On December 4 in 1948, Freie Universität Berlin was founded by students and academics. They wanted to learn, teach, and conduct research at the university without any political influence and they were supported in their efforts by the American Allies and Berlin politicians, including Ernst Reuter, then Mayor of Berlin. Every year, the Ernst Reuter Day celebrates the founding anniversary of Freie Universität. Highlight of the anniversary year 2018 was the Ernst Reuter Day ceremony on December 4 to mark the 70th anniversary of the university's founding. The university community, alumni, friends, and sponsors came together for this festive event. They listened to an impressive speech given by author and Nobel Prize winner in Literature Herta Müller.