The University of Cologne’s scholarship programmes bring people together! This was impressively demonstrated at the beginning of the year at the university’s annual Get Together for the Deutschlandstipendium, held at the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum in Cologne. Professor Beatrix Busse, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Studies at the University of Cologne, was delighted to meet both sponsors and scholarship recipients. "For me, the most wonderful aspect of our scholarship programmes is that, beyond financial support, they provide valuable inspiration for all involved," said the Vice-Rector for Teaching and Studies. Around 300 scholars, sponsors, and university representatives gathered at the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum in Cologne.
This year’s keynote speech was delivered by WiSo alumnus Dr Rainier van Roessel. In conversation with Deutschlandstipendium scholar and moderator Vivica Schmidt, he shared his extensive experience as a supporter of the programme. As a business administration graduate himself, Dr Rainier van Roessel supported promising students through the Deutschlandstipendium during his tenure as Director of Labour Relations at LANXESS. Today, as a private individual, he continues this commitment, with a particular focus on STEM subjects. He emphasised the importance of intergenerational exchange, noting that the scholarship programmes not only provide talented and dedicated students with financial flexibility but also offer a valuable network for intellectual exchange.
In selecting Deutschlandstipendium recipients, academic performance is not the only criterion—personal background and social engagement also play a significant role. In addition to 239 merit-based Deutschlandstipendien, 16 social scholarships and nine inclusion scholarships are currently being awarded to students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
At the conclusion of the official programme, faculty representatives and the Studium und Lehre Foundation presented certificates to the scholarship recipients. For WiSo Dean of Studies, Prof Dr Michael Overesch, this was a welcome and rewarding task: 68 Deutschlandstipendien and two inclusion scholarships were given to WiSo students.
Following the formal programme, guests had the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and live jazz music performed by two scholarship recipients, Lucie Graehl and Lukas Langguth. The evening provided ample opportunity for networking and meaningful conversations. Attendees were also invited to visit the special exhibition WE ARE NOT CARPETS – I Will Tell You My Story.
All scholarships are made possible by the generous support of companies, associations, foundations, private individuals, and university alumni. Around 150 sponsors and donors are committed to fostering a high-quality academic education for young people. The Deutschlandstipendium is funded equally by public funds and private donors. Since 2009, a total of 4,544 scholarships have been awarded, amounting to approximately €16.5 million in support.
