It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our Secretary General, Frédérique Seidel.
Frédérique Seidel passed away on the 24th of June 2025. Since 2016, she had served as Secretary General of the University of the Greater Region. She joined us one year after the founding of the association and three years after the conclusion of the Interreg project that laid the foundations for our cross-border university alliance.
Under her leadership, the UniGR Central Office was gradually strengthened to support the growing number of research and teaching projects driven by the alliance. She was deeply appreciated by her entire team and by colleagues from the partner universities who had the privilege of working alongside her. With her radiant personality – both resolute and warm-hearted – Frédérique brought a great deal to each and every one of us. Every exchange with her opened up new horizons, and we would leave those encounters carrying with us, as a kind of legacy, a good portion of her legendary enthusiasm and the hope for an even better future — dedicated to the advancement and sharing of new knowledge.
Frédérique Seidel had a remarkable vision of higher education and research in a cross-border context — a context that was also reflected in her own personal life. Together with the presidents and rectors of the UniGR partner universities, she played a decisive role in shaping the strategic direction of the alliance and in ensuring the success of its implementation.
The presidencies of the UniGR partner universities, the General Assembly, and the Board of Directors join the team of the Central Office in expressing their deepest condolences to her family. Frédérique Seidel will forever hold a important and unique place in the history of our cross-border university alliance.