Dear first-year students,
welcome to TH Köln.
Today marks the beginning of an exciting
academic journey for you.
In the coming years, you will not only develop skills
and gather new experiences, but also become part of a community
based on democratic values.
Freedom, openness,
diversity, and the rule of law
are immutable pillars of our country
and its institutions.
They provide the framework for
independent and objective science.
A science that questions,
informs, and discusses objectively.
One that tackles societal challenges productively.
All of this is more important than ever
given the context of antidemocratic tendencies
and associated contempt for humanity.
So, our university is more than just a place to acquire expertise.
Here, you also gain the ability
to engage in critical,
respectful, and constructive discourse
informed by scientific findings and knowledge.
I am therefore very pleased
when you actively and courageously
participate in societal discourse.
Seize this opportunity and contribute
to strengthening democracy through informed knowledge.
In our interactions, our university places
particular emphasis on openness.
Being open allows for encounters on an equal footing,
learning from each other, and working together
towards positive development.
Openness fosters diversity, inclusion, and acceptance.
And this makes our university
a safe place for everyone.
Take advantage of this safe environment
to approach one another,
to meet new people and cultures,
to pursue interests beyond your academic studies,
or to get involved in student life.
In student councils,
in the student union (AStA), in the student parliament,
as a tutor or mentor,
or in the many student initiatives and projects.
Stay open.
And in this spirit, I wish you
all the best for your studies
and above all, a happy
and successful start
to your new phase of life
at our university.