Prof. Dr Thomas Puhl Was Awarded the Honorary Title of Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE
The Rector of the University of Mannheim Prof. Dr Thomas Puhl was awarded the Honorary Title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of National and World Economy from Bulgaria. He was officially awarded the honorary title by the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr Dimitar Dimitrov – one of Puhl’s fellow founding rectors of the ENGAGE.EU European University.
The official ceremony took place on 25 September 2024 in Sofia at UNWE’s Ceremonial Hall. The already elected future rector of the University of Mannheim and current coordinator of the ENGAGE.EU Alliance Prof. Dr Thomas Fetzer, the deans of faculty at UNWE, academic, administrative staff, and students attended the ceremony.
Prof. Thomas Puhl was recognized for his role as rector of the coordinating university of ENGAGE.EU since day one. In his patron role he helped ENGAGE.EU establish itself and grow fast and successfully as an alliance amongst the leading participants in the European Universities Initiative. He has been the rector of UMA since 2018 and will switch places with Prof. Fetzer this October.
UNWE’s Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov congratulated Puhl: “Dear Prof. Puhl, your contribution to the development of the European University Alliance ENGAGE.EU and to the funding of the second phase of the project is enormous. It is a great success which is a recognition of your efforts to make the nine partner universities in the Alliance to work together and reflects the quality of the projects that have been implemented so far.
Your work as Rector of the University of Mannheim and Chairman of the Administrative Board of the European University Alliance ENGAGE.EU has helped to raise the reputation of ENGAGE.EU and to establish it as a European university committed to support the society in managing with the modern challenges, achieve the green and digital transitions and sustainable development.
Along with the honorary title you also receive the right to deliver an annual public lecture at our university. Congratulations, Prof. Puhl!”
Prof. Puhl extended his gratitude for the honorary title and outlined the role of UNWE at ENGAGE.EU as coordinators of the work package dedicated to dissemination, communication, and impact, as well as its contribution to all three pillars of our Alliance – learning, research, and societal outreach.
“Dear Rector Prof. Dimitrov, esteemed guests, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply grateful and humbled to be here today as Rector of the University of Mannheim – the coordinating university of the European university alliance ENGAGE.EU and to celebrate the success of our partnership with the University of National and World Economy.
Today I am honoured to receive the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE. I perceive this honour as a reflection of our joint work. It highlights the strong relationship we built within the ENGAGE.EU family. ENGAGE.EU exemplifies what we can achieve when we work together. UNWE is one of the founding members and has been crucial in shaping the direction and perspectives of ENGAGE.EU since the beginning.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all dedicated professors, staff and collaborators whose effort and passion are moving ENGAGE.EU forward. Your commitment, your enthusiasm and the teamwork are the heart and soul of our mission. I accept the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa on behalf of all who have contributed to our shared vision. Let’s keep the conversations going, let’s continue to engage, thank you very much!”
In UNWE’s 104-year-old Golden Book Prof. Puhl wrote the following message: “It`s with deep gratitude that I accept the honour on behalf of the ENGAGE.EU Alliance. This recognition is a testament to our shared, common commitment to strengthening democracy through education and collaboration.
In a world with democratic values and often challenges it`s crucial that with a tools to navigate complexities of our world with integrity and purpose. By encouraging them to examining issues of diverse prospective and embrace various approaches, we are preparing them to become informed and responsible citizens of Europe.
ENGAGE.EU strives to create a vibrant democratic community that works closely with society and that empowers individuals to actively participate in democratic process. I am honoured to have part in this journey and look forward to seeing our ongoing work of ENGAGE.EU will continue to enrich and strengthen our democratic communities.
He also delivered his first academic speech of the topic of ENGAGE.EU and Liberal Democracy.
The ceremony was streamed live and you can watch the entire recording below:
