Leuphana mourns the loss of Claus-Peter Langlotz

2026-06-10 Lüneburg. With the passing of Claus-Peter Langlotz, the University of Lüneburg has lost a longtime friend and generous supporter. Not only did he support and promote the university’s work in many ways as a local entrepreneur and private citizen, but he also served on the board of the University Society for many years and was a driving force behind the founding of the Leuphana Supporters’ Circle and the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Research at Leuphana.

Claus-Peter Langlotz’s deeply personal commitment to the university began 30 years ago, when he spontaneously and without hesitation provided a substantial sum to furnish what was then the university’s guest house. He also supported the university’s work in many other ways, without seeking public recognition, as this was never a priority for the then-owner of the globally active Lüneburg agency G.V.K.

For decades, Claus-Peter Langlotz was actively involved in and supported the University Society of Lüneburg, serving for many years as a member of its board. In doing so, he not only supported the funding of projects by students and researchers. It was also always a major priority for him to integrate the university even more effectively into the local community.

Claus-Peter Langlotz was also one of the leading figures in the founding of the Förderkreis der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg e.V. (Friends of Leuphana University of Lüneburg), which aimed to support the university’s profile-building and reorientation. A group of Lüneburg entrepreneurs and other prominent figures in the city came together for this purpose in March 2008. The supporters promote the development of the University of Lüneburg through a variety of measures and initiatives.

The Lüneburg-based companies and institutions united in the Förderkreis then established a foundation in 2023 to promote science and research at Leuphana. It bears the name “Lüneburg University Foundation for Research and Business” and is administered by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft. The foundation pursues a broad funding approach and is aimed at faculty and students. Particular attention is given to collaborative projects with the regional business community.

Once again, Claus-Peter Langlotz was one of the key driving forces behind the foundation’s establishment. He emphasized at the time that a broad and deep education for the younger generations is one of the most important keys to mastering the challenges facing planet Earth. Outstanding research and teaching, according to Langlotz, are the seeds of an enlightened, democratic, and free society. He was always convinced that this required a close collaboration between science, business, and civil society.

In Claus-Peter Langlotz, we have lost a selfless friend and supporter of research, teaching, and scholarship who rendered great service to our university. We will honor his memory. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and all those close to him.

Sascha Spoun
University President