Half a century ago, on December 5, 1973, the decision of the Lower Saxony state parliament to found the University of Oldenburg came into force, and in April '74, the university began its studies. Since then, the Carl von Ossietzky University has shaped the city and region in many ways, is strong in interdisciplinary research and teaching and assumes social responsibility. However, the early years did not always run smoothly. A look back at selected moments in the university's history.