Treffpunkt community members posing happily at an event

About Us

Dedicated to the German-speaking community of Arizona

Treffpunkt is a nonprofit organization and meeting point fostering German-speaking cultures and global connection in Arizona. We invite everyone to become part of our community.

Join our community

Our Mission

A place to connect, learn, and celebrate

A Meeting Place

A nonprofit meeting point for Germans, Austrians, Swiss, and everyone who speaks German, or anyone who would like to learn more about it.

Community & Diversity

Our sponsors and members contribute to the diversity of the Treffpunkt. We are closely associated with German businesses, local clubs, ASU, and other universities and schools.

Education & Culture

Beyond our educational objectives, we offer German foods, beer and wine, books, exhibitions, concerts, lectures, social meetings, and much more.

A Welcome Message

A Welcome Message from Volker Benkert

What a wonderful “Welcome to Treffpunkt” message to all our German-speaking communities and individuals from Volker Benkert! Watch his enthusiasm in action as he celebrates the bond between European heritage and life in Arizona.

Volker Benkert

A bilingual welcome message from Volker Benkert. Quote: “Anything that ties my old home to my new home in Arizona is important.”

Leadership

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors consists of active volunteers who serve to fulfill the mission and vision of Treffpunkt. As the organization's governing body, the board provides leadership and direction, ensures programming aligns with our mission, oversees financials and the annual operating budget, and promotes Treffpunkt in the community.

Carolin Gey

President

Carolin was born in Munich and grew up in Kassel, Germany. She attended school in Kassel and studied at universities in Nuremberg, Germany and Sevilla, Spain. She lives in Scottsdale, AZ (for 18 years). Carolin is the Honorary Consul of Germany in Arizona. She is also the Managing Partner of kybun USA LLC, a company exclusively importing and distributing kybun products from Switzerland in the United States. Carolin and her family do celebrate their heritage frequently in their home and are excited to share and experience more with fellow German-speaking members of the community.

Michael Spandau

Board Member

Michael was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He studied Business Economics and Computer Science at Reutlingen University, formerly known as Fachhochschule Reutlingen. Michael moved to the USA in 1994 and has been the CIO of Fender Musical Instruments for the past 16 years. Michael lives with his wife, Elke Spandau, in North Phoenix. Together with their daughter, Helena, they share their love for Arabian Horses. Both Elke and Michael are certified private pilots.

Christine Colley

Treasurer

Christine Colley, a German native, grew up in Mainz. She began her US career in Finance with an internship in Wine Import in Dallas, Texas. Her career took her to California and New Jersey before arriving in Arizona. Christine has lived in Fountain Hills, AZ with her husband Jack since 1995, her daughter and granddaughter joined them in 2019. After her retirement from Henkel Scottsdale, Christine stayed involved with the German community in Arizona. She created the popular Fountain Hills Oktoberfest in 2008 and is currently the co-chair of the “Weihnachtsgottesdienst” in the German language in Ahwatukee, AZ, that began in 2009. She is an avid fan of Treffpunkt events.

Volker BenkertPh.D.

Education

Volker Benkert studied history and English at the Universities of Bonn, Edinburgh, St. Petersburg, and Fribourg. He graduated with a master's degree from the University of Bonn and a doctorate from the University of Potsdam. Volker is an Assistant Professor in the school of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Arizona State University where he teaches a broad spectrum of curriculum, including upper-division courses in modern German and European history. Volker has authored and edited many books/publications (as seen in Amazon) and is a frequent guest speaker and lecturer at educational conferences.

Karen Aldema

Information coming soon.

Bio coming soon

Be part of our community

Whether you're a heritage speaker, a learner, or simply a friend of the culture, there's a place for you at Treffpunkt.

Become a member Contact us