Thomas Thelen, Generalfeldmarschall of Mainzer Ranzengarde, stated: „Today, we are honoring a person who has become indispensable for the city of Mainz: the President of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Professor Georg Krausch.“

„It goes without saying that we, as Ranzengarde, keep a close eye on who is working to help our city move forward and is making an impact", said Thelen. He explained that the title of„Ranzengardist“ is an award for people who roll up their sleeves to improve things and who are very clear about what they do, "in line with the tradition of our political-literary carnival“. And this, he said, is a precise characterization of the man who has been at the helm of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2007: Professor Georg Krausch. 

"Our city is very lucky to have you", added Nino Haase, the mayor of Mainz, in thanking University President Krausch who, according to Haase, has fulfilled his office since 2007 "with great dedication and commitment“, has significantly developed research and the university campus and has brought a lot of young people to Mainz. He stated: "You are fully aware of the fact that a university is not a self-contained system, but has an effect on the city, and this is something that we must probably put into practice to an even greater extent. This is why I am particularly pleased that this title is awarded to you."

„I am very honored“, stated Krausch, adding: „I am delighted to receive this award and I am thrilled to receive the Kapp". Following the laudatory speech by last year's honoree, cardiologist Thomas Münzel of Mainz,  Krausch not only received the title of "Ranzengardist", but was also presented with the Kappe (hat) of Ranzengarde, making the University President an official member of the Mainzer Ranzengarde.

„If there is one university where you can wear the jester's hat and the chain of office, it's Mainz – even more so as the jester's hat allows you say whatever you want", said Krausch, emphasizing that he will take the award with him to the university, because "such successes are not possible without teamwork". He stated that he is particularly pleased that the award also places a spotlight on the university: "We need the universities, we need them more than ever", he emphasized – because it is within the universities that „complex questions are being discussed calmly and with expert knowledge“ and where research leads to progress.

Source: Physiker, Musiker, Clown: Mainzer Ranzengardist an Unipräsident Georg Krausch verliehen - "Schorsch, is des schee!" - Mainz& (Gisela Kirschstein)