Dedicated Volunteerism
Portrait of our volunteer Christel Schmidt in the current issue of the Unispiegel
The members of Heidelberg University are an expression of a vital community consisting of teachers, students, non-academic staff and volunteers. Without the exemplary dedication of countless volunteers, the university’s day-to-day operations and the constant development of all that it offers would simply not be the same.
Heidelberg University has a long tradition of volunteerism. Most volunteers are already retired but are closely linked to the University since they worked at institutes, the administration or as professors. People that do not have any connection to the University can get involved. There are varied options to do so, such aus:
- Participating in museum work,
- Data input, Herbarium of the Botanic Gardens,
- Support of students with disabilities or a chronic disease and
- Proofreading service for students of the Institute of German as a Foreign Language Philology.
To express its gratitude to the volunteers, the rectorate organises an appreciation event every year where experiences can be shared, old contacts renewed and new contacts made. Below, you will find some highlights from past events.
Art and Forgery – June 12, 2024
This year, around 30 volunteers and their contact persons in the institutes and facilities came together at Kurpfälzisches Museum to visit the exhibition “Art and Forgery” (see picture above). Prof. Dr Henry Keazor, curator of the exhibition and Professor of Modern and Contemporary Art History at the Institute of European Art History, used selected examples to illustrate how forgeries can be recognized. There was also an opportunity to examine a picture created by an AI. What impact will further developments in the field of artificial intelligence have on art? This question was still on the volunteers' minds on the way to dinner together in the old town. After Prof. Melchior, Rector of Heidelberg University, took the opportunity to personally thank all the volunteers and their supervisors for their commitment, the evening ended in a convivial atmosphere.
CENTRE FOR ORGANISMAL STUDIES – JULY 4, 2023
About 30 volunteers visited the new exhibition Timeline Evolution at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), which opened in May, together with their contact persons at the institutes and facilites. After an entertaining introduction to the subject by Professor Holstein, the volunteers gained some insight into the history and development of life thanks to their expert guides Professor Holstein and Dr Gromes from the COS. Afterwards, there was still enough time for an exchange and for getting in touch with one another. A special highlight for many was the speech of the Rector Prof. Dr Dr h.c. Bernhard Eitel, who, despite his busy schedule, did not want to miss the opportunity to thank the volunteers for their engagement.
Dinner in the old Town – July 21, 2022
After a two-year break due to COVID-19, the volunteers of Heidelberg University met for dinner in the heart of Heidelberg’s Old Town, following the invitation of the Rector. Everybody was really happy about the reunion and therefore it was no surprise that already the reception on the roof terrace was used for a first exchange. Before the subsequent dinner, the Rector of Heidelberg University, Prof. Dr Dr h.c. Bernhard Eitel, thanked the volunteers for their commitment and loyalty during these special times. Certainly, the highlight of the evening for many was the quiz moderated by the rector with numerous exciting questions about the university, in which everyone participated with enthusiasm.
Old Lecture Hall – June 27, 2019
Despite high temperatures, many volunteers of Heidelberg University took the opportunity to get in touch with other volunteer co-workers at this year’s voluntary appreciation event. Prior to the cozy get-together, the guests were greeted by Rector Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Bernhard Eitel in the Old Lecture Hall of the Old University. Then, Prof. Dr. Henry Keator offered an introduction into the field of art forgery. He not only focused on the moral but also on the technical aspect of a forgery by explaining what turns an object into a forgery, for instance. The Collegium Musicum excited the audience with its brass ensemble.
St Peter’s Church – June 21, 2018
The volunteers of Heidelberg University met for the eleventh time, following the invitation of the Rector. This year’s event took place at St Peter’s Church. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Helmut Schwier, the University Preacher, stressed the special bond between Heidelberg University and the church and informed about the historic development of the church. The music was provided by the brass ensemble UniBrass as well as the chamber choir of the Collegium Musicum under the direction of UMD Michael Sekulla. The evening closed with a “Heavenly dinner” in the university cafeteria, in the presence of Rector Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Bernhard Eitel.
Heidelberg Center for American Studies – June 28, 2017
“America” was the motto of this year’s voluntary appreciation event in the Heidelberg Center for American Studies (HCA). Dr. Wilfried Mausbach, Executive Director of the HCA, gave a speech on President Trump's second 100 days in office. The string quartet of the Collegium Musicum created the perfect American atmosphere. Besides, Rector Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Bernhard Eitel did not want to miss the opportunity to thank the volunteers in person. The American buffet of the Studierendenwerk marked the end of a pleasant evening for everyone.
Marsilius-College – June 9, 2016
Just a few weeks after the relocation of the Marsilius-College to the Neuenheimer Feld, the volunteers of Heidelberg University had the opportunity to get to know the new premises. Having been welcomed by the rector Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Bernhard Eitel, Mr. Ridinger, Division for Foundations and Assets, then gave a brief introduction to the construction of the Marsilius Arkaden. Afterwards, Prof. Dr. Bernd Schneidmüller, director of the Marsilius-College, gave an overview of the mission of the Marsilius-College, followed by Prof. Dr. Jale Tosun’s who provided insights into some current research projects. Our musical act consisting of members of the Capella Carolina under the direction of Prof. Franz Wassermann provided excellent entertainment.
Musicology Department – June 30, 2015
On a hot summer’s day, the volunteers of Heidelberg University had the opportunity to take part in a very special event, this year. Having been welcomed by the Vice-President of International Affairs Prof. Dr. Dieter W. Heermann, and having enjoyed some culinary delights in the “Marstallsaal”, our volunteers attended a marionette opera at the Musicology Department. Dr. Joachim Steinheur’s team excited the audience with its vocal, instrumental and artistic performance: Marionettes dancing to music by Mozart, Schubert and Bellini – a real pleasure!
