Today, Hochschule Geisenheim University welcomed 307 new students at the start of the winter semester, 13 percent of whom were international students. During the ceremony, Vice-President of Academic and Student Affairs Mirjam Hey, President Hans Reiner Schultz, and Mayor of Geisenheim Christian Aßmann each welcomed the new students to their future place of study. As is now tradition, two prizes for current Geisenheim students were also awarded during the welcome ceremony: the DAAD Prize and the Geisenheim Prize for Social Commitment.

Comments on the Welcome Ceremony

"We warmly welcome our new students to Geisenheim and are very pleased that they have chosen to study at our university," comments Professor Hans Reiner Schultz.

"With our diverse, flexible, practice-oriented, and multilingual range of courses, as well as our new buildings and diverse student advisory services, we are able to provide excellent academic conditions for students. With the current figures, we are seeing a stable development compared to last year's student numbers. In the first week of the semester, the new students have a lot of information to take on board. I would therefore like to thank everyone who helped organize the Welcome Week, and I wish all our new students a great start to the semester," adds Professor Mirjam Hey. 

“On behalf of the town of Geisenheim, I would also like to congratulate all first-year students on their start at the university and wish them every success for the future. I encourage you all to explore and experience both the campus and the town itself and – if you would like to – get involved in the community. We are very pleased to have you here,” says Christian Aßmann, the mayor of Geisenheim.

A Packed Welcome Program

At the welcome ceremony, new students were also introduced to important contact persons on campus, including the heads of the degree programs and staff members in the Admissions Office, General Student Advisory Service, Career Service, and International Office. Following the welcome ceremony, the first day of the Welcome Week featured campus tours, a general introduction to the university’s digital platforms, and an evening reception at Villa Monrepos organized by the university, VEG Alumni Association, AStA, Student Parliament, and G.V. Rhenania

There are still plenty of events for students to look forward to in the Welcome Week program, including a first-semester rally, information events, a guided tour of students' favorite spots in Geisenheim, a tour of the local wineries, and a twilight hike hosted by local guide Wolfgang Blum.

Last week, the university also held a special Orientation Week for international students, which had its own unique event program.

Award Ceremony for the DAAD Prize 

During the welcome ceremony, Hochschule Geisenheim University awarded the German Academic Exchange Service’s DAAD Prize, which honors international students who have demonstrated both excellent academic performance and special social commitment.

This year, the €1000 prize was awarded to Dmytro Pashniak, who graduated with a B.Sc. in Beverage Technology this summer. Dmytro is a Ukrainian citizen who, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, volunteered as a translator for two hospitals, a school, and the Malteser Integration Service. He also spoke about his experience at the Philipp Kraft Foundation. In addition to his volunteer work, Dmytro works at the university’s International Office and, together with another student, organized the university's 'Gemeinsam engagieren wir uns' refugee initiative.

“Dmytro Pashniak’s helpfulness and his attentiveness are not only visible in his volunteer work but also in his day-to-day interactions with his fellow students and lecturers. He is a role model to us all and is an example of how courage, empathy, and commitment can make a significant impact,” commented Professor Mirjam Hey during the award ceremony.

Award Ceremony for the Geisenheim Prize for Social Commitment

The Geisenheim Prize for Social Commitment was also awarded as part of the welcome ceremony. This year, the €500 prize was awarded twice due to the high level of social commitment shown by students at Hochschule Geisenheim University.

The first recipient of the award was International Wine Business student Teréze Urbáne. Through her longstanding active role in the AStA (Student Committee), Teréze has been especially dedicated to helping new students find their feet in Geisenheim by organizing campus tours, information events, and excursions for international students, among other things. Last year, Teréze was also instrumental in organizing the Geisenheimer Zukunftssymposium, a symposium on the future of the wine sector organized by students.

“Teréze Urbáne has consistently aimed to build bridges between cultures and foster a feeling of community. Her creativity and organizational talent have ensured that these events were both popular and the source of fond memories for attendees. Her dedication to the university and her fellow students is inspiring and worthy of this recognition,” commented Professor Mirjam Hey.

The second recipient of the award was Piet George, a Viticulture and Enology student. Alongside his studies, Piet is extensively involved with 1000 Hills e.V., an association he founded to support the education of the young people from the iKhethelo children’s village in South Africa. Thanks to Piet’s untiring dedication, the association has been able to cover the school fees of all 50 residents of the children’s village. In addition, Piet also arranges and supervises exchange programs; after completing school, former iKhethelo residents can undertake a voluntary year of social service at the Kirschkamperhof camp in the Niederrhein region of Germany.

“Piet George’s volunteering work is a shining example of how the devotion and effort of an individual can make a significant difference to the lives of others. His dedication to the education of socially disadvantaged children and his ability to build bridges between cultures deserve the utmost praise,” commented Professor Mirjam Hey at the ceremony.

Please note: The number of new students given above is an interim figure from October 11, 2024. The number will increase further in the coming weeks due to ongoing enrollment procedures.