Greetings and Introductory Thoughts
摘要
When I got to know Christian Brünner he was Rector of the University of Graz, and I was the students’ representative of the Austrian Students’ Union. I can say in good conscience that he is a role model for me. During his time as the head of Austria’s second-largest university in the 1980s, Brünner had a decisive influence on the University of Graz—in many ways. For Christian Brünner is a bridge builder. He opened the University towards society and positioned the institution in the urban climate of Graz during the Cold War. He made the diversity of cultures and nations visible by organising Europe’s largest student festival “Unitopia”. The event promoted the exchange among people and opened borders in all directions.