Maria Paula Piñeros, Bennet Conrads, Annika Reinfurt and Jackson Luckey are recognised for their academic achievements and engagement in the Hertie community.
During a ceremony attended by students, faculty and staff on 25 November 2024, Hertie School President Cornelia Woll and Dean of Graduate Programmes Thurid Hustedt presented outstanding students with three notable awards: the DAAD Prize, the President’s Prize and the Dean’s Prize.
DAAD Prize awarded to Maria Paula Piñeros
For the tenth year in a row, the DAAD Prize was awarded to a student who has shown outstanding academic achievement and engagement at the Hertie School. The DAAD Prize, worth 1,000 euros, is awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service and financed by the German Federal Foreign Office. It recognises international students at German universities and honours both their academic excellence and social or intercultural engagement.
The 2024 DAAD Prize was awarded to Maria Paula Piñeros, a second-year Master of Public Policy student. Maria Paula received the award for her dedication to community improvement, not only actively participating in events and engaging in initiatives but also bringing thoughtful suggestions to the university’s faculty and administration to improve how the university serves its students. Dean Hustedt underscored the importance of recognising a female leader with this year’s DAAD Prize: “We must uplift diverse voices within our community, and Maria Paula is a shining example of what it means to lead with passion and purpose.”
Bennet Conrads and Annika Reinfurt win Dean’s Prize
This year’s Dean’s Prize went to two students, Bennet Conrads and Annika Reinfurt, both in their second year of the Master of International Affairs programme. In addition to their courses, Bennet and Annika are Co-Presidents of the Hertie School Security Club (HSSC), where they are committed to bridging the divide between academic enquiry and practical policy application in the realm of security policy. They have also collaborated with the Centre for International Security to create initiatives connecting students with leading figures in the field, opening invaluable networking opportunities for Hertie students. “What truly distinguishes Bennet and Annika is their unwavering initiative and genuine passion for advancing security studies at the Hertie School,” said Dean Hustedt. “They have consistently exceeded expectations, embodying the spirit of leadership and community that we hold dear.”
President’s Prize goes to Jackson Luckey
This year’s President’s Prize, awarded for the second time, went to Jackson Luckey, who received the award in absentia. A second-year Master of Data Science for Public Policy student, Jackson was commended for his intellectual curiosity and eagerness to tackle new challenges. In addition to excelling in his courses, faculty members have also praised him for supporting his fellow students by leading study sessions and group projects and working as a teaching assistant. “Jackson exemplifies the values we cherish at the Hertie School,” said President Woll. “His dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to enriching our academic environment speak volumes about his character and potential.”
The Hertie School congratulates Maria Paula, Bennet, Annika and Jackson on their achievements!