What do you miss from your time at Freie Universität Berlin (people, places, special features)?

The city of Berlin, which was the best setting for an international student like I was. The diversity, intelligence and honesty of the people studying with me. I made great friends whom I am still in touch with. Furthermore I remember the intellectual challenge that the program represented for me coming from Canada, the quality of the teaching and the beautiful green campus.

Which experience, meeting with a particular person, or event at Freie Universität has special significance for you?

When you want to study something very particular, especially in politics, go where history takes and/or took place. For me it was Berlin, the heart of Europe, where Eastern Europe starts.

What advice would you give your younger self today?

Pursue your studies as long as you can even though you feel you are poor as the things you learn during your studies will serve you for all of your life.

If I could give my university a present for its 70th birthday…

...I would pay a personal visit.