productivity." According to Meier, you can tell that this is a Catholic University above all by the attitude towards one another: "We work, study, teach, research and live together from a position of mutual respect – because each of us is unique." Accordingly, everyone who wants to contribute to the "KU organism" is welcome and invited to "embark on a joint expedition on the path of life".

The Student Convention’s Speakers' Council presented various ways to get involved. "We are your voice", explained Robin May, Chairman of the Student Convention, to the new fellow students. The previous weekend proved just how much campus life can flourish through student involvement: Hundreds of students came to the two-day "Restart" festival to listen to concerts, play soccer and take part in workshops on and around the meadow behind the cafeteria. The numerous student groups and working groups introduce themselves in their own small brochure, which the Convention distributed after the welcome address.

Josef Grienberger, Mayor of Eichstätt
Josef Grienberger, Mayor of Eichstätt

On behalf of the city of Eichstätt, Mayor Josef Grienberger welcomed the new students and invited them to actively participate in the city society with its various clubs, associations and groups. "It is a real enrichment for us that young people from all over Germany find their way to Eichstätt," said Grienberger. The city is proud "to be home to this special University".

Before the freshers were officially welcomed in the KU Aula, the Auxiliary Bishop of Augsburg, Anton Losinger, celebrated the church service to open the semester in the Schutzengelkirche. In his sermon, the former Chairman of the KU Foundation Board emphasized the importance of knowledge and education. But we must not lose sight of orientation and stability. This is more important than ever "in the turbulent situation of the digital education society". "Especially at a Catholic University, which has dedicated itself to structuring thinking and studying in a meaningful way, this aspect should never take a back seat. Young people need a lot of knowledge and expertise right now – but without guidance, they suffer mental hardship which also threatens the balance of society."