Twenty-five years ago the Berlin Wall crumbled, the Iron Curtain cracked and the Cold War came to its symbolic end. That monumental day in history changed the world and eventually led to Germany’s reunification. Since then, other dictatorships have become democracies and a sense of global connectedness has emerged, giving way to a new age of exciting opportunities.
The University of St. Thomas' German program and German Club will help mark the anniversary by hosting “Fall of the Berlin Wall Campus Weeks,” a celebration of German and global culture and history. Activities will include screenings of popular and lesser-known films from East and West Germany, a scavenger hunt, an essay contest and lectures. Students also are invited to paint on a recreated Berlin Wall and help smash it down following a keynote lecture on Nov. 13 from former U.S. diplomat and award-winning author Dan Hamilton.
St. Thomas is one of 40 campuses taking part in the nationwide campaign. The German program also is accepting essays inspired by the events leading up to the wall’s demise, with prizes to be awarded and an opportunity to advance to the national contest and win a trip to Germany. For more information about the Fall of the Wall campaign contact Dr. Susanne Wagner, German program director, at smwagner@stthomas.edu.
Below is a list of events, which are all free and open to the public unless indicated.
7 p.m. Oct. 16: “Sonnenallee” (Germany, 1998/99)
University of St. Thomas, O'Shaughnessy Educational Center (OEC) 319
11:45 a.m. Oct. 21: German Club meeting (UST students)
University of St. Thomas, Anderson Student Center (ASC), second floor
7 p.m. Oct. 28: “For Eyes Only – Streng Geheim” (GDR, 1963; DEFA)
University of St. Thomas, Brady Educational Center (BEC) auditorium
10 a.m. Nov. 1: “Deutschlandspiel” (Germany, 2000)
Germanic-American Institute, 301 Summit Ave., St. Paul
7 p.m. Nov. 11: “Nikolaikirche” (Germany, 1995)
University of St. Thomas, OEC 319
6 p.m. Nov. 13: Fall of the Wall Reception
RSVP by Nov. 6 to cdfunk@stthomas.edu; include “Fall of the Wall Reception” in subject line
University of St. Thomas, ASC Woulfe Hall, third floor
7 p.m. Nov. 13: Lecture by Professor Dan Hamilton (John Hopkins University) and wall smashing
Walls That Fell and Walls Still to Fall: What the Fall of the Berlin Wall Means for Us Today
University of St. Thomas, ASC Woulfe Hall, third floor
11:45 a.m. Nov. 18: German Club meeting (UST students)
University of St. Thomas, ASC, second floor
5 p.m. Nov. 20: Deadline for essay contest (UST students only)
Send essay and essay contest forms to smwagner@stthomas.edu
7 p.m. Nov. 25: “Goodbye Lenin!” (Germany, 2003)
University of St. Thomas, BEC auditorium
Week of Dec. 1: Shakopee High School students on St. Paul campus for scavenger hunt and lecture
7 p.m. Dec. 4: “Ready for Life – Vorspiel” (GDR, 1987; DEFA)
University of St. Thomas, OEC auditorium
