I graduated from Hauer. It is a somewhat elite little university nestled in the scenic foothills of Minnesota near Lake Wobegon Trail (about 10 miles north-west of New Munich). Most of the surrounding community is Norwegian but Hauer University was started by a German immigrant, Professor Doctor Wolfgang Hauer who came to this country from Schwabeland, Germany, back in the 1820′s and quickly became known for turning out a small number of very highly qualified graduates who have been in demand ever since.

Schwabeland

Professor Doctor Hauer was beloved by both students and faculty and most endearing was his accent with a slight lilt at the end, almost sounding like a question. It is customary to this day to honor his memory by using this accent when pronouncing our official greeting.

“HI” Honor & Integrity

Our school motto is “Honor and Integrity” (or just the Latin H.I. for short) and because Professor Doctor Hauer was a religious man, never complaining but adding “I’m Fine” as a way of bearing up under the burdens was expected, and the reply is “Thank You” to whatever higher power you choose to believe in.

Our school has a handshake which we carry with us wherever we go through life and though we are few, many, many others over time have picked up our special way of salutation and respect.

Here’s How it Works:

A typical greeting between two Hauer University students (or grads) will look like this:

HI, Hauer U!?

I’m fine, thanks, Hauer U?!

…and so it goes. We hear it every day even though the meaning has been forgotten and the words are spelled differently. So the next time someone says Hello, Hauer U?! Answer proudly and with feeling “I’m fine, Thank you very much, and Hauer U? knowing now full well the meaning of the words you speak.

Thank you for stopping by and learning about Hauer. And remember: Hauer University: Honor, Integrity, I’m Fine, Thanks.