© TUD, Frank Seidel

The TU Dresden has used the 175 year jubilee to underline its bond and responsibility towards Dresden and the region. In the past, as in the present, Saxony, Dresden and the university persistently strive to position themselves as a “bridge”. A bridge between science and business; a bridge between people of different ages and of different origins; a bridge between “East and West”. A dynamic centre at the core of an enlarged European Union.

Founded on 1^st May 1828, as the “Technische Bildungsanstalt” (“Saxon Technical School”), first located in a small pavilion on the “Brühlsche Terraces”. TU Dresden today, is one of the most highly efficient universities in Germany. “Knowledge builds bridges” – is the TU Dresden’s motto since the 2003 jubilee. It emphasises the diversity of subjects, which are being researched and taught at the university as well as their numerous nexuses. The highlights of this anniversary year reflect this diversity and strength.

The week of celebrations was opened on 3^rd May 2003 by an oecumenical ceremony at the “Hofkirche” in Dresden and by a festive concert at the “Schauspielhaus Dresden”. The Symphony “age. Spectra sonantia temporibus” specifically composed by Prof. Wilfried Krätzschmar for this occasion, had its world premiere. The anniversary gala with 200 guests from the world of politics, culture, business and the TU Dresden was held at the “Gläserne Manufaktur” (Transparent Factory).

Subsequently, the annual German Rectors’ Conference met at the TU Dresden on 5^th and 6^th May 2003 with the motto “Women in Science”. Equal opportunities for men and women in sciences were discussed.

The highlight of the celebratory week was a festive ceremony at the Auditorium Centre. Walter Henkel, a Dresden-based director and playwright, has written a theatre play for this particular occasion, which displays the history of the TU Dresden. Students and staff perform the scenic play.

A further highlight for the university was the investiture of the Rector on 15^th October 2003.  The three-volume work “Celebrating 175 years of TU Dresden” by Prof. Dr. Reiner Pommerin has been presented to the public. The first volume is dedicated to the university’s history since 1828. The second volume depicts the development of the technological history and the third volume contains a directory of all professors from Dresden.

A festive concert by the TU Dresden’s university choir at the “Lukaskirche” was the perfect way to conclude the jubilee year. The central festive events of the TU Dresden were accompanied by specialist conferences and events of the 14 faculties aimed at the general public.