The students Julián Vargas, Sumit Anand and Lucia Mohr were praised for their academic achievements and engagement within the Hertie community.
During a ceremony attended by students, faculty and staff, as part of this semester's All School meeting, President Cornelia Woll and Dean Thurid Hustedt presented three notable awards: the DAAD Prize, the newly created President’s Prize and the Dean’s Prize.
DAAD Prize awarded to Julián Vargas
For the ninth year in a row, the DAAD Prize was awarded to a student who has shown outstanding academic achievement and engagement. The DAAD prize, worth 1,000 euros, is awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service and financed by the German Federal Foreign Office. It aims to recognise international students at German universities and honour both their academic excellence and social or intercultural engagement.
This year’s DAAD Prize was awarded to Julián Vargas, a 2nd-year Master of Public Policy student. Julián is a supportive and engaged member of the Hertie community. In his first year, he was able to overcome the difficulties caused by arriving late in the semester and is now being recognised for his help in welcoming students who faced similar challenges this academic year. In his speech, Julián emphasised the importance of kindness and community: “Kindness is perhaps the most underrated power we have to shape the world.” Dean Thurid Hustedt congratulated him, commenting on how he is “a great example of how Hertie students can take over leadership and responsibility for the common good and for the Hertie School community.”
Sumit Anand wins Dean’s Prize
The Dean’s Prize went to Sumit Anand, a 2nd-year Master of Public Policy student. In addition to his work with the Hertie School’s Communications department, Sumit is an active member of the student community, being the founder of both the Hertie Yoga Club and the Hertie Educational Policy Interest Group. The award acknowledges his passion and care for the Hertie community, but also the ways in which he strives to improve the community: “Critical voices, such as Sumit’s, challenging us to grow as an institution, are the valuable ones that we should feel proud to attract,” said Dean Thurid Hustedt, who presented the prize.
New President’s Prize goes to Lucia Mohr
The newly created President’s Prize was awarded to Lucia Mohr. A Master of Public Policy student currently in her Professional Year, Lucia was commended for her positivity and ability to provide comfort during difficult times. She is an active member of the Hertie community: not only did she launch the Hertie Kino Club, but she also volunteers as a peer adviser. President Woll praised her willingness to assist her international peers in situations in which language was a barrier.
The Hertie School congratulates Julián, Sumit and Lucia on their incredible achievements!