40 Years of WHU Summer Celebration

Forty years of WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management signifies four decades of excellent academic opportunities for the next generation of leaders. It also means 40 years of the unique WHU spirit and sense of community that prevails on its campuses. That spirit was palpable at the school’s 40^th anniversary celebrations on June 27, 2024, held at the Burgplatz in Vallendar. “Thank you for all the energy you put into educating future leaders,” said Professor Christian Andres, Dean of WHU, who used his opening speech as a way to express his gratitude to the staff and faculty. Their continued commitment, he noted, is what allows the school to offer excellent education—“now, as well as in 40 years.” Professor Andres also gave particular thanks and well wishes to former WHU Dean Professor Michael Frenkel of the Chair of Macroeconomics and International Economics. He was coincidentally celebrating his 70^th birthday that same day.

Dr. Toni Calabretti, Chairman of the WHU Foundation, alongside Stephan Theissing, Deputy Chairman of the Board, had also come to campus to show their appreciation for the community’s hard work over the past four decades. “The students of the very first cohort proved their courage and entrepreneurial spirit,” noted Dr. Calabretti. “That is where the WHU spirit was born.” From his point of view, WHU has grown from a delicate sapling into a strong tree, a home that nearly 2,000 students can rely on.

The school’s many employees, both those from Vallendar and those from Düsseldorf, enjoyed a delicious barbecue, ice cream, and cool drinks. They engaged in various activities at the Burgplatz and in the Marienpark, accompanied by live music from the Koblenz-based band Blenz, and found respite from the midsummer heat by relaxing in comfortable deckchairs arranged in the shade. Many participated in a communal art project, the fashioned “mini-Olympics,” wine tasting, and yoga sessions that provided plenty of laughs and chances to connect. “It has been a very successful day,” commented Peter Christ, Head of Administration at WHU. “I am pleased to see that so many of our colleagues actively contributed to the success of our summer party. This is the WHU spirit at its finest. We at WHU can start our next decade together with optimism.”