Interaction, respect and solidarity

At its Dies Academicus on 4 November, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (HSMW) awarded the 2026 Ingrid von Reyher Prize to Lena Schmalwasser. The Head of University Sports received the award, worth 1,000 euros, in recognition of her outstanding commitment to making university sports accessible to all, thereby promoting equal opportunities and participation for all genders at the university. 

Lena Schmalwasser was nominated by her team at the University Sports Department. In his laudatory speech, Christian Mallick, a member of staff at the University Sports Department, paid particular tribute to her efforts to rebuild the programme following the COVID-19 pandemic, which had severely restricted university sports. “With perseverance, creativity and a keen sense of the needs of the university community, she succeeded in revitalising university sports,” said Mallick. The figures show just how successful this was: last year, the university sports programme recorded more than 1,000 participants for the first time, with women accounting for almost 40 per cent of the total.

The team cited the expansion of family-friendly services as further reasons. Courses held early in the morning, during the lunch break or after work are tailored to the daily routines of university staff, particularly working mothers. Through the ‘Active Break’ programme she initiated for staff – and later for students too – she is also promoting health at the university. As a lecturer in the General Studies (Studium Generale) programme, she teaches students skills relating to health, exercise and teamwork. Outside her official duties, the former professional player set up the children’s basketball training programme at the Mittweida University Sports Association and is actively involved as head of basketball in the Saxony University Sports Conference. 

She develops ideas, creates opportunities, brings people together and embodies the values of equal opportunities and participation day in, day out.

Laudator: Christian Mallick

It was precisely this approach that had also impressed the jury of the Ingrid von Reyher Prize. Lena Schmalwasser strengthens the physical and mental resilience of staff and students during what is a challenging time for many. From a gender equality perspective, it is also crucial that she recruits and supports student instructors. The proportion of women amongst the instructors has more than doubled in recent years and now stands at around 25 per cent. 

In her acceptance speech, Lena Schmalwasser emphasised that, for her, equal opportunities meant that everyone could develop their strengths and become part of a community, regardless of gender, background, physical ability or financial circumstances. She explained that this was not just about sport, but also about interaction, respect and solidarity. She said she was particularly proud of her coaches, whose dedication has led, amongst other things, to the creation of English-language sports courses and, as of this term, a women’s football team. She said the award would motivate her to continue campaigning for equal opportunities and the advancement of women. 

The prize is named after Dr Ingrid von Reyher (1908–2004), who, from 1947, became the first woman to teach at what was then the Mittweida School of Engineering. It was awarded for the first time in 2012 and will be presented for the fifth time in 2026. As well as promoting equality of opportunity between women and men, it also recognises projects that bring together different people and groups at the university. This year, the focus was on women who are particularly committed to promoting equality of opportunity at the HSMW.