The foundation on which the university stands

They celebrated their 25th or 40th anniversary of service in 2025 or have retired, and now they met for a reception in the vaulted cellar of the Old University: almost 45 current and former employees of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU). The University Personalrat (Staff Council) and University Chancellor Dr Uwe Klug had invited them.

The reception took place in the Max Stern Cellar under the Old University. The Jewish wine merchant Max Stern had once used this room as a warehouse before the National Socialists forced him to sell it in 1938. During the Second World War, citizens of Würzburg had sought shelter from bombs there. Today it serves the university as a space for special events.

Commitment, patience and perseverance

Sven Winzenhörlein, Chairman of the JMU Personalrat, was the first to thank the jubilarians and former employees: "With your work, you have helped to ensure that the university's research, teaching and administration have been able to function and develop." They deserved "unreserved respect" for their commitment, patience and perseverance.

In his speech last year, Winzenhörlein drew a wide arc from the changes in the world to the changes in the workplace, this time he focussed on the everyday working life of JMU employees - after all, it is not always easy. Conflicts, stress and open construction sites are also present at a university. At the same time, a job here offers security, a meaningful task and the opportunity to "grow personally through our work if we see it as a contribution to society based on solidarity."

"You have held and continue to hold everything together, with experience, humour and a talent for improvisation," said Winzenhörlein. The jubilarians and former employees thus formed "the foundation on which the university stands", and for this they deserve a big thank you.

A community that lives and breathes with people

University Chancellor Uwe Klug fully agreed with this in his speech: "This is a special evening to thank you for your commitment and loyalty." The University of Würzburg thrives on people like those gathered in the Max Stern Keller, "who are committed to the university and ensure that it continues to develop and grow."

Keyword commitment: "Many of you have accompanied and actively helped to shape changes that you couldn't even imagine at the beginning of your professional career," says Klug. Keyword loyalty: "I hope that you see the university not just as a place of work, but as part of your life's journey, which you will remember fondly."

Accordingly, the University Chancellor hoped that the newly retired staff would remain connected to the University. After all, the university is more than a collection of buildings and their evaluation in rankings: "It is a community that lives and breathes with the people". Their contributions and ideas for Alma Julia should be celebrated on this evening. "Let us be proud of the progress we have made so far and the progress we will make in the future," said Klug.

And because science and culture have always been closely linked, Klug invited those celebrating anniversaries and retirees to the university's traditional Christmas concert in the Neubaukirche after the event.