Hans Peter Rucker new Honorary Senator of University of Applied Sciences Burgenland

Group photo

From left: University Managing Director Nikolaus Schermann, Vice-Rector Bettina Schauer-Frank, Regional Councillor for Education Daniela Winkler, the new Honorary Senator of Burgenland University of Applied Sciences, Hans Peter Rucker, with University Managing Director Georg Pehm.

Hans Peter Rucker, the former Managing Director of Landesholding Burgenland, has been honoured for his extraordinary achievements. Rucker chaired the General Assembly of University of Applied Sciences Burgenland for almost ten years and made a significant contribution to its positive development. As part of the graduation ceremonies at Esterházy Castle, the university has now awarded him the title of "Honorary Senator".

Eisenstadt, 8 September 2025 - The former Managing Director of Landesholding Burgenland, Hans Peter Rucker, received a very special honour at the graduation ceremony of the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland in the Haydnsaal at Esterházy Palace. He was awarded the title of "Honorary Senator (FH)". Honorary titles such as these can be awarded by the university on the basis of a reasoned, mutually agreed proposal by the Executive Board and the Management Board in accordance with its statutes. The first person to receive this honour was Helmut Bieler, the long-serving regional education councillor, in 2019, followed by Gabriele Ambros, Chair of the Supervisory Board, as the first Honorary Senator in 2023.

University Managing Director Georg Pehm:

Georg Pehm Portrait

Hans Peter Rucker has made significant contributions to the strategic direction of University of Applied Sciences Burgenland - for example in the organisation of budgets and important economic decisions. This has made it possible to dynamically expand the university's study programme, significantly expand research activities and create a forward-looking research infrastructure. Together with him, it has been possible to ensure the solid economic development of the university - even during the coronavirus pandemic, high inflation rates and the energy crisis.

Georg Pehm, Managing Director of Burgenland University of Applied Sciences

Measured in facts and figures

In concrete terms, during Hans Peter Rucker's tenure as Chairman of the General Assembly:

  • the range of courses offered by University of Applied Sciences Burgenland has been expanded to over 70 degree programmes and university courses,
  • the number of regular and non-degree students has grown from around 3,100 to the current 7,700,
  • the research output of Burgenland University of Applied Sciences and Research has doubled, and
  • the operating performance of the Hochschule Burgenland Group has risen from 21.6 million to over 40.0 million euros.

As a result, more than 1,000 people now receive income directly or indirectly from and through the Hochschule Burgenland Group. Under the responsibility of Hans Peter Rucker, the university has thus also become a major employer in the region.

"Last but not least, Hans Peter Rucker's network of important stakeholders in politics, business and science has enabled him to make a special contribution to promoting the concerns of University of Applied Sciences Burgenland and further improving the framework conditions. We are grateful for this and would like to express our appreciation by awarding him the honorary title," emphasises Pehm.

It is not possible to apply for the "Honorary Senator" award, only to be nominated. "This proposal must be justified and can only be submitted jointly by the college management and the Executive Board," explains Vice-Rector Bettina Schauer-Frank. She also points out that the proposal was agreed with Rector Gernot Hanreich, who passed away shortly before the decisions were made.

The proposal for the award also requires the approval of the Supervisory Board and at least a two-thirds majority of the university's 18-member faculty. These stringent requirements were all met unanimously.

Graduates celebrated their graduation

The degrees were awarded during a graduation ceremony in the Haydnsaal at Esterházy Palace. On Saturday, 6 September, 285 graduates of the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland received their academic degrees in a total of four rounds. They completed Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes as well as university courses in the Departments of Energy & Environment, Health & Social Affairs, Information Technology and Business.

In addition to the almost 300 students and their families, State Councillor for Education Daniela Winkler, Honorary Senators Helmut Bieler and Gabriele Ambros, representatives of the Board of Governors, the Supervisory Board, long-time companions and Hans Peter Rucker's family were also present.

 

Information and the opportunity to register for a remaining place at www.hochschule-burgenland.at.

Press release

Press photo (c) Foto Tschank

Enquiry notes:

Mag.a Christiane Staab │ Marketing and Communication │ University of Applied Sciences Burgenland GmbH │ Tel: +43 (0)5 7705 3537 │ E-Mail: christiane.staab(at)hochschule-burgenland.at

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