From May 8 to 12, 2026, Hof University welcomed a delegation from Weber State University. The twelve master’s students from the MBA and Master of Taxation programs were accompanied by Prof. Dr. Doris Geide-Stevenson, Prof. Eric Smith, and Prof. Dr. Heinz Göhring. Following stops in Paris and Zurich, the focus of their visit to Germany was on exchanges with companies, institutions, and Hof University.
The trip kicked off on May 8 with a visit to SM Selbstklebetechnik. Managing Director Bernhard Gröbe, together with the management team, presented the company’s development as well as the current economic challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises. The guests were particularly impressed by the company’s successful positioning in a difficult market environment and by the combination of modern production processes with historical technology. A detailed tour of the facilities and in-depth discussions rounded out the visit.
In the afternoon, the program took the group to Munich to visit BMW Welt and the BMW Museum. There, the students gained insights into the history and present of the Bavarian automotive industry.
Culture, Soccer, and Franconian Hospitality
The weekend also offered an opportunity to get to know Germany culturally. Some participants visited the Munich Spring Festival, while others used their free time for their own explorations. Soccer-loving students also attended the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach—the atmosphere created by the Mönchengladbach fans, in particular, left a lasting impression on the guests. On Sunday, the group traveled on to Hof, where the day concluded with a group dinner.
Professional Exchange in Hof
Monday was devoted entirely to further company and field visits. At Rödl, the students gained insights into current topics in auditing and management consulting. Presentations on big data in auditing and on corporate acquisitions in the SME sector offered practical perspectives on international economic issues. In the afternoon, the group visited the HofBad. Operations Manager Franke and her deputy explained both the technical processes and the key business metrics of the indoor swimming pool facility. The guests were particularly impressed by the high level of technical sophistication required to operate a modern swimming facility.
The official highlight of the evening was a reception at Hof University hosted by the university president. In a relaxed atmosphere, students, professors, and university staff engaged in conversation with one another.
A Historical Conclusion
On the day of departure, the city of Hof officially welcomed the guests at City Hall. Following a welcome address—which also served as the new mayor’s first official act—the visitors gained fascinating insights into the city’s past and present during a guided tour.
The trip concluded with a visit to the German-German Museum in Mödlareuth. The American guests were particularly struck by the impressive depictions of life in divided Germany, before the group began their return journey to Munich Airport.
