A Special International Understanding
At the last RWTH Greek-Turkish alumni get together in Aachen in 2007, many alumni from the two countries could only see the shell of the SuperC. RWTH Rector, Professor Ernst Schmachtenberg recently welcomed approximately 50 graduates from this alumni group in the SuperC, which has since been finished, and present them with the impressive view of Aachen from the top floor.
The guests didn't just get an impression of the numerous changes in the city and around the university from the new student center. During a bus tour and quick visit to the Logistics Cluster building, they were able to grasp the plans and dimensions of the large Campus development projects.
For many of the alumni from Greece and Turkey, Aachen became a second a home during their studies in the 60s and 70s. Numerous students from that period even remained in Aachen and the region. Mayor Marcel Philipp insisted on receiving the guests from Greece and Turkey personally in the White Hall of the city hall.
Due to the history of both countries, the Greek-Turkish alumni relationships are a particular example of international understanding. In the meantime, the group has expanded to include a few German alumni. Prof. Dr. Georg Fotiadis, representative for Greek alumni, and Dr. Okan Akin, 1st Chair of the Turkish Alumni Association Aachen-Istanbul, hope to continue these relationships with younger graduate generations. During the get together the alumni were able to establish initial contact to "their" students.
Photo Caption: Mayor Marcel Philipp (right) with RWTH alumni from Greece and Turkey.