Bloomington, Indiana, 1963. The small, vibrant town, nestled among rolling hills and thick woodlands, bustled with the energy of thousands of students. This Midwestern town was a world away from the divided streets of post-war Berlin. For one German student, Wolfgang Dexheimer, this town would become home to a journey that shaped his career and life forever.
Dexheimer arrived at Indiana University as an exchange student from Freie Universität Berlin in 1963. Based on his academic and personal qualifications, he was selected as one of twelve students to participate in the German university’s transatlantic exchange program. When he initially applied to study in the United States, he expected it to be at the University of Pennsylvania but was later informed that he would be going to IU instead. This change of plans didn’t stop him from following through with his goal of exploring educational opportunities abroad.
The transition to American campus culture was stark. Dexheimer found his travel to America, and daily life at IU, a sharp contrast to his experiences in a recovering and divided Berlin. “On the ship to the US, we got to know waitresses with white gloves for breakfast, these grand breakfasts with melon balls – such a luxury!” he recalls. “I didn’t know that as a Berlin postwar boy. The friendliness, the hospitality – they were astounding.”
Upon his arrival in Bloomington, Dexheimer was warmly welcomed by swathes of Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers. The reception was both overwhelming and heartwarming: “I’m an only child, I’m from Berlin, fresh out of World War II. And there I was being greeted now by 30-40 brothers,” he reminisces.
Despite his father’s opposition to his studies in America, IU’s supportive environment encouraged him to follow his academic aspirations. A pivotal moment came when Professor of Political Science Louis Lambert, affectionately known as ‘Scrappy Lambert,’ approached Dexheimer at the end of the semester and asked about his future plans. When Dexheimer expressed his regret at having to return home, Lambert encouraged him to stay beyond his initial year-long exchange and pursue an M.A.. Dexheimer was convinced to stay and completed a master’s degree in U.S. Government, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. Scrappy Lambert also connected him with Robert Hattery, head of the Bureau of Public Discussion. Through this connection, Dexheimer secured part-time work at the Bureau’s package library, which he described as “giving back to the citizenry of Indiana” by providing literature and newspaper clippings.
Dexheimer’s time at IU in the 1960’s was characterized by these meaningful connections, particularly with professor and historian Fritz Epstein. Dexheimer fondly recalls the late evenings in the library where Epstein, diligently working on reviews, essays, and booklets, often stayed long after hours. Their conversations during these late-night encounters led to a deep, personal connection. “When I went to the library in the evening after my work, we talked and talked and talked. We had a grandfatherly-grandson kind of relationship.” This bond proved instrumental in his academic journey, as Epstein’s strong recommendation significantly contributed to Dexheimer’s acceptance at the University of Konstanz, where he pursued his PhD.
Throughout his career, Dexheimer made significant contributions to fostering transatlantic relations, working with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and establishing programs such as the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), a scholarship for high school students and young professionals jointly funded by the U.S. and German governments. CBYX offers participants a full immersion experience in German culture by living with host families and attending German high schools, or vocational programs, respectively. Another significant example is the Congress Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange Program, which like CBYX recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.
His time at IU and the relationships he built were instrumental in these achievements. Recognized by U.S. Senator Richard Lugar and former ambassador Dan Coats for his contributions to German-American relations, Dexheimer’s work in government and politics was profoundly shaped by his IU education and the connections he formed there.
A life-long member of the IU Alumni Association and Beta Theta Pi fraternity, Dexheimer continues to cherish the cultural immersion, friendships, and academic challenges that shaped his character and career. The bonds Dexheimer formed at IU, particularly with his fraternity brothers – including Woody Kelley, son of the donor for whom the IU Kelley School of Business is named – provided a sense of belonging and support that endured throughout his life. These relationships were instrumental in shaping his IU experience and provided a supportive network throughout his career.
In addition to his professional work, Dexheimer and his wife have been long-time supporters of academic and cultural institutions. They have supported the Fund for American Studies in Washington, D.C., Indiana University, the University of Konstanz, and the University of Chicago (his wife’s alma mater). They also contributed to the Fritz Epstein Prize and the future Exilmuseum in Berlin. Their focus has been on international student exchange with the Fund for American Studies hosting a summer program in Prague that included not only Americans but also Eastern Europeans and others. At IU, they supported the Political Science Department, among others, in the hopes of encouraging global engagement for students.
This commitment to fostering international academic relations culminated in a significant bequest to IU, aimed at supporting the exchange of scholars, students, and research between IU and Freie Universität Berlin. This bequest, the first gift of its kind by a German alum to IU, reflects Dexheimer’s deep appreciation for the opportunities and experiences IU provided him, and his desire to extend these opportunities to future generations: “I hope my contribution will inspire future generations of students to pursue their academic dreams and personal aspirations.”
Wolfgang Dexheimer’s journey from Cold War-era Berlin to Indiana University is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring bonds formed through shared experiences. His legacy at IU continues to inspire and support future generations, ensuring that the spirit of international collaboration and academic excellence thrives.
An abbreviated version of this article appeared in the fall edition of the Fall 2024 edition of the Indiana University Alumni Magazine.
The article is based on an interview with Wolfgang Dexheimer, led by Andrea Adam Moore, in his home in Bonn in July 2022. Annabell Türk and Dr. Katrin Völkner, of IU’s Europe Gateway, translated the interview and consulted on the article.
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