The JKU Mourns the Loss of Former Council Chairman Ludwig Scharinger

 

Former University Council Chairman, Ludwig Scharinger, has passed away.

Ludwig Scharinger, Photo credit: RLB OÖ
Ludwig Scharinger, Photo credit: RLB OÖ

He was not only one of Upper Austria’s most influential and successful managers, he was instrumental in helping to shape the course of his “Alma Mater”, the Johannes Kepler University, serving as a council chairman and an honorary senator. Dr. Ludwig Scharinger passed away at the age of 77 after a long battle with illness. The JKU mourns the loss of a distinguished leader and a great supporter and friend to the university.

Ludwig Scharinger not only helped mold and shape the JKU, the JKU helped mold and shape him. In 1968, Scharinger was one of the first students to enroll in Business at a still very young university. After earning his Magister degree in 1972, he went on to earn a doctorate degree in 1974 with his dissertation titled “Organisation der Landwirtschaftskammer als Interessensvertretung”.

JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas remarked, “Ludwig Scharinger’s success was based on hard work and a visionary spirit – virtues that both he and the JKU strongly believe in, incorporate, and adhere to.”

The bond between Scharinger and the JKU lasted a lifetime: From 2003 to 2013, he served as University Council Chairman and was instrumental in the university’s advancements. There were a great number of positive changes resulting from his efforts during his term in office: 69 new professor appointments and a 67% increase in student enrollment to over 19,000 enrolled students demonstrated the JKU’s immense importance in Austria’s higher education landscape. His term of office also includes campus growth and enhancement, such as adding the JKU Science Park, JKU Life Science Center, and the new Juridicum building.

Scharinger himself appreciated the importance of general education and higher education, particularly university education: “This country’s future is significantly influenced by its educational standard. It is therefore our duty to support the advancement of outstanding educational programs and socially-relevant research.” The JKU is committed to this now more than ever before. The university thanked Ludwig Scharinger by appointing him an honorary senator in recognition of always having pursued a path in the present as well as and toward the future.

JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas added, “I personally feel the loss of Ludwig Scharinger as I came to know him as someone who spent his life giving his all to advance our region. He was always one of my greatest supporters as well. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, family and friends.”