Among the first to pass on their congratulations were University President Professor Hans Reiner Schultz and VDL President Markus Ebel-Waldmann, who praised Lönarz for his long-term commitment and strength of leadership. Both presidents emphasized the importance of the alumni association for enabling effective networking for graduates and for strengthening the ‘GEISENHEIMER’ brand.
A central objective for Lönarz’s new term of office will be boosting the development and digitalization of Geisenheim’s global alumni community under the ‘GEISENHEIMER’ brand name. Lönarz has underlined the importance of bolstering the unique reputation of Hochschule Geisenheim University at an international level and bringing alumni around the world closer together.
The plan is to establish digital hubs for individual regions and themes on the mein-netzwerk.hs-geisenheim.de platform. These hubs will help alumni to exchange knowledge and ideas, mount projects, and facilitate professional collaboration, all under the ‘GEISENHEIMER’ brand.
At Lönarz’s side is Vice-President Roger Baumeister and an eight-person advisory panel that will assist in stengthening collaboration with Hochschule Geisenheim University's different study and research areas. Frederik Schulz, Jasmin Kettenbach, and Professor Thomas Muschkullus were also newly elected to the advisory panel and have the opportunity to enrich the alumni association with fresh ideas.
Lönarz discussed his motivation for pursuing re-election in a speech:
“I made this decision to continue on my current path, to stand for re-election as the president of the VEG after almost 16 years in the role, because of my sustained belief in our shared goal. Change requires patience, courage, and a firm belief that every challenge is also an opportunity. We will scrutinize, adapt, and strengthen the structures, step by step.”
Lönarz views expanding the global alumni community under the ‘GEISENHEIMER’ brand as a key task in the coming years. Through targeted measures and new digital formats, the association hopes to engage more closely with the next generation of graduates and provide a platform for exchange, innovation, and professional success.
With a clear appeal to the wider Geisenheim community, Lönarz stated: “Together, we are stronger than any structure that limits us. Let us continue down this path with determination, optimism, and confidence”.
The unanimous vote and the restructuring of the advisory panel reflect a dynamic development of the alumni association. Through the commitment of its members, the association will be able to further strengthen the connection between graduates and the university and establish a modern, globally interconnected alumni community.
Contact:
VEG – Geisenheim Alumni Association e.V.
E-mail: info@geisenheimer.de
Website: www.geisenheimer.de
