Willi Lemke, Bremen’s former Senator for Education and Science as well as for the Interior and Sport, has died at the age of 77.
The qualified sports teacher began his professional career in 1971 as a research assistant at the University of Bremen. There he worked on the Sports Committee of the Planning Commission for Teacher Training in the Founding Senate. Willi Lemke worked on concepts and drafts for university sports and the establishment of a sports science department (study regulations) and subsequently held a teaching position.
Willi Lemke became known beyond Bremen, especially as the manager of the Bundesliga football club SV Werder Bremen. With Willi Lemke as manager and Otto Rehhagel as coach, the club experienced its most successful period.
Willi Lemke was also a committed politician. Even before his time as Werder manager, he took over the management of the SPD regional association in Bremen, and after the 1999 state election he was appointed Senator for Education and Science. He held this position until 2007. Here he proved to be a combative spirit who promoted the university’s anchoring in the city’s society and its scientific performance. After his active political career, he became UN Special Advisor on Sport for Peace and Development.
The University of Bremen mourns the loss of its former employee, the successful football manager and deserving science politician.
