Thank you for the opportunities

On 12 November, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences presented the certificates for the 2024/25 funding year to its ‘Deutschlandstipendium’ recipients and their sponsors. Fifty-one students will now receive a monthly grant of 300 euros for one year, or for a further year. The funding is shared equally between private donors, companies and institutions – predominantly from the region – and the federal government. Among the scholarships awarded are 14 renewals and 37 new awards. A total of 86 students had applied.

Professor Christoph Meyer, Vice-Rector for Education, opened the award ceremony: “A scholarship ‘shapes you and equips you for life. It opens up new opportunities. It opens up new circles and contacts. You get to know people you hadn’t expected to meet before.” He continued: “I hope that, in selecting you, we have chosen the right people – and that you will not only take something from this, but also be able to give something back.”

Professor Hans-Peter Niedermeier, Chair of the Selection Committee, revealed what this ‘giving back’ might look like and what he expects of the scholarship holders: ‘They must be talented, but also willing to use their talents not only for their own careers, but also for the benefit of the state and society.’ To be specific: “They must be prepared to help other people, especially when no one is watching.” And, together with their sponsors, they must promote democracy, the rule of law and human rights. “Freedom and democracy require daily support and renewal. Freedom only exists as long as there are dynamic, passionate, values-driven and competent democrats – particularly amongst the younger generation.”

The sponsors also include new companies such as Endress+Hauser Conducta in Waldheim and Eins Energie Sachsen in Chemnitz. Volksbank Mittweida is once again on board as a sponsor.

Petra Radehaus is a prime example of a new private benefactor. The professor emerita of environmental engineering said following the ceremony: “Even whilst I was actively teaching and conducting research at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, I supported high-achieving students so that they could make a valuable contribution to economic and social development in their professional lives. As I can no longer provide this support directly in my capacity as a professor emerita, I would at least like to contribute to the funding of a scholarship with a small financial donation.”

A great decision! Individuals and organisations interested in supporting a Germany Scholarship can find information and contact details on the Mittweida University of Applied Sciences website.

Both sponsors and scholarship recipients spoke at the award ceremony: Assad Khafez is one of the thirteen international scholarship holders. He is studying IT security in his fifth semester. His Deutschlandstipendium has been extended. He was delighted with the selection committee’s decision and, reflecting on his own choices, said: “A decision means choosing between at least two possible courses of action, whilst keeping certain goals in mind. There is actually no such thing as a universally right or wrong decision. There is only a right or wrong decision in relation to the goal one is pursuing.”

Thomas Schumann, Managing Director of Axilaris GmbH in Chemnitz, illustrates this point using the excellent example of Marina Rohm, his former scholarship holder who is now an employee: “I can only urge people not just to offer young people an internship, but to support them.” He continues: “And to give them the chance to try their hand at different things.”

Rohm, who is about to complete his Bachelor’s degree in General and Digital Forensic Science, confirms this: “You’ve given me so many opportunities, and I’ve tried to make the most of them all. I don’t think I’ve taken full advantage of every one, but I’ve found my own path. Thank you for the opportunities.”

The formal certificate presentation ceremony, followed by a networking session over a buffet, was immediately preceded by the ‘Business Etiquette Workshop’ for the scholarship holders, led by coach and presenter Tilo Kühl-Schimmel.