Founding rector Ronald Mönch of Bremen University died at the age of 82

Founding rector Ronald Mönch of Bremen University died at the age of 82

On Saturday, June 15, 2025, the academic world said goodbye to Ronald Mönch, the founding rector of the Bremen University of Applied Sciences. He passed away at the proud age of 82. Mönch played a formative role at the university from 1982 to 2001 and was re-elected several times. The Bremen University of Applied Sciences was created in 1982 from the merger of four institutions and today has around 9,000 students who can choose from more than 70 study programs. These successes are due not least to Mönch's visionary commitment, as Bremen's Science Senator Kathrin Moosdorf emphasized in her tribute: "His commitment in the early years was crucial for the development of our university." Buten and Binnen reported.

Mönch was born in Baden-Württemberg in 1942 and became known as a lawyer. After graduating from high school in Heidelberg in 1961, he studied law at the universities of Heidelberg and Göttingen before taking the first state examination in law in 1966. After military service and a period of study at the Sorbonne in Paris, the second state examination followed in 1971. He initially worked as a lawyer before becoming a lecturer and later professor at the Bremen University of Economics. Between 1979 and 1982 he was its rector until the university became the newly founded Bremen University. Wikipedia confirms.

Introduction of the Bremen University of Applied Sciences

When the Bremen University was founded, Mönch already had a clear plan. The university started with around 3,000 students and has grown significantly over the years. Mönch's importance for science in Bremen is also emphasized by the current rector Konrad Wolf: "He laid the foundation for an institution that has developed into a mainstay of education in Bremen." Mönch's successful tenure was characterized by foresight, and his achievements were recognized by the University Rectors' Conference (HRK), where he served as Vice President for Student Affairs from 2000 to 2002.

Mönch left his mark not only as a rector, but also as a scientist. He had more than one foot in the door when it came to developing new fields of study. His commitment to high-quality education in Germany is also reflected in various publications. These include works such as “From the Technical Center to the University of Bremen. 100 Years of Engineering Education in Bremen” and the commentary on the “Bremen Personnel Representation Act”. The Federal Agency for Civic Education speaks of continuous change in university structures, and Mönch made a significant contribution to this.

A legacy that lasts

Mönch's life's work represents not only academic excellence, but also a fundamental change in the education system. In the last hundred years, the higher education landscape in Germany has changed drastically, from the old universities of the Middle Ages to modern higher education, which focuses primarily on internationality and flexibility. Mönch was a pioneer in this change and advocated for a university orientation that integrated both research and teaching. This philosophy is more important than ever today, as universities increasingly have to position themselves as independent actors in the knowledge society.

Ronald Mönch leaves behind a legacy that will have a lasting impact on Bremen University of Applied Sciences. His vision for education will continue to inspire many generations of students and educators. Today, as we commemorate his achievements, it is clear that his commitment to higher education in Bremen is more than just a remarkable career – it is a timeless legacy.