Dear members of Freie Universität,
Dear students and staff, dear employees, dear colleagues,
We’re well into summer 2021,
and the semester break is upon us.
Looking back over the last three semesters impacted by Covid-19,
I think you’ll agree with me: They’ve been tough.
Many of us would probably use the words “taxing” and “stressful”
to describe the last three semesters
– for work and for our private lives.
So thank you, once again, for your dedication and commitment –
for all that you have done during these trying times,
under such difficult circumstances.
Thank you for your individual contributions,
which seen together as a whole,
have made it possible to keep Freie Universität up and running
– in research, in education, and in administration.
As members of Freie Universität, we have accomplished a lot during this time –
thanks to your incredible efforts.
Despite the difficulties,
you have continued to succeed in your courses and gain new insights.
There have been moments of joy, breakthroughs, and new ideas.
Although the pandemic has perhaps made some aspects of the work we do less visible,
I can assure you that teaching, studying, researching, and inventing haven’t disappeared.
“We need the light of science,”
as Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a video message just days ago.
Maybe these last few semesters will go down in history books as part of a “dark age,”
but there were also flashes of inspiration – the light of science – and they were important.
I hope that we can come back in October refreshed and energized
and ready to start the winter semester in person on campus.
To help us make the upcoming semester a special one, I would like to ask you to do a couple things:
One, get vaccinated!
Full vaccination is the best protection we have against the virus.
So please, everyone, go get those shots
so we can return to campus this fall
and enjoy the benefits of doing things in person,
while also feeling safe.
Two, go vote!
Voting strengthens our democracy.
It is also your chance to help strengthen science and research.
Your vote determines the future of universities in Germany and Berlin:
What kind of backing can our universities expect?
Which laws will pave the way for our work?
How much money will be allocated to research and education?
These issues will be decided at the polls this fall.
On behalf of the entire Executive Board,
I would like to thank you for all of your hard work
and the wonderful contributions you’ve made this summer semester.
Have a restful and relaxing break!
Take care – and see you next semester!