A personal approach
A personal look at George Leitmann by Stefan Pickl
How does one approach George Leitmann? …?
This is the first question that arises when attempting to write such an introductory text. Studying his biographical data, one is initially likely to develop a respectful reserve. There is a risk that this will hinder a personal connection. However, if one has the opportunity to be approached directly by him—as happened to me in Vienna—and thus gets to know him personally, one will realize that George Leitmann is not only an outstanding engineer and mathematician, but above all a true "bridge builder."
One can observe that for him, "bridges" are not merely technical artifacts but symbols, representing the establishment of contacts between people, the development of relationships between personalities, and the connection of international institutions. George Leitmann, however, remains a scholarly "gentleman" who never imposes his views but rather explains his comprehensive ideas through reasoned argument. Although his approach is characterized by a strong sense of historical responsibility, his gaze is always directed forward in a forward-looking and encouraging way. This allows for an initial understanding of George Leitmann, but in this interplay of past and future, it becomes apparent that the "now" can easily be overlooked…
… a renewed approach to George Leitmann
Thus, in the year of my appointment as full professor at the Bundeswehr University Munich, the decision matured to honor this "now" in a special way. The establishment of a biennial George Leitmann Lecture was intended to give this "now" a place of honor. The then-President, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Lößl, the Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Ulf Schmerl, and our faculty were very enthusiastic about this idea. Therefore, on May 24, 2005, on the occasion of George Leitmann's 80th birthday, the following certificate was presented:
The document contains two postage stamps depicting bridges in the USA: During the turmoil of war, the Leitmann family's valuable stamp collection was forcibly stolen by their neighbors in Vienna during a looting spree. The family was forced to flee to the USA by ship. Shortly afterward, he volunteered as a soldier to return to Europe on the same ship…The aim of the lecture is to connect the academic and historical aspects of George Leitmann's life's work. Therefore, the second lecture in 2008 was deliberately held in Vienna. Shortly before, a memorial stone was laid there in remembrance of his family, so that what has been described above would not be forgotten.
Concluding remark
The George Leitmann Lecture is also intended to symbolize such a laying of a foundation stone. The following quote could be inscribed on this foundation stone:
„…,that we all live on this planet
and would do well to get along with each other.“
George Leitmann
