Alfons-Goppel-Platz in front of Hof University of Applied Sciences is more than just a name – it commemorates a formative personality who played a key role in making Hof a university town today. But who was Alfons Goppel and why was this square named after him?
Dr. Alfons Goppel was Bavarian Minister President from 1962 to 1978 and was particularly committed to the development of the Hof region during his time in office. When the city of Hof applied to host the Bavarian Civil Service University of Applied Sciences – Department of Internal Administration – in 1973, it was Dr. Goppel who immediately and unequivocally spoke out in favour of Hof as a location. With his personal commitment, he succeeded in winning over the Bavarian state government for Hof and finally brought about the cabinet decision on March 18, 1975. This decision is considered a milestone and the starting signal for today’s university city of Hof.
In recognition of his personal commitment, the city of Hof awarded Dr. Goppel honorary citizenship on 27 June 1981 and named the square in front of the university after him. The naming not only preserves the memory of the honorary citizen, who died in 1991, but also acknowledges his contribution to the city’s history: without Dr. Alfons Goppel’s influence, Hof would probably not have developed into the established educational location that it is today, making the launch of Hof as a university town one of the most important decisions in the city’s history.
Many thanks to the Hof City Council for providing this information !
