8. GJU Alumni Ambassador Meeting in Bochum

Dialogue Instead of Speech

On September 26 and 27, 2025, we were guests at our partner university, Bochum University of Applied Sciences, and experienced two inspiring days full of exchange, ideas, and encounters. Around 70 GJU alumni from all over Germany came together to network, learn from each other, and shape the future together. Besides topics such as career paths in Germany, the role of ambassadors, and women in leadership positions, a particular highlight was the visit of His Excellency Fayiz Khouri, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Germany. Instead of a traditional speech, a lively dialogue emerged—a unique moment for all participants.

The moderators Razan Al-Masannat, GJU alumna, and Omar Anabtawi, GJU alumnus, opened the two-day conference together with Prof. Dr. Iyas Khader, Vice President for Academic Excellence at GJU, Prof. Dr. Jörg Frochte, Vice President for Research, Digitalization, and Internationalization at Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Katrin Heymann, Head of the International Office at Bochum University of Applied Sciences, and Andrea Claes, Coordinator for Exchange Students in the International Office at Bochum University of Applied Sciences.

In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Khader emphasized the importance of alumni for the German-Jordanian partnership: “You are the most tangible result of this collaboration,” he told the alumni. In view of global challenges—from economic upheavals to the climate crisis to advances in artificial intelligence—he urged participants to maintain networks, exchange experiences, and strengthen the next generation of leaders. These are the guiding principles of the GJU Alumni Ambassador Meetings. This year, we were able to achieve particularly significant successes.

Sustainable Networks

At the conference, alumni Mahmoud Shawish and Tariq Adaileh presented the GJU Mentorship Program for the first time. The initiative connects GJU alumni in Germany to learn from each other, share experiences, and support one another in their professional development. The goal is to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen personal and professional growth, and build sustainable connections within the network. The program was launched by the GJU Alumni e.V. in cooperation with the GJU Project Office and will initially run until September 2026.

Founded in 2024, the GJU Alumni e.V. is an important part of the network. At this year’s meeting, members elected representatives for Central and Southern Germany for the first time. The association helps GJU alumni in Germany support each other socially and professionally, explained Dr. Abdullah Nsair, co-founder of the association.

Career Paths in Germany

In a panel discussion, Lisa Westphal, Corporate Relations Manager at the GJU Project Office, asked experts about the diverse career paths in Germany. Prof. Dr. Iyas Khader provided insights into academic careers and paths in research and science, while Silke Kujawski, Head of the Career Service at Bochum University of Applied Sciences, discussed the transition from university to professional life and available support. Abdallah Khirfan, GJU alumnus and founder, shared personal experiences and challenges on his professional journey, complemented by Ralf Koyro from the Start-Up Service at Bochum University of Applied Sciences, who highlighted opportunities for entrepreneurship. Together, the contributions offered a comprehensive picture of the opportunities and paths available to alumni in Germany.

Women in Leadership

Another central theme of the conference was the promotion of women in leadership positions. Prof. Dr. Julia Hansch from DHBW Mannheim addressed how female leaders can be empowered, as they remain underrepresented and often face invisible barriers. In an interactive session, participants discussed how solidarity among women and targeted empowerment can foster change in organizations. Yasmin Shabani, GJU alumna and entrepreneur, also shared tips for initiatives and platforms that strengthen women professionally, reflecting on her path to self-employment.

The Role of an Ambassador

Alumni also received support from His Excellency Fayiz Khouri, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Germany, who traveled from Berlin for the conference with his assistant, GJU alumna Natasha Al-Dabaien. Following a welcome at Bochum University of Applied Sciences by Prof. Dr. Andreas Wytzisk-Arens, President of Bochum University of Applied Sciences, the ambassador answered questions from the GJU alumni in a Q&A session. Since many of the alumni themselves take on ambassador roles in Germany, Fayiz Khouri’s experiences were particularly valuable. “It was an open and honest discussion,” one alumnus remarked. Participants were impressed by how openly they could discuss their roles and by the ambassador’s genuine interest in connecting with alumni and understanding their challenges. He underscored this commitment with a special gesture by signing up as a mentor in the GJU Mentorship Program.

Holding an ambassadorial role while simultaneously navigating language, daily life, and a career in a foreign country also means taking on an above-average number of roles. Humda Qamar, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Department at GJU, addressed these challenges in her workshop “Bridging Cultures – Identity, Belonging, and the Ambassador Role”, exploring participants’ roles interactively. “Hybrid identities are both a strength and a burden because they come with responsibility. This means you are not one person but several. We all have different identities that we assume depending on the context.”

At the end of these two intensive days, exchange, inspiration, and shared perspectives were at the forefront. Ambassador Fayiz Khouri summarized it well: “A truly successful alumni meeting that once again highlighted the strong bond between the German Jordanian University and its German partner universities! [...] We look forward to deepening our collaboration further and building on this great momentum!” he wrote in his LinkedIn post.

The event was organized by the GJU Project Office at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences and is part of the Alumni Ambassador Program, supported by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR).

Our heartfelt thanks go to all dedicated participants, speakers, and supporters—especially:

• Ambassador Fayiz Khouri
• Prof. Dr. Iyas Khader (Vice President for Academic Excellence, GJU)
• Prof. Dr. Andreas Wytzisk-Arens (President, Bochum University of Applied Sciences)
• Katrin Heymann (Head of International Office, Bochum University of Applied Sciences)
• Kerstin Duchatz (Event Management, Bochum University of Applied Sciences)
• Our amazing moderators Razan Al-Masannat & Omar Anabtawi
• The GJU Alumni e.V.
• The film team from kollenda.tv

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