Troy University News

July 26, 2004

Contact:
Tom Davis or Andy Ellis : (334) 670-3196; tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

Troy University opens new Germany site, enrolls first student

   When Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. cut the ribbon on a new teaching site in Heidelberg , Germany Thursday afternoon it marked a homecoming of sorts.
    Troy University operated campuses on military bases in Europe for almost 20 years before discontinuing operations on the continent.
   Chancellor Hawkins, in his remarks at the grand-opening ceremony, said Troy University ’s return to Europe means that the University now has a presence in 11 nations outside the United States .
   “ Troy University is pleased to be back in Europe ,” Dr. Hawkins said. “We came to Europe in 1974 to serve the U.S military and remained until a few years ago when U.S. troop strength was reduced by two-thirds. We have returned to stay. We will serve civilians and military personnel.”
   The Heidelberg Site will feature an accredited Executive Master’s of Business Administration degree program for corporate executives where Troy University professors will travel to Heidelberg to teach the courses in an intensive format.
   The site will also offer a traditional MBA program, a bachelor’s degree in Resources Management and Administrative Support for the U.S. eArmyU Program, which allows enlisted men and women to earn a baccalaureate degree online. All Troy University sites located outside Alabama are operated without state appropriations.
   Dr. Hawkins introduced, Adolf Wimmer, the first student enrolled at TROY-Heidelberg. Wimmer is a member of the city council of Kaiserslautern and a member of the board of directors of the Volksbank in Kaiserslautern . He is also the owner of a prominent cafe and bakery in Kaiserslautern , Cafe Wimmer.
    TROY ’s first student in Heidelberg is a reserve full colonel in the German Army. He is a member of the Christian Democratic Union.
   “Mr. Wimmer met Dr. Hawkins many years ago in Kaiserslautern ,” said Dr. Susan Aldridge, vice chancellor for University College , the division that operates all Troy University campuses located outside of Alabama . “He was impressed with Dr. Hawkins and he loves to learn. He wanted to join Dr. Hawkins’ university and be the first Troy University student in our Executive MBA program.”
   Thursday’s opening ceremony also marked the beginning of a partnership between Troy University and the Alabama Development Office, the agency charged with recruiting business to the state. The ADO European office will be housed at the Troy University site in Heidelberg . Gov. Bob Riley and Neal Wade, director of ADO , were among the officials participating in the ceremony.