At the general meeting of the Gesellschaft der Freunde und Förderer der Hochschule Hof e.V., which took place in the Digital Start-up Centre Einstein1, the focus this time was on special personalities in addition to information on the development of the university: Four deserving members of the society, Dr. Dorothee Strunz, Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler, Ute Coenen and Jürgen Handke, were honored for their extraordinary and long-standing commitment.
Dr. Dorothee Strunz was honoured by Bavaria’s State Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Martin Schöffel, as a personality who has had a decisive influence on the Friends’ Association for almost two decades. Active on the board since 2006, she led the association as chairwoman from 2014 to 2023 with exceptional energy and vision.
Dr. Dorothee Strunz – tireless driving force
Even after the handover to her successor Andreas Pöhlmann, she will remain on the Board – as a source of ideas, organizer and passionate supporter of Hof University of Applied Sciences. Whether through the initiation and further development of the “Digitaler Aufbruch der Lehre” and “Forschung” awards, the digitalization of the university magazine “campuls” or the organization of numerous events – Dr Strunz has always been a driving force within the association. The big anniversary celebration for the 25th anniversary of the Fördergesellschaft in 2018 also bore her signature, as did many strategic impulses from a business perspective. “Her appointment as Honorary Chairwoman is a special tribute to her tireless work for Hof University of Applied Sciences,” said Chairman Andreas Pöhlmann.
Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler – a supporter with heart and soul
Since 2011, the new honorary member Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler has been part of the board of the Friends of Hof University – and more than that: as a lecturer, member of the university council and with the financing of an endowed professorship, he has contributed to the development of the university in many different roles. His commitment to the relocation of the Textile Technology Center from Coburg to Hof remains unforgotten – a milestone for the location. Dr. Sandler has family ties to the Fördergesellschaft: His father was already involved as a co-founder of the association. Dr. Sandler not only continued this tradition, but filled it with new passion. His own statement sums it up: “My heart burns for the university!”
Ute Coenen – reliability personified
Ute Coenen was Treasurer of the Friends of Hof University from 2009 to 2022 – a role she fulfilled with great precision and reliability. Following her move to the office of Chancellor of Hof University of Applied Sciences in October 2022, she relinquished her position on the Board – but will remain associated with the Fördergesellschaft. Her many years of conscientious work as financial officer were a stabilizing factor for the association. Her appointment as an honorary member recognizes her many years of dedicated work.
Jürgen Handke – bridge builder between business and university
Jürgen Handke, who was a member of the Board from 2011 to 2023, was also made an honorary member. He was an important link between the regional economy and Hof University of Applied Sciences and was always committed to its financial support. Numerous projects could be realized thanks to his support – from racing cars for Motorsport HofSpannung e. V. to the establishment of the “StartupLab Hof” and the inventor workshop “MakerSpace”. As Mr. Handke is currently on vacation, the official presentation of the certificate of honour will take place at a later date.
Motorsport HofSpannung e.V. association introduces itself
The general meeting itself offered informative and groundbreaking insights into the work of the university and the association. After the welcome address by CEO Andreas Pöhlmann, Ben Becher and Niklas Moser introduced the Formula Student Team “HofSpannung Motorsport e. V.”, which is reliably supported by the sponsoring association, and provided insights into construction and racing processes. The student association has been building electric racing cars for over 12 years now. The latest model, “Artemis”, can reach 100 km/h in under 3 seconds.
It is a feeling of happiness when you see the car driving, constantly getting faster and lighter. But HofSpannung e.V. is not really about the car – it’s about the team and acquiring skills.”
Niklas Moser
University in the strategy process
At the same time, the area of further education generates important income and, according to Prof. Lehmann, the international area also remains a growth driver for Hof University of Applied Sciences: “Particularly with students from India, there continues to be sustained success – over 70 percent of graduates remain in Germany after graduation,” says Prof. Lehmann.
As a best-practice example for the integration of Indian specialists, the university plays a pioneering role throughout Germany.”
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Lehmann
With a new office in Bangalore and targeted local recruiting, the university is focusing on long-term integration, including language certification (A2) as a model for success. Cooperation with Latin America has already been established and initial talks with partners in Africa are underway.
A self-developed “degree course generator” digitally supports the marketing of Hof University’s educational offerings. There was also progress to report in another area: In future, Hof University of Applied Sciences will also be able to offer doctorates, particularly in the fields of computer science and engineering. And: for the planned biopolymer center, the university wants to act as the building owner for the first time and pay strict attention to costs and schedule. In terms of content, Lehmann emphasized that the current strategy process should be completed by the end of the year – as a basis for the coming years up to 2050.
Stable situation of the development association
In his report, Andreas Pöhlmann, Chairman of the Sponsors’ Association, looked back on an active year for the association: in addition to specific investments, strategic decisions were also discussed at two board meetings. Funds flowed into earmarked reserves in order to provide targeted support for future developments.
A needs study for the local economy carried out together with the Institute for Economic and Organizational Research (iwo) shows that the Hof University of Applied Sciences is an important partner for companies: Hof University of Applied Sciences is a highly valued partner for companies in the region with great potential for cooperation. Pöhlmann emphasized:
Every company that has points of contact with Hof University of Applied Sciences appreciates what is on offer there beyond measure.”
Andreas Pöhlmann
Although recruiting new members for the association is a challenge, contact with alumni and potential supporters is being continuously expanded.
Treasurer Dr. Michael Braun also confirmed the association’s very stable financial situation. Auditor Bernd Schnabel praised the smooth and digital bookkeeping – there were no objections. The actions of the Board of Directors and auditors were unanimously approved. Under “Miscellaneous”, information was also provided on the new logo and the relaunch of the association’s website.
State Secretary optimistic
State Secretary Martin Schöffel, the only representative of Upper Franconia in the Bavarian cabinet, emphasized the importance of political measures to strengthen economic growth in his welcoming address. He was confident that the financial framework conditions for universities would improve in the medium term thanks to higher revenues and special funds. Cuts in future investments should be avoided as far as possible.
About the Gesellschaft der Freunde und Förderer der Hochschule Hof e.V.
The Gesellschaft der Freunde und Förderer der Hochschule Hof e. V. was founded in 1993 as a citizens’ initiative and has since supported numerous projects in the areas of teaching, research, public relations and the strategic development of the university. Examples from recent years range from funding the university band and the university magazine “campuls” to scholarships for foreign students and support for student initiatives such as HofSpannung Motorsport e. V. or the student café “Auszeit”. Innovative prizes such as the “Digital Awakening of Teaching” and the Research Award also bear the hallmark of the association.
With currently over 200 members, the association forms an important pillar in the connection between the university, business, society and alumni – driven by the common goal of supporting Hof University of Applied Sciences in its development in the best possible way.
