Honorary senator portraits

Honorary Senator Helmut AURENZ

* 14 November 1937

In his position as the founder and owner of the ASB-Grünland GmbH, Helmut Aurenz supported the University of Hohenheim in particular in the area of product development and quality assurance for horticultural products such as potting soil, growing mediums, and fertilizer. In addition, he promoted strengthening the contacts between University of Hohenheim scientists and the University’s European partner institutes. Thanks to the Helmut-Aurenz Scholarships, many students in the agricultural and natural sciences have been able to benefit from research stays around Europe for their final theses. Since the federal government’s scholarship program (Germany Scholarship) started, Mr. Aurenz has supported students in this way, as well. He was happy to share his extensive knowledge in the area of internationalization of business activities with students in the form of lectures. One of the issues close to his heart is for students to gain an understanding of the lifestyle, culture, and economic situation in other European countries, giving rise to an international awareness.

To recognize the remarkable contributions he made to promote research and teaching, on 24 June 1988, Mr. Helmut Aurenz received the title of Honorary Senator from the University of Hohenheim.

Honorary Senator Peter BAUMEISTER

* 22 October 1939

Mr. Baumeister has been closely connected with the University for many years. He has been a member of the Universitätsbund Hohenheim since 1996 and served as its treasurer for several years. As a former member of the board for the Association to Aid the Research Center for Cooperatives, he successfully contributed to the University’s development. During his time as the chairman of the board for the Südwestbank AG, he started the foundation “Südwestbankpreis for outstanding achivements”. This prize with a monetary award is given for excellent Diplom, doctorate, and habilitation work in the area of business and economic sciences and agricultural sciences. In addition, the Südwestbank AG gives financial support to several students each year through the Germany Scholarship.

Based on his work to support early career researchers and as thanks for his dedication to the University, on 19 October 2000 Dr. Peter Baumeister was named an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim.

On 19 June 2013, he was given the Hohenheim Pin of Honor for his long support of the University.

Senator e. h. Helmut CLAAS †

born 16 July 1926 | deceased 5 January 2021

As owner and managing director of the Claas company, Helmut Claas sought close cooperation with the University of Hohenheim, especially in the field of agricultural engineering. As part of this cooperation, the Claas company supports teaching by supervising final theses and internships and offering topic-relevant excursions, including to the Saulgau and Harsewinkel plants. Agricultural engineering departments in particular, as well as many students, can also benefit from the generous provision of numerous agricultural machines and teaching models for research purposes. In particular, Dr. Claas was committed to the German Agricultural Museum at the University of Hohenheim. He made it possible to build a third exhibition hall (Helmut Claas Hall) and thus created space for more historical combine harvesters and harvesting machines. The Claas Foundation, which he established in 1999, makes an important contribution to promoting young talent in the agricultural sector. As a result, many students at the University of Hohenheim have already received one of the foundation's well-funded prizes. Furthermore, CLAAS supports students with Germany Scholarships. In 2001, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences for his service to the university.

Due to his many years of support for the University and its students, Dr. h.c. mult. Helmut Claas was awarded the honorary senatorship of the University of Hohenheim on December 6, 2004.

Honorary Senator Günter DAISS

* 12 February 1939

The businessman Günter Daiss made his name in particular by restructuring numerous companies in a socially responsible way as well as with his untiring dedication to social, cultural, and scientific work. For example, he supported the establishment of the machine factory Barth in Ludwigsburg - where many students from the University of Hohenheim’s Institute for Agricultural Engineering in the Tropics and Subtropics were able to carry out their research work in the labs. His close links to the University of Hohenheim could be seen with his outstanding support of the East European Center. In the area of culture, Mr. Daiss supported both University music and the Hohenheim Gardens. He also worked to promote the concerns of the students directly. Thanks to his donations, it was possible to renovate Lecture Hall 1 in the historical Palace building and increase the number of lockers in the Departmental Library. He also supported a research project in the area of Biobased Products.

Because of his outstanding work in linking science, environmental protection work, agriculture, and sustainable development, Günter Daiss was named an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 5 May 2004.

In 2016, Honorary Senator Daiss enabled the University of Hohenheim to purchase the GENO Academy with a generous donation.

Honorary Senator Carl DOBLER †

* 4 January 1930 | † deceased 12 September 2022

Mr. Dobler completed his studies in agricultural at the former Agricultural University of Hohenheim in 1954. At his later position as the President of the Bauernverband Württemberg-Baden (1968-1989), Carl Dobler always worked toward close cooperation between science and business in the area of agricultural policy. As the German Bauernverband’s representative for education, he held regular lectures for courses in the University of Hohenheim’s Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, promoting students’ understanding of agricultural markets and business. His also used his work as a long-time member of the administrative board to advocate for diverse research and teaching at the University.

In recognition of his efforts to successfully combine association work and business practice with University research and teaching in the area of agricultural policy, the University of Hohenheim made Carl Dobler an Honorary Senator on 2 May 1986.

Honorary Senator Hermann EISELEN †

born 2 March 1926 | deceased 21 June 2009

Dr. Eiselen was a great supporter of the University of Hohenheim as well as a highly esteemed personality and patron of Baden-Württemberg's higher education and cultural landscape. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to the goal of reducing hunger and poverty in the world. His particular personal commitment was to agricultural and nutritional research. With the establishment of the Father and Son Eiselen Foundation, he provided important ideas on the topic of food security and was always particularly concerned with promoting early career researchers. Thus, Mr. Eiselen established an endowed visiting professorship in the field of the tropics and subtropics from his private fortune, from which the Chair of Economics of Land Use in the Tropics and Subtropics with the name affix Josef G. Knoll Professorship emerged. Other essential components of his far-reaching commitment are the support of students and early career researchers in their final theses and research stays abroad through the Dr. Hermann Eiselen Scholarship Program and the promotion of the interdisciplinary research focus "Biotechnology and Plant Breeding" at the University of Hohenheim. Furthermore, the Hermann Eiselen Foundation has funded numerous research projects in the field of development-related agricultural and nutrition research. Students as well as lecturers at the University of Hohenheim still benefit from his extensive expertise and connections today.

In recognition of his services in promoting research to overcome hunger and poverty in the world and in actively promoting the Center for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics, Dr. Dr. h.c. Hermann Eiselen was awarded the honorary senatorship of the University of Hohenheim on 14 December 1984.

For his tireless support of the University of Hohenheim, Mr. Eiselen was awarded the University Medal in Gold on 21 June 1996.

Senator e. h. Dr. Roman GLASER

born 15 August 1961

Dr. Roman Glaser has developed close personal ties with the University of Hohenheim as the result of studying, gaining his academic credentials, and working in Hohenheim.

His close personal connection is expressed in his work as a member of the Research Center for Cooperatives and, for many years, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of “Stiftung Kreditwirtschaft” (Credit Industry Foundation). For a long time, in his capacity as chairman of the supporting association of the Research Center for Cooperatives, he has made a generous sum of money available each year. Dr. Glaser has acted as a supporter and door opener to the association for numerous seminar papers, Bachelor’s and Master’s theses and doctoral dissertations focusing on or relating to cooperatives. Dr. Glaser is also jointly responsible for awarding the Geno science award.

Dr. Glaser’s level of commitment to the university has always gone above and beyond the call of duty. In his many professional encounters and travels all over the world, the University of Hohenheim – and in particular its Research Center for Cooperatives – have never been far from his mind.

The University considers itself fortunate to have a friend and partner like Dr. Glaser. We award him the title of Honorary Senator as a token of recognition and an expression of our gratitude and appreciation.

Honorary Senator Friedrich Haag †

* 14 September 1930 | † 15 June 2022

During his work as the Chairman of the Württemberg Gardener Association and Managing Director of the Garden Shop Haag, Mr. Friedrich Haag assisted in particular with the concerns of the Horticultural School University of Hohenheim. His particular efforts were directed toward ensuring the Horticultural School had suitable facilities as well as the new construction of the greenhouses, the expansion of the Gardens and the canteen, and the new construction of the lab and business building for the greenhouses. Due to his efforts, it was possible to connect and intensify the connection between horticultural practices and the agricultural sciences in Hohenheim. In light his work as a Landtag representatives, he was able to give strong support to the University of Hohenheim in budget consultations. Mr. Haag was also very active on behalf of the German Agricultural Museum. Thanks to a donation from the Gardener Association, expansions were made to the Museum.

On 26 September 1980, Mr. Friedrich Haag was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim in recognition of his work on maintaining and deepening the cooperation between the Horticultural School and the University as well as for his commendable parliamentary support.

Honorary Senator Wolfgang HABIG

born 16 September 1939

During his position as Chair of the Executive Board and shareholder of Westfalia Separator AG, Mr. Wolfgang Habig was particularly committed to intensive cooperation with the former food technology degree program at the University of Hohenheim. As early as 1977, Mr. Habig enabled students of food technology to visit Westfalia Separator AG in Oelde, Westphalia, as part of a large excursion. Several dissertations resulted from this fruitful cooperation. Furthermore, numerous students were able to take up managerial positions at Westfalia Separator AG after completing their studies. Mr. Habig was also a long-time member of the University Alliance.

In recognition of his extraordinary services to the former food technology degree program at the University of Hohenheim and his achievements as an entrepreneur and consultant, Dipl.-Kfm. Wolfgang Habig was awarded the honorary senatorship of the University of Hohenheim on 22 May 1998.

Honorary Senator Rudolf HÄUSSLER

* 21 April 1928

In his position as the CEO and owner of the Häussler Gruppe, Rudolf Häussler worked toward the internationality of science and business at an early point in time. He is particularly dedicated to getting students familiar with leading research institutions. He funded the substantial Rudi Häussler Sponsorship Award for early career researchers at the University of Hohenheim who were working on a doctorate and planned a stay abroad lasting several months in the context of their projects. He also worked toward the lab on group discussion research and a modernization of the University lecture halls’ communication media.

For his special work for promoting teaching and research, in particular for supporting early career researchers, international exchange, and his assistance in providing modern information and communication technology, Mr. Rudolf Häussler was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 23 June 1989.

Honorary Senator Claus-Peter HUTTER

* 18 September 1955

Since 1987, Mr. Claus-Peter Hutter has organized numerous symposia, conferences, and workshops on the topics of environmental and nature conservation management in cooperation with the University of Hohenheim. In his position as the Director of the Baden-Württemberg Academy for Nature Conservation, he made a significant contribution to many research projects being able to be successfully implemented at the Institute of Agricultural Engineering. In addition, Honorary Senator Hutter enriched the University’s teaching and held lectures in the international degree program “Environmental Protection and Agricultural Food Production” for many years. Mr. Hutter was especially committed to the University of Hohenheim’s partner universities in the Philippines. With his support, many projects were realized at the Leyte State University, and the cooperation was sustainably intensified.

For his untiring work for the concerns of the University of Hohenheim and his extraordinary dedication in the area of environmental and nature conservation, Mr. Dr. h.c. Claus-Peter Hutter was made an Honorary Senator on 31 October 2006.

Senator e.h. Marion J. Johannsen

* 30 June 1950

Marion Johannsen helped to shape the University of Hohenheim over many years. She was a member of the University Council for nine years, six of them as chair of the body. She is Chair of the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Hohenheim University Foundation. Under Marion Johannsen's leadership, the University Council concentrated on the strategic issues of the University. Her commitment was aimed at bringing together the University's institutions and the people behind them. She ensured an identification with the University and its goals - both among the members of the University and among the members of the committee.

Marion J. Johannsen was awarded the honorary senatorship on 5 April 2019 for her tireless commitment to the University of Hohenheim.

Honorary Senator Reinhold KIßLING †

born 10 October 1926 | deceased 5 March 2021

Reinhold Kißling, who held a doctorate in agricultural science, had special ties with the University of Hohenheim. From 1949 to 1952, he completed his agricultural science studies at Hohenheim College, which were later followed by a dissertation. He was particularly interested in ensuring practical aspects of studying were designed sensibly for Hohenheim students. Thus, he attached great importance to maintaining and deepening professional connections with Hohenheim institutes. In his capacity as President of the Württemberg Cooperative Association, he was particularly concerned with promoting the Research Center for Cooperatives, of which he became chairman in 1975. As a guest speaker, he played an active role in shaping the university's agricultural policy seminars and offered both students and faculty training sessions on the cooperative network. Furthermore, Mr. Kißling was a long-standing member and board member of the Universitätsbund.

On May 6, 1981, the University of Hohenheim awarded Dr. Reinhold Kißling the title of honorary senator on account of his commitment to deepening the connection between science and agricultural business theory and practical agricultural policy, and in particular for his service to the Research Center for Cooperatives.

Honorary Senator Heinz KRONE †

* 29 July 1923 | † 1 July 1990

Especially in the 1980s, Mr. Krone supported research and teaching at the University of Hohenheim with a great deal of commitment, including financial support. Thanks to his assistance, the International Center (today the Welcome Center and Guesthouse) were established. The rooms can be used by international visiting scientists and doctoral candidates for conversations, encounters, and informal meetings. The institution thereby contributes to intensifying the contacts and understanding among scientists and students from various countries.

Due to his work on the University’s internationality and his pioneering support in setting up the International Center, Mr. Heinz Krone was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 19 December 1985.

Honorary Senator Erwin KUHN

* 1 July 1946

As the President of the Württemberg Cooperatives Association Raiffeisen/Schulze-Delitzsch e.V. Stuttgart, Mr. Erwin Kuhn continually worked on maintaining close connections to the University. In the context of his work as the Chair of the Support Association for the Research Centre for Cooperatives and Assistant Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Stiftung Kreditwirtschaft, he actively promoted the support and development of the University and its institutions. Mr. Kuhn was in close contact especially with the Department of Banking Sector Research. With the foundation he established “Cooperatives Award for Outstanding Achievements,” each year Diplom, doctorate, and habilitation work in the area of business and economics is honored with the GENO Science Award. In addition, he used his contacts to provide internships to students and find positions for work on Diplom theses. Mr. Kuhn has also been a long-time member of the Universitätsbund.


To honor his long work to support and develop institutions and early career researchers at the University, Mr. Erwin Kuhn was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 21 February 2002.

SH Honorary Senator Karl Magnus Graf LEUTRUM VON ERTINGEN

* 10 October 1931

The Leutrum von Ertingen family has a long tradition of being connected to the University of Hohenheim - over half of a century. SH Graf Leutrum von Ertingen’s parents were already active members in the Universitätsbund Hohenheim e.V., founded in 1949. In 1956, Graf Leutrum completed his intermediate examination at the Hohenheim Agricultural College. In 1959 he became a member of the Universitätsbund and between 1982 and 2007 he was its Chair. Since then, he has been the Honorary Chair. In his work as a leading member of many agricultural associations in Baden-Württemberg, he used is many contacts in business and politics to the benefit of the University of Hohenheim and was able to win over many new friends and patrons. He supported the establishment of the newly founded Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences and the integration into the existing structures of the University of Hohenheim. As a member of the Advisory Board of the State Institute for Agricultural Chemistry and in the Committee for the Experimental Station for Small Animal Keeping, he worked untiringly for research at the University.

In recognition of his accomplishments, which he achieved with his extraordinarily successful work as the Chair of the Universitätsbund to develop the University’s external relationships as well as a supporting and expert member of the University’s scientific institutions, SH Karl Magnus Graf Leutrum von Ertingen was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 24 June 1988.

For his generous support of the University of Hohenheim, he received the golden University Medal on 6 December 1996 on the occasion of his 65th birthday.

Honorary Senator Manfred MARTERSTEIG †

* 27 November 1928 | † 27 April 2016

During his work in the Board of Trustees for the Stiftung Kreditwirtschaft, Honorary Senator Martersteig worked unfailingly to support the students with their concerns. With his assistance, many special projects were carried out such as expanding the literature holdings in the Departmental Library and starting an internship program. More examples of his work to benefit the University included the provision of data for empirical seminar, Diplom, and doctoral theses as well as the active support of excursions, research trips, and literature research. In 1991, Mr. Martersteig was appointed the Chair of the Support Association for the Research Centre for Cooperatives at the University of Hohenheim and assisted with starting cooperatives in East Europe with his extensive expertise.

The University of Hohenheim made Mr. Manfred Martersteig an Honorary Senator on 15 December 1993 for his active support of students and his long-time work as Chair of the Support Association for Cooperatives at the University of Hohenheim.

Honorary Senator Peter G. MAY †

* 2 June 1933 | † 18 November 2019

Based on his own international education, Mr. May viewed students’ international orientation as an important task for the future, and with his position as the Chair of the Board at Stuttgarter Hofbräu AG in Stuttgart, he established the foundation “Stuttgarter Hofbräu Student Support for Early Academics at the University of Hohenheim”. This foundation provided scholarships to German and international students to support international student exchange until 2013. For many years, he also worked actively in the Universitätsbund to implement various projects and supported the University in carrying out many events. He also made other people and institutions aware of the efforts of the University of Hohenheim to find patrons.

To honor his work in generously supporting research, teaching, and studies as well as his commitment to a global focus, Consul Peter G. May was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 24 August 1994.

Honorary Senator Norbert NATTER

* 7 July 1926

Honorary Senator Norbert Natter studied at the University of Hohenheim from 1949 to 1952. After completing his studies, he joined the Universitätsbund Hohenheim e.V and was later elected to its board. During his long years as the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Matters in Stuttgart’s Regional Council and as an active member of the Universitätsbund, he made a significant contribution to transferring knowledge from the University into agricultural practice, agricultural industries, and agricultural administration. With the establishment of the Hohenheim Europe Scholarship Program, Mr. Natter made an important contribution to developing and intensifying the exchange of students within Europe. He also played a major role in implementing many regional university days and the “Hohenheimer Runden”.

Because of his outstanding work for teaching and research and the way he conveyed agricultural science insights into the practice and agricultural administration, Dr. h.c. Norbert Natter was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 23 June 1989.

Honorary Senator Otto RETTENMAIER †

born 28 July 1926 | deceased 23 July 2020

Otto Rettenmaier has been an important supporter of the University of Hohenheim for many years and has also worked in the Universitätsbund. At an early point in time there was dialogue with the leading global company for pulp mills J. Rettenmaier & Söhne, where he was the managing partner, and the university’s research activities. His ideas from the practice and as a great personality in the corporate world were and are a benefit for the university’s teaching and research. In addition, he has been very generous in supporting the university’s German Agricultural Museum. With his store of knowledge, he has been able to positively develop and expand the museum. Besides this, Honorary Senator Rettenmaier has been an important figure in expanding Hohenheim’s new landscape garden. He assisted the university in renovating the Palace Aula and re-designing it into a conference room with modern technology in a classisct ambiance. This assistance was continued when he enabled the renovation of the Palace Balcony Room.

Based on his achievements in deepening the links between business and science and his generous funding of the and its institutions, on 27 June 1984, Otto Rettenmaier was presented with the University of Hohenheim’s Honorary Senator award.

On 02 June 2014, Mr. Rettenmaier received the golden medal of honor for his long-time support of the university.

With an extremely generous donation, Otto Rettenmaier has now enabled the construction of the OTTO RETTENMAIER AUDIMAX at the heart of the University campus. On 18 October 2013, the model was presented at a festive ceremony for the public. The groundbreaking ceremony for the university’s largest lecture hall with 600 seats took place in the spring of 2014. In his speech for the groundbreaking, the sponsor explained his personal motivation: “Many people work at my very successful company who were educated at the state’s universities. You can therefore view my work as an explicit ‘thank you’ to science.” The festive opening of the Otto Rettenmaier Audimax took place on 11 Nov 2016.

Honorary Senator Peter SCHAUFLER †

* 28 November 1940 | † 16 August 2015

For decades, Peter Schaufler set the course for today’s BITZER SE in Sindelfingen as its owner and CEO. With hard work, entrepreneurial courage, and an international focus, he shaped an entire era and developed the company from a mid-sized business to the world’s largest producer of compressors. He continually worked toward closer links between science and business and viewed the University not only as a place of academic education but as a place of cultural encounters and integration. To enable encounters among students, lecturers, and guests, Peter Schaufler supported the construction of a cultural and communication center. In the Euro-Forum, which was built in part with his donations, today there are musical and cultural events as well as lectures and panel discussions.

To honor his work in generously supporting research, teaching, and studies as well as his commitment to a cultural and social concerns, Peter Schaufler was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 8 November 1990.

Honorary Senator Karl Schlecht, deceased

born 28 October 1932 | deceased 21 August 2024

Mr. Karl Schlecht was born in Filderstadt-Bernhausen in 1932. He attended the Lower High School in Hohenheim before going on to secondary school in Stuttgart where he gained his school leaving certificate. After completing his degree in mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Stuttgart, he founded an engineering consultancy firm and then, in 1959, his company Putzmeister. With this company, he became the world market leader in concrete pumps for ready-mix concrete. The desire to share his company’s business success with society led Karl Schlecht to become particularly engaged in the professional development of young people. The “Akademie für Mittelstand und Entrepreneurship” (AME-AG), which he founded, brought together members of the University of Hohenheim and small- and medium-sized businesses through innovative, dual continuing education programs, thereby significantly promoting the link between science and business. He also financed a new chair at the University. This chair was named “Business Start-ups and Entrepreneurship” to reflect the true spirit of its founder. It was important to him to promote the development of entrepreneurial leaders who place particular emphasis on the human aspects of entrepreneurial activity. To this end, he gave lectures at the University and enabled students to take part in internships and visits to his company with the aim of sharing his entrepreneurial knowledge and experience and preparing them for human leadership in business.

On 19 June 2002, Karl Schlecht was made an honorary senator of the University of Hohenheim for his services to promoting and developing the University and its students, and for making the endowed chair in entrepreneurship possible.

Honorary Senator Werner SCHMIDT

* 13 July 1943

In addition to his interest and manifold support of the University of Hohenheim, Mr. Werner Schmidt worked toward the current and future development of Baden-Württemberg, in particular the region of Stuttgart. In his position as the Chairman of the Board of the Südwestdeutschen Landesbank and later Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, he was a key member in founding the continuing education initiative by the University of Hohenheim’s Finance Management Academy. The Forum Stuttgart, which he co-founded and led, was a way for him to continually and actively support science in Stuttgart. He was also an important consultant for the University in expanding its international activities. His advice when holding international conferences and congresses as well as other scientific gatherings was always a great help to the University of Hohenheim. From 1 October 2000 until 30 September 2003 (one term of office), Mr. Schmidt was the Chair of the newly created University Council at the University of Hohenheim.

To honor his work in generously supporting research, teaching, studies, and continuing education as well as his commitment to the Stuttgart region, Honorary Consul Werner Schmidt was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 24 November 1997.

Honorary Senator Jochen STEPHAN

* 2 May 1943

Jochen Stephan trained as a gardener, and in 1976 he founded the company VITA GmbH in Reutlingen, building it up to be an innovative and exemplary company in the area of “minimally processed foods”. He supported especially former students of the University of Hohenheim’s Food Technology degree program in research and teaching and maintained close contacts with the former Institute of Fruit, Vegetable, and Viticulture. He enabled students in the Faculty of Natural Sciences the chance to go on excursions to his company to gain insights into the gentle processing of food products. The Jochen Stephan Scholarship, which is no longer awarded, supported students who wanted to continue their education in the area of “Plant-Based Foods” abroad. In addition, he provided internships in his company and employed graduates in management positions. Thanks to his financial support, all University students and lecturers benefit from the newly modernized Lecture Hall 2 (today’s Aula) in the Palace. Excellent dissertations in the area of fresh food continue to receive the Jochen-Stephan Award even today.

In recognition or his work and generous support of the University, especially of the former Institute of Food Technology, Mr. Jochen Stephan was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 11 June 1999.

Honorary Senator Karl STRENGER

* 6 December 1956

Karl Strenger, CEO and partner in the Strenger Bauen und Wohnen Group, Ludwigsburg, provided significant support for renovating several lecture halls and is also a consultant to the University on environmental questions.  With his support of the international environmental foundation EURONATUR, he assisted in the implementation of many Diplom and doctoral theses that arise in cooperation with the Rainforestation project on the Philippines. With his work for the project on the Philippines and the construction of environmentally and socially friendly houses and settlements here, Mr. Strenger contributed greatly to the conservation of native and tropical ecosystems. On the Global Food Day 2009, he supported the University of Hohenheim in its top event on the topic of “Global Food”, which was carried out in cooperation with the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities.

Because of his significant contributions to the University of Hohenheim in social, cultural, and scientific areas, on 7 November 2003, Mr. Karl Strenger was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim.

Honorary Senator Roland ULMER

* 26 April 1937

In his work as the Managing Director of the Eugen Ulmer Verlag Stuttgart, Roland Ulmer worked in particular to produce and disseminated well-founded expert literature in the areas of agricultural and natural sciences. The Ulmer publishing house always closely connected to Hohenheim - Roland Ulmer’s grandfather had an honorary doctorate from the Agricultural University of Hohenheim. Mr. Ulmer made a great contribution to Hohenheim scientists publishing their habilitations and dissertations in the series “Hohenheimer Arbeiten” from the Ulmer Verlag, making them accessible to a broader audience.

In recognition of his work to intensify the contact between science and practice, the close cooperation with Hohenheim scientists, and in particular the dissemination of expert knowledge from Hohenheim students, Mr. Roland Ulmer was made an Honorary Senator on 14 December 1979.

SKH Honorary Senator Carl HERZOG VON WÜRTTEMBERG †

* 1 August 1936 | † 7 June 2022

From 1771-1793, His Royal Highness (SKH) Carl Eugen Herzog von Württemberg had the expansive Palace built for his later wife Franziska von Hohenheim. All parts of the Palace have been maintained and make up the location of today’s University. SKH Philipp Albrecht Herzog von Württemberg, father of Carl, was also made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim. Duke Carl was a long-time member and board member of the Universitätsbund and supported the University in carrying out many festive events. His work for the University also went beyond volunteer work, and he donated the four statues in the Palace’s large foyer. Duke Carl also always worked on behalf of the students. The Herzog-Carl Scholarship enables students to carry out research stays abroad for their final theses at host universities or other research institutions.

As a symbol of the close connection between the House of Württemberg and the University of Hohenheim since its founding in 1818 and in honor of his personal work as a friend and patron of the University, SKH Carl Herzog von Württemberg was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 15 June 1985.

For his generous support of the University of Hohenheim, he received the golden University Medal on 3 May 1999.

Honorary Senator Albrecht WANDEL

* 14 March 1944

As a co-founder of the Wandel & Goltermann Foundation, businessman Albrecht Wandel worked in particular to establish scholarships for going abroad and for supporting scientific projects. Many Hohenheim students and early career researchers have been able to benefit from this support. Especially remarkable is his work for the implementation and realization of the artistic and architectural design of the Hohenheim Landscape Garden. The construction of the very visible Monopteros should be mentioned in particular here. The pillar grove has become a beloved viewpoint for students and visitors.

Because of his work for science and art and his extraordinary support of the University of Hohenheim, Dipl.-rer.pol. Albrecht Wandel was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 6 September 2002.

Honorary Senator Rainer WILD

* 24 May 1943

In his position as the Managing Director of the Rudolf Wild-Werke, Prof. Wild always worked to maintain a close connection with the University of Hohenheim, especially with the former Institute of Food Technology. His support extended from the funding of Diplom and doctoral theses to enabling excursions to the Wild-Werke and his generous support of the Institute’s new construction. He also funded numerous projects in the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology. It was always important to Prof. Wild that he pass his extensive expert knowledge on to students and lecturers. He therefore held many seminars and colloquia and started the highly endowed Professor Wild Award, which is given at regular intervals to early career researchers for their outstanding work in food science.

In honor of his extraordinary work in the area of healthy nutrition and his untiring cooperation with the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Rainer Wild was made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 27 October 1992.

In 1996, Mr. Wild was made an Honorary Professor of the University of Hohenheim and on 20 May 2011 he received an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Honorary Senator Walther ZÜGEL

* 11 June 1933

In his work as the Chairman of the Landesgirokasso Baden-Württemberg, Walther Zügel significantly contributed to the success of the Hohenheim Palace concerts from the Landesgirokasse, which became highly renowned cultural events in part thanks to his work. These concerts were important for expanding the University’s links to its surroundings. But Walther Zügel also worked for students, especially young people from developing countries. For example, he worked to establish scholarships that would enable these students to continue their professional education at the University of Hohenheim. In cooperation with the Landesgirokasso, he also developed an internship model for students in business administration and economic degree programs that made up an important complement to academic lessons. In 1993, he received an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences. During the University of Hohenheim’s 175th anniversary celebration in the same year, he donated generously.

Due to his long-time and varied support of the University and its students, Mr. Walther Zügel was also made an Honorary Senator of the University of Hohenheim on 6 November 1979.