The Rector Awarded the Honorary Title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the UNWE to Prof. Thomas Puhl, President of the University of Mannheim
At an official ceremony in the UNWE Ceremonial Hall the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov awarded the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE to Prof. Thomas Puhl, President of the University of Mannheim.
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The honorary title is awarded to Prof. Thomas Puhl on the proposal of the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov by resolution of the UNWE Academic Council for his merits as a visionary and innovator in the European Education and Research Area, for his contribution to the establishment and development of the European University Alliance ENGAGE.EU and for the fruitful cooperation with the UNWE.
Prof. Thomas Puhl's work as President of the Governing Board of the European University Alliance ENGAGE.EU from 2020 to 2024 and as President of the Coordinating University - the University of Mannheim, has helped to raise the reputation of ENGAGE.EU and to establish it as a European university committed to transforming the society to meet today's challenges, achieve the green and digital transitions and sustainable development.
"Dear Prof. Puhl, your career and your work as President of the University of Mannheim and as President of the Governing Board of the European University Alliance ENGAGE.EU from 2020 to 2024 show that you are one of the visionaries responsible for developing the European Education and Research Area", said the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, adding: “Your contribution to the development of the European University Alliance ENGAGE.EU and to the funding of the second phase of the project is enormous. It is a great success which is a recognition of your efforts to make the nine partner universities in the Alliance to work together and reflects the quality of the projects that have been implemented so far. Over the past three years, numerous research projects have been developed within the framework of ENGAGE.EU. The participation of UNWE in this alliance gives us the opportunity to work together with the best European universities in the fields of economics, management and law and to play an active role in establishing and transforming key policies in the European Education and Research Area. We are proud to call all other universities not only our colleagues, but also our academic friends. UNWE is the best higher education institution according to the assessment by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency. The score of 9.80 is the highest ever achieved by a Bulgarian university and the participation of our university in the ENGAGE.EU alliance certainly contributed to that score. The internationalization of education is our purpose policy”.
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"Our university awards the highest honorary scientific title - Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE - to courageous visionaries, personalities with a proven contribution to society and the will to change and you, Prof. Thomas Puhl, are undoubtedly such a person”, outlined the Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov. “Your personal qualities, your professional skills and your reputation guarantee the development of the European Education and Research Area. Welcome to the closely linked academic family of UNWE! With us you will always find support and strength for your responsible work and mission for the benefit of society and the sustainable development of Europe.
Along with the honorary title you also receive the right to deliver an annual public lecture at our university. Congratulations, Prof. Puhl!”.
"Dear Rector Prof. Dimitrov, esteemed guests, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply grateful and humbled to be here today as Rector of the University of Mannheim – the Coordinating University of the European university alliance ENGAGE.EU and to celebrate the success of our partnership with the University of National and World Economy.
Today I am honoured to receive the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE. I perceive this honour as a reflection of our joint work. It highlights the strong relationship we built within the ENGAGE.EU family. ENGAGE.EU exemplifies what we can achieve when we work together. UNWE is one of the founding members and has been crucial in shaping the direction and perspectives of ENGAGE.EU. The ENGAGE.EU website created by the UNWE is more than an electronic portal, it is a dynamic hub that showcases our shared achievements, resources and the spirit of cooperation that defines our partnership. Every time we visit Sofia, we are struck by the warm hospitality that is extended to us", outlined Prof. Puhl.
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Prof. Puhl highlighted the key role of UNWE in ENGAGE.EU as coordinator of the work package on dissemination, communication and impact, as host of important events for the Alliance and its contribution to the implementation of the UN objectives as well as to the three pillars of the Alliance - education, research and societal outreach.
He also delivered his first academic speech of the ENGAGE.EU and Liberal Democracy examining the issues and challenges facing the development of democracy in the dynamically changing economic conditions and climate changes in the modern world.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all dedicated professors, staff and collaborators whose effort and passion are moving ENGAGE.EU forward. Your commitment, your enthusiasm and the teamwork are the heart and soul of our mission. I accept the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa on behalf of all who have contributed to our shared vision. Let’s keep the conversations going, let’s continue to engage, thank you very much!”, concluded his academic speech Prof. Puhl.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Fetzer, Vice-Rector for Strategic Planning, Internationalization and Equal Opportunities, who will take office as Rector of the University of Mannheim in October, greeted Prof. Puhl and expressed thankfulness to the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov for the recognition.
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Among the official guests in the hall were representatives of the UNWE Academic Council, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova, Vicey Rector for Research, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policy, Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan, Chairperson of the UNWE Control Council, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michail Musov, Institutional Coordinator of the project and the team working on ENGAGE.EU at the UNWE, Deans, Heads of Departments, lecturers and students.
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The event was also attended by Prof. Thomas Puhl`s wife - Suzanne Puhl.
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Before the official ceremony there was a short meeting between the Rector and the official guests.
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In the Rector`s Office Prof. Thomas Puhl wrote in the Golden Book of UNWE:
"It`s with deep gratitude that I accept the honour on behalf of the ENGAGE.EU Alliance. This recognition is a testament to our shared, common commitment to strengthening democracy through education and collaboration.
In a world with democratic values and often challenges it`s crucial that we equipped students with tools to navigate complexities of our world with integrity and purpose. By encouraging them to examining issues of diverse prospective and embrace various approaches, we are preparing them to become informed and responsible citizens of Europe.
ENGAGE.EU strives to create a vibrant democratic community that works closely with society and that empowers individuals to actively participate in democratic process. I am honoured to have part in this journey and look forward to seeing our ongoing work of ENGAGE.EU will continue to enrich and strengthen our democratic communities."
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Prof. Thomas Puhl has been President of the University of Mannheim since 2018. He has studied in Salzburg /Austri/), Bonn /Germany/ and Mercersburg /Pennsylvania, USA/. He was awarded a Cusanus scholarship and studied Law at the Universities of Bonn and Geneva. In 1985 he defended his Doctoral thesis at the University of Bonn. in 1995, he completed his habilitation in public law, including financial and tax law, at the Faculty of Law at the University of Heidelberg. He has been a professor at the University of Mannheim since 1996.
During his term as President of the University of Mannheim, Thomas Puhl has been President of the Governing Board of the European University Alliance ENGAGE.EU since 2020 to 2024.
Prof. Thomas Puhl was voted as Rector of the Year 2022 in a survey by the German University Association, came second in 2021 and 2024 and third - in 2023. He has been President of the State University Conference from February 2022 to 2024, has numerous other memberships and commitments and has been awarded various scholarships.
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Solemn Ceremony
on Awarding the Honorary Title of Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE
to Prof. Thomas Puhl, President of the University of Mannheim
VIDEO
