I have recently been asked: "Do students at the University of Lucerne differ from those at other universities?” I have worked at different universities and am linked to many universities in Europe and in Anglo-American countries. My answer to this question is twofold.

First of all: students of the University of Lucerne are different to those at other universities. They differ in terms of origin and language, and according to a survey undertaken by the Federal Statistical Office, they have well above average success in the labour market, when compared to other university graduates.

Secondly: students from the University of Lucerne are the same as students from other universities. They want education in order to be able to better read the world, they want ideas in order to be able to progress, and they want good prospects in order to be able to participate in this world of ours.

To summarise: on the surface, students from different universities do indeed differ, but in essence they all have the same wish. This can also be said of the University of Lucerne: on the surface we are different to other universities but on the inside we believe in a universal idea: autonomy and competence through education.

The same can be said of the festive season that lays before us. It will be celebrated differently all over the world, but the hopes and wishes remain the same: happiness, success and good health. I sincerely wish you a successful examination period, a merry Christmas and a happy fulfilling, and healthy New Year.

Prof. Dr. Bruno Staffelbach, Rector