"When I introduced myself as the new GFBU treasurer to the founding rector, Professor Rainer Gruenter, I had the feeling that he was surprised that a woman was appearing. Not that he had anything against it, but he was probably expecting a gentleman from industry." - This is how Ingrid Henkels described when she took office as treasurer of the Society of Friends of the University of Wuppertal (GFBU) in 1977 in the commemorative publication "50 Jahre Bergische Universität Wuppertal: Erinnerungen an die Gründungszeit", which was published in 2022 to mark the university's anniversary.

This initial commitment to the GFBU, today's FABU, was followed by 24 years of chairmanship - also as a symbol of her deep connection to the University of Wuppertal. She made a significant contribution to its development and promotion during her time in office and beyond. Among other things, she launched the university concert series and thus brought the university into the urban community. In 1982, she launched the GFBU sponsorship awards, which continue to provide financial and non-material support to many young academics today. On 1 July 2003, she handed over her office to the Remscheid entrepreneur Senator E.h. Dipl.-Ing. Karl-Ernst Vaillant. However, her commitment to FABU remained tireless. Until her death, Ingrid Henkels was involved in all aspects of the organisation with great dedication. In 1986, she was made an honorary citizen of the University of Wuppertal in recognition of her extensive activities and work.

Dr Ingrid Henkels was born in Ahlen (Westphalia) in 1931. She graduated from high school in Ahlen in 1951 and went on to study economics and business administration in Münster and Munich. She graduated with a degree in business administration in 1955. She then became sales manager at a shoe factory, where she worked until 1960. In 1957, she began her doctoral studies in Graz and graduated in 1959 as Dr rer. pol.

Ingrid Henkels was also a family person, married and the mother of three sons. After the birth of her children, she turned to various voluntary activities from 1965 onwards. For example, she was deputy chairwoman of Colloquium Feminarum, an association of businesswomen's wives from NRW, president of the Soroptimist Club Wuppertal and a member of the board of Soroptimist Germany.