At the end of May, Fitchburg State University and Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with a new international cooperation agreement. During a formal ceremony, Dr Donna Hodge, President of FSU, and Prof. Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen, President of HSRW, signed the agreement on the Kleve campus. FSU and HSRW have been linked by a university partnership for many years. It was established back in 2011, just two years after HSRW was founded, as part of the long-standing town twinning between Kleve and Fitchburg. This was followed in 2023 by an official cooperation agreement, which enables students on the International Business Administration programme to obtain degrees from both universities through a ‘double degree’ scheme.
The new cooperation agreement strengthens their shared international commitment by expanding the academic and cultural opportunities for students and teaching staff at both institutions. These include, amongst other things, joint research and teaching, collaboration on the design of degree programmes, and short- and long-term exchange programmes. Students from both universities can study at the respective partner university for up to a full academic year without having to pay additional tuition fees. Furthermore, all academic achievements are fully recognised.
The signing of the agreement marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two institutions. “This is about more than just international degree programmes – it is about achieving common goals across borders,” said President Hodge. “Now more than ever, we are called upon to build bridges that connect our students to a wider world. This opens up new opportunities for collaboration for everyone. Our universities are becoming part of global learning and leadership networks. I am very grateful to our hosts in Kleve for their warmth and look forward to the future developments that this partnership will enable.”
President Locker-Grütjen also emphasised the importance of the partnership: “We are very proud of the collaboration between our two institutions. This is not merely a symbolic partnership, but a genuine academic exchange involving joint projects. It is an excellent example of how international cooperation at university level can work effectively.” The visit culminated in a reception organised by the Kleve Society for International Encounters (GiB), which brought together academic and regional leaders.
During the visit to the Kamp-Lintfort campus, a panel discussion focused on transatlantic relations and Europe’s role in security policy. Alongside the delegation from Fitchburg, the Mayor of Kamp-Lintfort, Prof. Dr Christoph Landscheidt, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Environment, Prof. Dr Klaus Hegemann, and Prof. Alexander Brand, Professor of Political Science specialising in International Relations at the HSRW, also took part in the discussion. Following brief introductory presentations, there was also lively participation from the audience.
About Fitchburg State University
Founded in 1894, Fitchburg State University is a regional state university dedicated to combining high-quality professional degree programmes with a strong foundation in the humanities. The university has around 6,000 students enrolled in more than 30 undergraduate and 22 postgraduate programmes. Fitchburg State University sees itself as a centre for educational excellence, economic development and civic engagement in the North Central Massachusetts region and beyond.
