Congratulations in order: President Prof. Dr. Ralph Stengler (right) wishes his successor Prof. Dr. Arnd Steinmetz a good start (Photo: h_da/Jens Steingässer)

As he already announced to you in his Christmas message: Prof. Dr. Ralph Stengler (65) will be retiring. Ten days ago, it was made public that his successor as president of the h_da will be Prof. Dr. Arnd Steinmetz (DE). At the Senate's election meeting on February 8, the former Vice President for Digitization and Internationalization of the h_da narrowly prevailed over his competitor Prof. Dr. Carola Jungwirth (University of Passau) in the first round of voting. “As the new president, I would like to continue the tradition of the h_da as an innovative trendsetter – from the student public transport ticket to the right of this institution to award doctorates. We will continue to sharpen our profile as a practice-oriented university of applied sciences and develop solutions for the future together with students, business and society,” announced the 55-year-old. His six-year term is expected to begin on April 1.

Due to the pandemic, Ralph Stengler will only be able to bid farewell in a more limited setting after twelve successful years at the helm of the h_da. However, you can follow the ceremony on March 25 online. On the website set up for this purpose (DE), you will find a link to the livestream shortly before the event as well as a digital guestbook where you can leave a greeting. The change at the presidential office, however, does not mark the end of the changes in the executive board. The succession of Chancellor Norbert Reichert, who left the h_da in 2021 after six years, should be resolved soon. The term of Prof. Dr. Manfred Loch, Vice President for Studies, Teaching and Student Affairs since 2015, ends in 2022, and Prof. Dr. Nicole Saenger, Vice President for Research and Sustainable Development, only recently joined the presidium in April 2021. The makeup of the executive board is therefore changing considerably

Interesting facts about the history of the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences are being collected at the website “50 years h_da” (see link below)

The h_da is turning 50! Unfortunately, it was not possible to arrange a big party in 2021, which all alumni could attend. Since 2020, we have all had to learn that the development of the pandemic and the resulting political decisions cannot be predicted with any certainty. But now you can make a note of two dates for this summer: On June 23, there will be a celebration on the Darmstadt campus, and the following day on the Dieburg campus. Who, how, where and what exactly? Many people are currently working this out in the faculties and from the central offices. One thing is certain: there will be a celebration. News about the anniversary celebrations can be found on the page "50 years Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences" (DE). And in our next newsletter, shortly before the two days of celebration in June, you will find the latest information.

The new university newspaper focuses on the now 50-year history of the h_da. The period since 2010 under the leadership of Ralph Stengler is highlighted in an in-depth interview with the outgoing president. You can also read about the unusual business idea of a young graduate: the industrial designer has developed a sustainable material from mushrooms that can replace conventional textiles. From the end of March, campus_d (DE) will be available throughout the university and will be mailed to subscribers. Our tip: Subscribe to campus_d (e-mail to christian.jung@h-da.de) and update your postal address saved in the alumni members area (DE). Then in about five weeks you will receive the new university newspaper with "added value" for the anniversary.

A fresh start to the new year: We're upping the editorial ante! To kick things off, we have a portrait of Anna Herbst, the new head of Central Alumni Management. In it, you'll learn more about your main contact: her career, her motivation, her goals. The next article is already in the works. It's about a young civil engineer who has dedicated himself to expanding urban bike routes. We're also working on new channels and formats. More to come in the following newsletters - and on an ongoing basis on the alumni website.

Many members of the h_da - here a selected few - have taken part in the online campaign for the Corona vaccination (Screenshot: h_da)

The vaccination rate a the h_da is high, also thanks to the many vaccinations that our staff doctor has been administering to students, teachers and employees since June of last year. An online campaign at h_da shows how the controversial topic of vaccination can be presented in a positive, even entertaining way. Under the heading "I'm vaccinated because ...", members of the h_da have declared their support for vaccination against the Corona virus. The initiators want to give a face to those who have been vaccinated and reach out to those who are still hesitant. Solidarity, social responsibility and the health care system are frequently mentioned motives. Reason, trust in science, the longing for face-to-face teaching, travel and rock concerts are other good reasons given by h_da staff and students to get the famous jab. If you want to know what role a heavenly Nutella bread roll plays in this, click through the supporters and their appeals (DE) - also via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

A current research project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) is dedicated to personality development in the context of first jobs and career paths. The project is investigating how organizational climate and leadership styles influence the personality development of employees over the long term. The initiators are looking for individuals, teams and companies who are willing to participate. All activities, sectors and company sizes are relevant. Employees who have recently joined a company are particularly welcome to participate. Participants also benefit from feedback and reflection. A good deal! For more information on the background, content and process of the project, including an explanatory video and flyer, visit the project website.