Ever savored a “Running Dinner” where each course is a culinary adventure in a different home? That tradition is linked to the Fachhochschule Erfurt. This is the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt. It is more than just classrooms and books.
The Fachhochschule Erfurt’s story began in 1991. It rose from the foundation of two engineering schools. These schools were established in 1946 and 1947. They were based in Thuringia’s capital. Many Erfurt residents still connect the Fachhochschule Erfurt with its predecessors.
Initially, teaching focused on six key fields. These included civil engineering and horticulture. Landscape architecture and supply engineering were also taught. Rounding out the initial offerings were architecture and social work.
Over time, the Fachhochschule Erfurt expanded. New buildings appeared at Steinplatz 2 and Altonaer Stra\u00dfe 25. These provided much needed space. New departments emerged too. Business and restoration became new areas of study. Traffic and transport were also added.
Since 1995, the Business Administration Department hosts a unique event. It is called the “Running Dinner”. Students and lecturers collaborate. They create a starter, main course, or dessert. The courses are enjoyed at different locations. An after-show party aids digestion.
The Fachhochschule Erfurt entered the digital age. Its website went live. The Department of Business Administration moved to Steinplatz 2.
Open Day became a joint venture in 1996. Prospective students could learn about studying at the Fachhochschule Erfurt. It was known as “HIT”. Since 2011, the Fachhochschule Erfurt collaborates with the University of Erfurt. They offer a joint open day.
The Fachhochschule Erfurt has hosted an annual summer party since 1996. Students organize it. It includes dancing and festivities on campus. Initially an evening event, it has grown. It now includes an afternoon event. Colorful stalls and tasty treats enhance the experience. An outdoor stage adds to the fun.
In 2005, the “Wolfgang Storm Laboratory Hall” opened. It provides practical experience for civil engineering and traffic students. The Fachhochschule Erfurt honored Wolfgang Storm. He contributed to the university’s establishment.
In 2006, the StuRa started a project for students with children. Rooms were renovated for a daycare center. It was named “Kinderladen”. Today, the daycare center is on campus.
Every two years, Erfurt hosts the “Long Night of the Sciences”. The Fachhochschule Erfurt participates. Visitors experience science firsthand. Experts open their doors. People peek behind the scenes.
In 2008, the Fachhochschule Erfurt adopted new statutes. Departments merged creating six faculties. These faculties included architecture and civil engineering. Landscape architecture and applied social sciences were also created. Business, logistics, and transport rounded out the faculties.
An auditorium opened at Altonaer Stra\u00dfe 25. The Audimax has 300 seats. Sixteen new laboratories provide 400 workstations.
In 2011, the Fachhochschule Erfurt celebrated its 20th anniversary. The university’s 10,000th student graduated.
In 2016, the Benary family donated their company library. It contained around 1,000 books and journals. These focused on botany, landscaping, and horticulture.
The library underwent major renovations in 2018 and 2019. Work and study spaces were created.
The Fachhochschule Erfurt faced challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. It transitioned to digital teaching.
The University of Applied Sciences Erfurt continues to evolve. It embraces the slogan “30 years – working together”. It looks back on its past. It also looks forward to the future.