Berlin (VNA) – Prof. Wilhelm Bender, member of the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) Council and Chairman of the VGU’s Association of Friends and Sponsors, has been awarded the Order of Merit by Minister-President of the State of Hessen of Germany Boris Rhein for his significant contributions to society.
The ceremony, held recently in Frankfurt city, recognised Prof. Bender's longstanding commitment to fostering collaboration between Hessen and Vietnam, particularly through his contributions to the VGU.
Minister-President Rhein highlighted the VGU's importance as a bridge between the two nations and praised Bender's dedication to its development. He specifically acknowledged Bender's 16-year tenure as CEO of Frankfurt Airport where he transformed a State-owned loss-making company into a global success story.
Rhein further commended Bender's extensive volunteer work. As Chairman of the Supervisory Board for Eintracht Frankfurt, a Bundesliga football club, he played a key role in organising a friendly match against Vietnam's national team in Hanoi in 2010, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.
He recounted Bender's tireless efforts in restoring the Petri Haus in Frankfurt into a cultural gem, a "monument of romanticism" in Frankfurt, serving as a museum, a poetry research centre and a vibrant cultural hub.
Prof. Bender has been a dedicated member of the VGU Council since 2009. He has for many years served as Chairman of the VGU's Association of Friends and Sponsors, which plays a crucial role in supporting students and lecturers through annual scholarships and awards.
The Order of Merit is the highest distinction awarded by the German President in recognition of significant contributors to the common good./.
