A native of South Tyrol, he moved to Bonn in 1965 and studied psychology, musicology, and philosophy at the university. In 1970, he graduated with a degree in psychology. He remained closely connected to the university in later years: At the 2011 University Festival, he addressed the graduates as the keynote speaker under the motto “No University Without Alumni” and, as the face and voice of the “Zimmer frei?!” campaign, advocated for more student housing. Most recently, he supported the Bonn University Foundation in recruiting donors.
With his distinctive perspective on the language and mentality of the Rhineland, Konrad Beikircher shaped Bonn’s cultural life for decades. He lovingly held up a mirror to the Rhineland way of life. He always remained connected to his alma mater (Beikircher quote: “My heart will always be with the University of Bonn!”) and was there whenever it asked for his support. His passing leaves a void among the distinguished figures that the University of Bonn has produced.