“I’m looking forward to the next, slightly freer phase of my life”

“But being a vice-chancellor can sometimes be a vulnerable position in some ways, and the weekly commute comes at a cost. So, I’m also looking forward to the next, slightly freer phase of my life," says Johan Schnürer.

Many wished to thank Johan Schnürer for the past years. Among them were the Governor of Örebro County, Lena Rådström Baastad; Municipal executive board chair John Johansson; Municipal Director Peter Larsson; and Chair of the Regional executive board, Jenny Steen, all of whom expressed their gratitude for his work in developing Örebro University and for the excellent cooperation.

The Minister for Education, Johan Pehrson, sent a video greeting, and his State Secretary, Maria Nilsson, was present to deliver a speech. In her speech, she discussed the three aspects she associates with Johan Schnürer: AI, the European University NEOLAiA, and Campus Total Defence.

Director Cantorum Fredrik Berglund provided the musical setting - an impressive programme featuring the opera choir, the student singers, pianist Mats Jansson, opera baritone Olle Persson, and, especially, Maia Hirasawa - a musical performer who is dear to the vice-chancellor. 

Professor Amy Loutfi represented the Faculty

“I have been here for over 20 years, and I have also had the opportunity to observe how things work at other universities. What I’ve come to realise is that vice-chancellors are collectors - some collect buildings, while others collect educational programmes. I now realise that you have collected crises.”

She recounted a time when alternative facts entered our vocabulary, encompassing a pandemic, wars, conflicts, and, not least, generative AI, in which she is involved.

“What you’ve done is remarkable. You’ve stood up for academic freedom, collegiality and our values as the world started to tremble.”

Anna Olsenius, President of the Örebro Student Union, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for consistently ensuring that the students’ voice was heard.

“You’ve truly listened, and that is something we students want to thank you for,” she stated in her speech.

She announced that Johan Schnürer had been named an honorary member of the Örebro Student Union. Several former student union presidents also expressed their gratitude to the vice-chancellor through video messages.

Johan Schnürer delivered his closing remarks on stage.
 
Thank you for this ordinary day at Örebro University. I am a proud and touched vice-chancellor. Thank you all!

A slightly longer holiday break and a wedding in August now await him. Although he is approaching retirement age, Johan Schnürer will continue as chair of Campus Total Defence, alongside several board assignments. However, there will be more time for family and friends – and soon it will be mushroom season again.