On the occasion of Aarhus University’s 81st anniversary on Friday 11 September 2009, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen was named honorary alumnus. In connection with the appointment, Mr Rasmussen was presented with a work by sculptress Hanne Varming.

The presentation was made in connection with the ceremony in the Main Hall. Vice-Chancellor Lauritz B.Holm-Nielsen stated the reasons for the appointment as follows:

“It is with great pride that I name you honorary alumnus today. You are an outstanding role model for Aarhus University’s students. You completed your Master of Science (Economics) in 1978, and you are (to date) the only Aarhus University graduate to reach all the way to the most important political post in Denmark.”

The vice-chancellor emphasised that the university had particularly noticed Mr Rasmussen’s deep understanding of the role of the universities in society and of the country’s development in an age of globalisation. And that as prime minister of Denmark, he had shown insight and great interest when becoming involved in discussions at the highest academic level in the world’s leading think tanks and at universities in connection with setting up Denmark’s Globalisation Council.

“At the time Aarhus University was being founded as the private Universitetsundervisning i Jylland (University teaching in Jutland), one newspaper wrote that it could possibly develop into a school for girls from the hinterland. So it’s hard to conceal our smiles now that we have both the crown prince and the former prime minister of Denmark as honorary alumni,” said Vice-Chancellor Lauritz B.Holm Nielsen.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen was both pleased and proud to receive the award.

“I passed my exams at Aarhus university with great pride. Even though I didn’t always agree with the lecturers, I’ve made use throughout my career of the knowledge and many skills I acquired during my period of study. I’ve always felt a close association with Aarhus University, and this award makes the bonds with the university even stronger.”

Honorary alumnus award at Aarhus University

The award was introduced in 2008. It consists of a work by sculptress Hanne Varming, and is presented at the annual celebration to a graduate from Aarhus University who has made outstanding contributions to the development of society, and has thereby emphasised the importance of the university. The first recipient of the award was HRH Crown Prince Frederik.

More information

Anders Correll, Head of Press Affairs for the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, +45 2899 2235

11 September 2009

Rasmus Stensgaard
Communication Office
rst@adm.au.dk