Another virtual end to the year – including Christmas magic
The traditional Christmas event was held virtually for the second time due to the pandemic. One of the highlights was the farewell to Rector Sarah Springman, with an almost magical atmosphere as the baton was handed over to her successor Günther Dissertori.
The first award came even before the virtual Christmas event began – namely, the presentation of the ALEA Award. The ALEA award, which was launched in 2017, honours leaders who enable advanced and innovative working conditions and who promote and support actively the reconciliation of work, family and avocational engagement. The price is awarded by AVETH with support of ETH Diversity and HR.
The winner of the ALEA Award 2021 is Isabel Günther, who is Professor of Development Economics and academic director of NADEL (Center for Development and Cooperation at ETH Zurich). ETH members had nominated 41 leaders for the award in advance. “With so many positive testimonials, the choice wasn’t easy,” said Aleksandra Kosciuch, AVETH representative and member of the jury. At the same time, she said, it was very inspiring to see the impact these leaders have on their team members and students.
Impressions of the ALEA Award 2021
Andreas Hierlemann. Torbj?rn Netland. Aleksandra Kosciuch, Torbj?rn Netland, Isabel Günther, Andreas Hierlemann, Julia Dannath.
Julia Dannath presents Isabel Günther with the ALEA Award. AVETH representative and moderator Aleksandra Kosciuch. Julia Dannath.
In a short film, team members from Günther’s group talked about the qualities they appreciate in their group leader. Günther, according to one, brings together people of different origins and educational backgrounds and initiates new ideas and projects. The speakers also emphasised that the ETH professor enables a healthy work/life balance and promotes a climate of openness.
Julia Dannath, Vice President for Personnel Development and Leadership, presented the award to Isabel Günther. The other two finalists, Andreas Hierlemann, professor in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich in Basel, and Torbj?rn Netland, assistant professor in the Department of Management, Technology and Economics, were awarded the “small” ALEA Award. “I think all the winners would confirm that leadership is a journey,” added Dannath. “To be a good leader you need to make a conscious effort to develop your personality, ask for and listen to feedback.”
President says thank you to all ETH members
Following presentation of the ALEA Award, the virtual Christmas party started with a look back at the year, accompanied by a video of the highlights of the academic year month by month. These included the development of an alarm system for debris flows, the 150th anniversary of agricultural research and the opening of the Student Project House.
Ceremony and speeches were then streamed from the Semper Aula. ETH President Jo?l Mesot was unfortunately only able to attend virtually. However, he did not miss the opportunity to thank the ETH members at their screens for their commitment over the past year. "Our thoughts and actions, and also our emotions, continue to be affected by Covid. But despite the difficult circumstances, we have enjoyed a great deal of success as an ETH community,” said Mesot.
He mentioned the internal “rETHink” project as a personal highlight and his pride in the fact that more than 600 ETH members are now involved in the project. “Our discussions concerning optimal organisation, lean processes and values and competencies demand a lot from everyone involved. But in all the debates I sense a solution-oriented spirit,” said the ETH President.
A fitting farewell for the ?Rector of Hearts?
From then on, everything revolved around the farewell to Rector Sarah Springman. “Your story with ETH is a very special success story, dear Sarah,” said Mesot, looking back on Springman’s 25-year tenure. Springman, originally from the UK, was appointed Switzerland’s first civil engineering professor in 1997 and has been responsible for teaching since 2014. Although Springman is leaving ETH after 25 years, she is not retiring, but will become principal of St Hilda’s College at the University of Oxford in February 2022.
In her role as Rector, said Mesot, Springman spared no effort to provide the best possible conditions for students. She had also been a mentor to him and taught him a great deal over the years, in particular on the subject of diversity. “We discussed ways and means of how change can take place in our minds, but also concrete steps for achieving a more balanced gender ratio among ETH professors.”
Then it was time for another film, in this case one that took a look back over Springman’s time at ETH:
Now Sarah Springman spoke up, with her hand on her heart. "Being headmaster was hard work but also a lot of fun," she said in her farewell speech, emphasising the good cooperation over the many years. "We have supported each other - and from time to time challenged each other also.” Springman said that she is going to Oxford with a tear in one eye and a smile in the other and that she will take countless fond memories of her time at ETH with her.
The baton was then passed to Springman’s successor Günther Dissertori, again via video:
With the “magic baton” in hand, it was Dissertori’s turn to enter the scene. The particle physics professor, who will take on the role of Rector in February 2022, said: "I want to thank the school management for the way they have welcomed me with open arms over the last few months." He said he feels well prepared for the new post through the countless conversations he has had with Springman and the headmaster's office. "I look forward to working together with all of you to shape and develop teaching at ETH," Dissertori said.
Surprise film première at the end
Another Christmas highlight was still to come, with a Christmas greeting from Corporate Communications in the form of a new promotional film about ETH. ETH members were able to enjoy a “world première” before the film is subsequently released on ETH’s online channels.
Sarah Springman. Moderator Nicole Kasielke.
The Semper Auditorium was transformed into a broadcasting studio.
The staff handover became a moment full of situational comedy.
Donation to store instead of a gift
For some time now, the end of the year has also included a gift from the Executive Board to the staff. This year, this gift will be omitted. The Executive Board has decided instead to support the ETH Store with a monetary donation, as the store experienced a sharp drop in income during the pandemic.