„2 Wochen lang ist Stuttgart eine wirkliche Universitätsstadt“. Das Stuttgarter Universitätsjubiläum 1979 und seine mediale Konstruktion

: The paper deals with the 150-year jubilee of the University of Stuttgart (until 1967: Technical University / Technische Hochschule) in 1979 which took place at the end of a both exciting and troublesome decade in the university ’ s history. Making use of the comprehensive collection of newspaper clippings in the university archive, I show that the university followed a surprisingly open approach with regard to both jubilee contributors and visitors. Among others, a Marxist student group offering an „ alternative “ interpretation of the university history featured in the jubilee program, and the science and engineering de-partments opened their laboratories to thousands of visitors. In allowing this broad participation, the university sought to regain confidence and visibility with the local public. The press not only reported the festivity news but also conveyed (and sometimes reflected upon) the message of trustworthiness. I argue that this approach from media sources considerably deepens our understanding of identity formation through university jubilees. Offering so much more than factual information, newspaper reports as well as other media therefore deserve our careful consideration.