On 6 November 2025, the CampusAsyl e. V. association celebrated its tenth anniversary at the University of Regensburg together with supporters, friends and numerous guests. Since its foundation in 2015, initiated by Hermann Josef Eckl and Prof. Dr. Rupert Hochholzer, CampusAsyl has stood for active solidarity, social cohesion and participation on an equal footing.
OTH Regensburg has also been closely associated with the initiative from the very beginning. Many students, lecturers and staff are involved in what are now more than 20 projects, ranging from language cafés and learning mentorships to targeted services for refugee women.
Prof. Dr. Ralph Schneider, President of OTH Regensburg, congratulated the association on its milestone birthday: ‘For ten years, CampusAsyl has stood for solidarity, diversity and social cohesion in action. Its commitment is an asset to the campus and our entire urban community.’ At the same time, he pointed out the special significance of the association's commitment in light of current social developments: ‘We need people and institutions that fly the flag for openness, respect and peaceful coexistence. CampusAsyl sends a strong signal in this regard and stands for values that are also anchored in OTH Regensburg's self-image.’
Björn Reschke, managing director of CampusAsyl e. V., also praised the long-standing support provided by the universities: ‘The fact that CampusAsyl reaches and connects so many people is thanks in part to the openness and support of our partners at OTH Regensburg and the University of Regensburg.’
In addition to musical performances and welcoming speeches, the anniversary celebration also featured a panel discussion with the co-founders and former active members, as well as a keynote speech by journalist Hasnain Kazim. Looking to the future, CampusAsyl remains a beacon of social engagement in Regensburg, driven by the conviction that universities are places of responsibility, diversity and solidarity.
During the anniversary celebrations, OTH President Schneider referred to the OTH Regensburg's annual academic celebration on 5 December. This year's celebration is deliberately themed ‘Social Responsibility’. The keynote speaker will be Prof. Dr Ursula Münch, Director of the Academy for Political Education, who will speak on the topic ‘The world in transition. How resilient is our democracy and what contribution can universities make?’.
