Wunderbar! Dickinson Rings in 40 Years in Bremen
Leaders from Dickinson College and from the University of Bremen gathered in Bremen, Germany, in early June to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Dickinson's study-abroad program in Germany.
College celebrates global partnerships during international event
Dickinsonians from around the world gathered in Bremen, Germany, last week to celebrate a major milestone: the 40th anniversary of the college's William G. and Elke Durden Dickinson-in-Bremen program. The first of three international celebrations of Dickinson's flagship study-abroad programs this year, the event highlighted the college's enduring leadership in global education and the strength of its global partnerships.
The festivities began with a June 2 reception in Bremen. More than 70 Dickinson students, alumni, staff members and friends of the college took part in the event. Alumni, leaders and staff members from the University of Bremen.also attended, along with special guests President John E. Jones '77, P'11, Beth Jones P’11 and Bill '71 and Elke Durden.
The following day, Jones gave a public lecture at Bremen's historic Haus Schütting, on Bremen’s market square. “I am so pleased to be here to honor our 40-year partnership with this innovative university,” Jones said, referencing the University of Bremen’s strength in interdisciplinary study, research-based learning and hands-on research with societal relevance.
University of Bremen President Jutta Günther echoed the sentiment and agreed that the partnership has facilitated personal growth and provided a framework for more than 500 students to build global networks and enrich their understanding of themselves and the world. Numerous faculty members from both institutions have also participated in global exchange.
The festivities in Bremen were part of a larger commemoration of Dickinson's global programs. On June 5, Dickinsonians from near and far came together in Toulouse, France, to reconnect, network and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Dickinson-in-France program and meet with representatives from local universities, homestay hosts and professors. And more than 130 alumni and guests have already registered for a week of tours, tastings and celebrations in Bologna this October, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Dickinson-in-Italy program.
As Jones noted during his June 3 lecture, these milestones arrive during a challenging moment in U.S. higher education. He asserted that Dickinson's dedication to providing life-changing global experiences remains steadfast, as the college “remains firmly committed to bringing international students to our campus in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and to sending our students out to prestigious partner universities such as the University of Bremen.”
Jones added that Dickinson's strong partnerships with global institutions, such as the University of Bremen, help drive that ongoing mission. “The power of our strategic alignment is manifest and creates a synergy that allows us to both engage and change the world,” he said.
To learn more about the celebration in Bremen, visit the Dickinson-in-Bremen blog.
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Published June 6, 2025