“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 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." Linda Hahn, born 1999, study of stomatology in Pécs, Hungary.