“Professor Bertie” symbolises diversity and Berlin charm at the Hertie School’s Friedrichstraße campus in the heart of Berlin.
You might see them when arriving at the Berlin airport, in front of museums and shops, and in German embassies and consulates across the world – the Buddy Bear. An iconic symbol of the German capital, these colourful bear statues represent strength, resilience and tolerance. The Hertie School now has its very own Buddy Bear, named Professor Bertie. The hand-painted bear, displayed prominently in the school’s foyer, reflects the institution’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic community.
A community gathers to create its own Buddy Bear
The creation of the Hertie School Buddy Bear was a community effort, led by the school’s Student Life office. The statue was designed by Berlin artist Roland Brückner of the graphic design firm Bitteschön.tv, at a community event attended by students and staff. The name “Professor Bertie” was later chosen in a community-wide survey including students, alumni, administrative staff and faculty. Other popular names included Frieda and Dora.
Professor Bertie symbolises spirit of the Hertie School
The Buddy Bear Professor Bertie reflects the Hertie School’s values and mission. Derived from the Germanic root bert, meaning 'bright’, Bertie is a gender-neutral name symbolising the light of knowledge, intuition and wisdom. Hertie School President Cornelia Woll underscores the relevance of this symbolism: “Just as Professor Bertie stands out with its vibrant design, we hope it will inspire all Hertians to shine in their pursuit of better governance and positive impact, guided by the intellectual strength we seek to cultivate in our dynamic community.”
Judith Zylla-Wöllner, Director of the Student Life office at the Hertie School, echoes this sentiment: “The Buddy Bear embodies the Hertie School spirit – one that embraces different cultures and perspectives. We hope it will become a source of inspiration and pride for our students, staff and visitors.”