Whether it was coordinating appointments, keeping track of the “paper jungle,” or saving us with a smile (and sometimes even some “soul food”) — Ms. Beate Scherer was far more to us than “just” the voice on the phone. For more than two decades, she was much more than an organizational pillar; she was a constant for students, staff, and professors alike, a reliable point of contact, and the heart and soul of our chair.

After 22 years of dedication, organizational talent, and always having an open ear for everyone, we are bidding farewell to our esteemed secretary, Ms. Scherer, as she enters retirement at the end of the year.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the wonderful collaboration and support over the past years! For this new chapter of her life, we wish her, above all, continued health, joy, time for her many hobbies, and many happy moments. As a small keepsake from our chair, we also presented her with a personalized hat (in keeping with our long-standing crafting tradition).

Last Monday, we had the pleasure of celebrating her farewell together at the Christmas market, followed by dinner at the Japanese restaurant OJIGI in Mannheim. We will miss her dearly: her warm and courteous nature, her consistently positive attitude, and the many stories from “the old days” with which she enriched our daily lives.

To ensure that the office continues to run smoothly in the future, the course has already been set: We are delighted that Ms. Heimann has been actively on board since September. She has been intensively trained over the past few months and will lead the secretariat independently starting January 1st, 2026. We look forward to our future cooperation!