“One of the best decisions of my life was to fulfill a lifelong dream to study abroad. I have learned so much in the past years. I am widening my horizon every day.” Jule Loescher, Gercken scholar, born 1999, studies product design (marketing and innovation) at the National University of Ireland Maynooth.

"The best days of the Gercken Foundation - a wonderful little icon of German Humanism - lie still ahead." Eckart Reihlen, Gercken scholar, born 1964. Married. 4 children. Graduated with a PhD from the University of Utah. Has a friend who owns a Rolls Royce. Drives a modest car he purchased 2nd hand.

"I find it inspiring that a great yet kindred spirit like Nicolaus Gercken is a force for good on this earth even centuries after he passed away." Johannes Bernet, born 1986, married, 2 children. Studied music and psychology at the University of Freiburg / Breisgau. Researcher at Freiburg University. Can read notes, but prefers to play without.

"I was the first to receive a grant after the fall of the Berlin wall. At the time, my father had proven our family affiliation and helped rebuild the foundation. Now, 30 years onwards, my daughter Hannah has applied for a grant. The foundation is alive !" Dr. Ines Jacob, born 1968, veterinarian, with daughter Hannah, born 2001, who studies Molecular Medicine at Freiburg University.

"So nice to know that a common ancestor and the good works of the patronate support family members near and far in fulfilling their dreams." Dr med. dent. Linda Johanna Hahn, born 1999, study of stomatology in Pécs, Hungary."

"Besides guts, bones and surgery on them, my studies have taught me the importance of people, who have kept me from going totally insane. Alas ... sola dosis facit venenum!" Mia Viktoria Elisabeth Flesch, Technische Universitaet München (TUM), Medical School.

After graduating from high school and completing an apprenticeship, I moved to the city of Muenster. I am now finishing my masters studies in philology to teach German and history. It is a priviledge to be a part of a family foundation, which has been active for centuries and which supports education. Eike Friedrich Engelke, born in 1994.

„Impressive, that Nicolaus Gercken has been able to support young members of our far flung family since the 17th century. I am grateful for the support of the foundation towards my law degree and my doctorate. Dr. Sönke Ludwig Engelke, born 1992, studied at Universitaet Muenster.“

„I found out only last year that I am a descendant of Nicolaus Gercken. I was born in California and would like to know more about my roots”. Enno Klotz was born in 2001. He studies economics and tax law at the University of California at Santa Barbara.