Farewell After 25 Years
Dr. Josef Zimmermann retires from his role as chairman of the “Freunde der Universität Mannheim” (Friends of the University of Mannheim) association for age-related reasons. For a quarter of a century, he has been involved in the organization to promote research and teaching at the University of Mannheim.
It is a difficult farewell, but not yet a final one: Dr. Josef Zimmermann, chairman of the Freunde der Universität Mannheim association (FUM), passed on his role to his successor Andreas Hilgenstock in July 2024. After 25 years with the association and 18 years as its chairman, the 76-year-old is closing this chapter for age-related reasons. But he will keep up his involvement as a board member of the University of Mannheim Foundation.
Zimmermann has maintained close ties with his alma mater for decades. He first set foot in the halls of the baroque palace in 1971 to pursue a Diplom degree in business administration. After graduating in 1976, he went on to earn his doctorate from Mannheim in 1980. And even though the trained banker returned to the world of finance after his time in academia, he never completely turned his back on the university.
In 1999, Zimmermann became treasurer of FUM, which at the time was still known as Gesellschaft der Freunde der Universität Mannheim (GdF). In 2005, he helped establish the University of Mannheim Foundation, of which he is still vice chairman today. One year later, he also took on the position of FUM chairman. During that time, he was involved in organizing the “Renaissance of the Baroque Palace” renovation campaign, for example.
“I benefited so much from interactions”
“I believe you shouldn’t let your professional networks and experiences get stale after retirement; they should be used for the benefit of society on a voluntary basis. Through my involvement with the Friends, I could give something back to this top university, which provided me with the best foundation for my career,” says Zimmermann. “At the same time, I benefited so much from my lively interactions with students and felt enriched by the numerous interesting encounters and experiences I had.”
President Thomas Puhl thanks Zimmermann for his work: “Through his many years of exceptional commitment, Josef Zimmermann has added incredible value to the university. Even though I regret his retirement as chairman of the Friends, I do understand his reasons, and I’m all the more pleased that his experience and dedication will remain with us in the Foundation.”
Andreas Hilgenstock will lead the FUM from July 2024 onwards. The 62-year-old was managing partner with Engelhorn KGaA Mannheim until this year and is now a member of the supervisory board. Furthermore, he is involved in many other activities in Mannheim, for example as a member of the advisory board of the Heinrich Vetter Foundation, as chairman of the advisory board of the Mannheim National Theater and as a member of the board of trustees of the Kunsthalle.
Text: Jessica Scholich / August 2024