On July 14, a festive ceremony was held in the Holzer Hall of the Summer Residence of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt to mark the 65th birthday of Prof. Dr. Ulrich Kropač. The event was organized by Akad. Dir. Klaus König, Heidi Klehr, Prof. Dr. Claudia Mayer, and Dr. Dr. Mariusz Chrostowski. With numerous words of greeting – including from KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien and Barbara Loos, Chair of the University Council – the event provided a thematically diverse and high-quality setting that paid impressive tribute to Prof. Kropač’s academic, higher education policy, and educational contributions.
A particular highlight of the celebration was the presentation and handover of a scholarly volume entitled More Than a Nice-to-Have. Justifications for Religious Education (published by Kohlhammer Verlag), dedicated to Prof. Kropač on the occasion of his 65th birthday. The volume was edited by Akad. Dir. Klaus König, Prof. Dr. Claudia Mayer, and Dr. Dr. Mariusz Chrostowski. Sincere thanks go to the editors as well as to the contributors whose texts have made the Festschrift a multi-layered and content-rich work: Prof. Dr. Claudia Gärtner, Prof. Dr. Sabine Pemsel-Maier, Prof. Dr. Michael Domsgen, Prof. Dr. Mirjam Schambeck sf, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Riegel, Prof. Dr. Konstantin Lindner, Prof. Dr. Georg Langenhorst, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Weirer, Prof. Dr. Hans Mendl, Prof. Dr. Katharina Karl, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hemel, and Dr. Michael Winklmann.
The volume is intended as a small but meaningful gesture of gratitude for the many conversations, insights, and words of encouragement – and as a tribute to Prof. Dr. Ulrich Kropač’s wide-ranging contributions, which extend far beyond Eichstätt: in leadership roles within KRBU and AKRK, in academic committees and networks, and in international exchange.
On the occasion of his 65th birthday, we wish Prof. Dr. Ulrich Kropač continued intellectual vitality, spirited engagement, and unwavering drive – along with health, contentment, and the support of faithful companions on his journey.
