Honorary Citizens of the University
Otto G. Schäfer
Otto G. Schäfer (2011)
Member of the University Association since the early 1980s, and an active member of Würzburg’s Alumni Lawyers since 2007. Otto G. Schäfer awards the Wolfgang Kuhlen-Prize to the best graduates of the First State Examination in Law. The bestowal of this prize, which comes with 3,000 euros in funding, has been a permanent part of the exam celebrations of the Faculty of Law for years.
Sabina Wullstein
Sabina Wullstein (2003)
Medical Doctor, started to work at the University of Würzburg as a physician in 1964. From 1984 onwards, she was Professor of Ear, Nose, and Throat Medicine. Together with her husband, Professor Horst L. Wullstein, she supported the University in the purchase of the Hubland property. She was also involved in the conceptual development of the Head Clinic. After her husband had passed away, she ran his private clinic at Oberer Neubergweg, then deeded it to the University in 1991. Today, the Institute of the History of Medicine is located on the premises.
Jost Lemmerich
Jost Lemmerich (1995)
for the design and implementation of the exhibition commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of X-rays (1995). Lemmerich, born 1929 in Berlin, studied Physics at the University of Berlin from 1956 to 1962. Later, he worked for various industrial companies and at the European Patent Office in Berlin. Among other honors, the Graduated Physicist was awarded the Karl Scheel Plaque of the Physical Society of Berlin. In 1996, the Technical University of his hometown awarded him the status of an honorary doctor. At the University of Würzburg, he organized an exposition on the work of the 13 Nobel Laureates. In recognition of his service, he was given the Gold Medal, which the University had coined on the occasion of its 600-year celebration in 2002.
Hans-Bernhard Bolza-Schünemann (1990), Doctor of Engineering, worked towards a particularly close relationship between business companies and the Natural Sciences Departments of the University and was involved with the University Union. From 1971 to 1985, Bolza-Schünemann was Chairman of the Board of Koenig & Bauer Inc. at Würzburg, the world's oldest manufacturer of printing machinery. In addition, he was President of the Würzburg-Schweinfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce from 1983 to 1986, as well as Deputy Chairman of the University Union.
Werner Rötter (1986), Medical Doctor, studied Medicine at Berlin and Würzburg, eventually opening his practice as a physician here in 1961. In 1977, he was elected Chairman of the Association of National Health Physicians of Bavaria, District of Lower Franconia, serving as Member of the Board as well. In this capacity, he was a strong supporter of the University Clinical Center and some clinical-theoretical Institutes of the University. It was important to him to support the Medical Faculty in such a way that it was able to warrant top-quality education and training for medical specialists, while also remaining engaged in scientific research.
Klaus Zeitler (1984), Doctor of Law, Mayor of the City of Würzburg from 1968 to 1990. In this capacity, he was strongly committed to the concerns of the University. Zeitler had been a member of the Social Democrat Party (SPD) since 1950, but changed over to the right-wing Republican Party after internal controversies in the SPD faction. For this reason, the Student's Convent demanded in 1997 that the University's Board of Government divest Klaus Zeitler of his honorary citizenship. The University rejected the motion, as it did not deem it justified by "the mere membership in a political party not declared unconstitutional by the Federal Constitutional Court."
Ernst Rietschel (1983), Medical Doctor, Company Doctor (retired) of SKF Ball Bearing Manufacturers Ltd., for his endeavors on behalf of the University as Secretary of the Schweinfurt subsidiary of the University Union.
Georg Schäfer (1983), Graduate Engineer, former Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of FAG Kugelfischer, Schweinfurt. He supported the University in his capacity as the long-term Chairman of the Schweinfurt subsidiary of the University Union.
Franz Gerstner (1982), Doctor of Law, Managing Director of Student Services from 1951 to 1971, President of the District Diet of Lower Franconia from 1970 to 1984, honored for his service to the University and the Sciences in Lower Franconia.