Five Questions for Larissa Littek and Joshua Schumann

Who owns Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences? This is the question students and alumni have asked themselves, and now they want to establish the Alanus.Impact initiative. Even after completing their studies, Larissa Littek and Joshua Schumann still feel connected to Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences. In this interview, they explain how they would like to help shape the future of Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences and what benefits membership offers students and alumni.

1. You studied Business Administration at Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences. What knowledge did you gain?

Larissa Littek: The topic of sustainability particularly accompanied me during my studies. Even after graduating, I still address the question almost every day of how we can create a more sustainable economy. Through group work and projects, I learned that mutual discourse and appreciation of others are important components in arriving at a good solution.
 

Joshua Schumann: In addition to subject-specific expertise and the practical experience gained during the practical phases, Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences was above all a place of learning for group dynamics and personal development for me, thanks to the small learning groups and the arts modules.  At the same time, my studies sparked my interest early on in questions relating to the “people side of change.” I am therefore convinced that the sustainable success of change projects depends decisively on not only processes and structures changing, but also individual attitudes and behaviors.

2. What do you associate with Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences?

Larissa Littek: One special feature of Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences for me is its interdisciplinary approach. In everyday university life, this is expressed in many different ways: in the Studium Generale, in projects with other departments such as the tandem module, in the political engagement of students, professors, academic staff, and administration, as well as in shared festivals and celebrations. Being part of the Alanus community means being supported, meeting one another as equals, and helping shape “Alanus.”

3. You would like to help shape the future of Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences with Alanus.Impact. What kind of initiative is it?

Larissa Littek: Alanus.Impact aims to bring together students and alumni from all departments through an association structure. Association members can network across disciplines and launch joint projects. At the same time, this creates the possibility for students and alumni to become co-owners of Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences. The association will be founded on 28 June 2020. We warmly invite all students and alumni to take part. Due to the current coronavirus restrictions, the event will also take place virtually. Anyone interested is welcome to send us an email at info@alanus-impact.de.

4. What goals are you pursuing with the founding of the initiative?

Joshua Schumann: Alanus.Impact would like to become an important strategic partner of the Rectorate and the Alanus Foundation. The motto is: “We create university.” The initiative aims for students and alumni, as future shareholders, to help shape the long-term economic direction of Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences together with the Alanus Foundation. 

5. What benefits does membership offer students and alumni?

Larissa Littek: The question for students is: “How would you study if the university belonged to you?” Alanus.Impact enables students and alumni to participate on an economic level and thereby create an “impact,” that is, an effect, for their own studies, the university, and society. Special project funds and contact persons are to be made available in order to promote and support events for and by members. 

Joshua Schumann:  Since the members are students and alumni, diverse forms of exchange, support, and also advice can emerge. Alumni can pass on their experiences to students and also learn something new themselves. Through the network, supraregional contacts and mutual assistance are also possible. To strengthen the community, an annual homecoming party is also planned. And one final note: many people think that becoming a member means having to be actively involved. Of course, we are delighted about that, but it is not a requirement.