Professor Alfred Haack turns 70

Category: About STUVA...

By: Stefabnie Posch

In October 2010, Professor Alfred Haack celebrated his 70th birthday. His name is inseparably linked with STUVA, the Research Association for Underground Transportation Facilities. Professor Haack began working for STUVA in 1967, became a director in 1977 and was a Managing Director from 1995 to 2007.

We may not know whether he arrived in the world already equipped with such energy and enthusiasm, but we do know that 70 years of Haack have resulted in 43 years of indefatigable activity on behalf of STUVA, including almost three years on a freelance basis since his retirement. In recent years, the most important stages of his professional career have been described in detail in various places and on various occasions: on his 60th birthday, for example, in tunnel 7/2000, on his 65th birthday in tunnel 7/2005, and in tunnel 3/2007 on the occasion of his celebrating 40 years of service to the company. To mark his farewell in 2007, a special edition was published, with anecdotes and brief stories which revealed a little of Professor Haack's private side. His departure was also marked by a report which appeared in tunnel 1/2008 under the title "Eine Ära geht zu Ende" ("End of an Era"). The author may well have thought this would be the logical outcome of Professor Haack's relinquishment of his office. But this has not proved to be true. Alfred Haack has continued with his indefatigable commitment, and it was in fact clear to everyone who really knew him that this was not a man who could ever be reduced to mere "retirement". Although Dr Roland Leucker, as the new Managing Director, has taken over leadership of STUVA, there is still plenty for Professor Haack to do to support him. All around the globe, people are still asking for him to apply the knowledge he has accumulated over decades. But, these days, Alfred Haack is more likely to be found disseminating his knowledge in seminars or lectures. Invitations come to him from all over the world and he is always keen to ensure that those present receive information about the latest STUVA activities.

The Board of Directors, the STUVA team and the STUVAtec team would like to offer their wholehearted congratulations to Professor Haack on this special birthday, and wish him many more years of good health.

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