Under the patronage of H.E. Prof. Dr. Azmi Mahafzeh, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the German Jordanian University (GJU) concluded its 20th-anniversary celebrations with a grand ceremony held under the theme “Two Nations, One Vision: 20 Years of Innovation at GJU.” The event welcomed a distinguished audience from Jordan and Germany, including high-level officials, academic leaders, diplomats, and representatives of leading educational and research institutions.
The ceremony opened with a special screening of the documentary “20 Years of GJU: A Legacy of Innovation… and a Future Without Borders,” highlighting the university’s journey from its founding to its rise as a pioneering institution in applied education. The film showcased GJU’s unique role in bridging academic learning with practical experience, fostering talent, and connecting Jordan and Germany through knowledge and innovation.
In his welcoming address, GJU President Prof. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli emphasized the university’s achievements over two decades, noting:
"Over twenty years, GJU has established itself as a leading model of applied education, expanding programs, enhancing capabilities, and growing its academic and professional impact locally and internationally. This milestone reflects the university’s journey, achievements, and the new horizons it offers. We express our deep appreciation to our German partners, whose support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping GJU’s identity and excellence."
Prof. Al-Halhouli highlighted the central role of the German partnership in fostering GJU’s culture of innovation, describing the collaboration as mutually enriching and pivotal in strengthening Jordanian-German academic and cultural ties through its alumni. He added that GJU’s diverse programs, joint projects, and advanced academic initiatives serve as a strong bridge connecting the two countries, stressing that the celebration marks a starting point for future growth.
Dr. Muriel Helbig, Vice President of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), praised GJU as a hub where innovation, knowledge, and cultural understanding converge, opening new horizons for youth in Jordan and Germany alike. She emphasized that DAAD’s partnership reflects values of academic freedom, mutual understanding, and responsibility, and that its support through exchange programs, scholarships, and research projects has made collaborative learning a tangible reality for students and faculty. Dr. Helbig also highlighted GJU’s dual-degree programs, strong industry connections, German Language Center, and initiatives in digitalization, innovation, and technology transfer.
Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space, affirmed Germany’s continued commitment to higher education collaboration, describing GJU as “not merely a university, but a space where ideas and people connect across borders—a living symbol of transnational education.” She commended the support of Magdeburg–Stendal University of Applied Sciences and Würzburg–Schweinfurt University of Applied Sciences for launching innovative programs that enrich joint academic and research efforts.
The celebration included a panel discussion titled “Two Nations, One Vision: 20 Years of Innovation at GJU,” moderated by Prof. Ralf Rosskopf, Vice President for International Affairs, with participants including Ms. Malak Al-Aqili, Dr. Fadwa Dababneh, and Prof. Jean Mayer, President of Würzburg–Schweinfurt University of Applied Sciences. Panelists highlighted the university’s role in linking innovation with social empowerment, enhancing women’s participation in education and the workforce, equipping students with international experience, creative thinking, entrepreneurial skills, and fostering industry partnerships that translate ideas into practical projects.
The ceremony also featured a film documenting testimonials from former university presidents, key achievements, and GJU’s future vision.
In the closing remarks, Prof. Al-Halhouli and Prof. Manuela Schwartz, President of Magdeburg–Stendal University of Applied Sciences, emphasized GJU’s impact in Germany. They highlighted that around 9,388 students have graduated over twenty years, with a similar number completing the “German Year” program, providing 20 weeks of practical and cultural training in German companies—a unique standard for academic exchange between Jordan and Germany.
They noted that the Magdeburg Project Office has established a wide network of over 120 partner universities, including five strategic universities of applied sciences, along with nearly 2,000 German industrial companies hosting students for training, reflecting GJU’s growing influence on German industry.
The university’s impact extends to students themselves, fostering independence, social skills, and proficiency in German, English, and Arabic, equipping graduates for diverse career opportunities in Jordan, Germany, and the region. The collaboration between the two universities represents a unique model of academic and cultural exchange, with the German Language Center (GLC) recognized as a flagship achievement, ensuring the quality of the “German Year” program and serving as a model for advanced international education.
GJU’s 20-year journey stands as a testament to excellence, innovation, and a shared vision that transcends borders.