Stuttgart Technical University of Applied Sciences has awarded Bernd Göhner and Björn Riker the title of Honorary Senator. In doing so, the university recognises the long-standing and outstanding commitment of these two individuals, who have had a significant influence on the university’s development. Both Göhner and Riker have been actively involved in supporting ‘their’ university for many years as board members of the Friends of Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences Association.
Long-standing commitment to HFT Stuttgart
Bernd Göhner has accompanied HFT Stuttgart for many years in his role as Chairman of the Friends of HFT Stuttgart e.V. Through his extraordinary commitment, Göhner has made a lasting contribution to the profile and further development of the university.
Björn Riker has also been closely associated with HFT Stuttgart for many years. As treasurer, Riker was particularly committed to financing a wide range of university projects, thereby strengthening the university's position far beyond the campus.
Both Göhner and Riker are long-time companions and have been closely associated with the university for many years. Both studied civil engineering at the Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences. Bernd Göhner graduated in 1990, Björn Riker in 2005.
Björn Riker
Riker, born in 1978, has been involved with the university on a voluntary basis since his student days: in the university senate, on the civil engineering advisory board and as a member of the AStA. Riker has been a member of the Friends Association since 2000 and has been responsible for finances as treasurer since 2015. Björn Riker is Managing Partner of Riker Wohnbau + Immobilien GmbH in Remshalden. Rector Katja Rade presented Björn Riker with his certificate with the following words: "Dear Mr Riker, you are an example of what we want from our graduates: Professionally excellent. Entrepreneurially successful. Socially committed. And loyal to our university. For your many years of reliable and passionate support for Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences, we are honouring you today with the title of Honorary Senator. And it is with great pleasure that we do so. Congratulations!"
Bernd Göhner
Bernd Göhner has been a member of the Freunde association since 2009, first as an assessor and from 2012 as deputy chairman. Göhner has chaired the association since 2015. In this role, he manages the relationship between the association and the university. Göhner, born in 1964, is a member of the management team at Dr Spang Ingenieurgesellschaft für Bauwesen, Geologie und Umwelttechnik mbH in Esslingen. Rector Katja Rade presented Bernd Göhner with the certificate with the following words: "Dear Mr Göhner, you are not just a graduate of this university. You are a shaper of its present and a co-developer of its future. For your extraordinary, long-standing and responsible support of Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences, we are honouring you today with the title of Honorary Senator. With great respect. With gratitude. And with joy. Congratulations!"
For over six decades, the Friends of HFT Stuttgart e. V. association has made an indispensable contribution to promoting the university. The wide range of services provided by the association - from supporting practical teaching, excursions, innovative projects and visiting professorships to stays abroad, scholarships and prize money - are inextricably linked to the great personal commitment of its members.
With their many years of responsible commitment, the two new honorary senators have shaped and supported this support in a special way. They have made a significant contribution to opening up additional opportunities for students, facilitating international experience and strengthening the links between universities, business and society. The establishment of the HFT Stuttgart Student Foundation and the sustainable improvement of study conditions - for example through the Joseph von Egle student residence - would also be unthinkable without their work.
Appreciation from the university management
The appointment of honorary senators recognises their exceptional commitment to HFT Stuttgart and their lasting contribution to the quality of studies, teaching and academic life. The Honorary Senator awards were presented by Rector Prof Dr Katja Rade. "With the appointment as Honorary Senators, we would like to thank two personalities who have supported our university with vision, commitment and great solidarity," emphasised Rade. "Their achievements have had a lasting impact on Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences."
Bernd Göhner
I am deeply grateful that the university has recognised our many years of commitment by appointing us as Honorary Senators. It means a great deal to me to be included in the small circle of people who have received this honour to date. At the same time, this award spurs me on to continue my commitment to the university and its students, to take on responsibility as a supporter of the university and to continue to do justice to this extraordinary honour in the future.
Further honorary senators of HFT Stuttgart
The title of honorary senator is an expression of special appreciation and remains a visible sign of the bond between the honouree and the university even after their active collaboration. For their past services and future endeavours on behalf of Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences, the following individuals have so far been awarded the title of Honorary Senator: Senator E.h. Claudia Diem, Senator E.h. Dipl.-Ing. Uwe Drewes, Senator E.h. Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Hans-Joachim Hundsdörfer, Senator E.h. Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Architect Jürgen Matthiessen, Senator E.h. Dr Gisela Meister-Scheufelen, Senator E.h. Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Dieter Straub and Senator E.h. Prof. Dr hab. inz. Piotr Wach.
