DAAD Prize goes to Aurora Mane

This year's German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) prize goes to Aurora Mane. The Italian student is in her third semester of the Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) Master's degree programme at Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H). Every year, universities can honour international students who demonstrate good academic performance as well as social commitment with this award. The award was presented at the annual "Meet and Greet" event, at which UW/H Vice President Dr Dirk Jakobs welcomes the international students.

Aurora Mane got to know the university during her ERASMUS semester abroad in Witten and then decided to complete her Master's degree here. Prof. Dr Joachim Zweynert gave the laudatory speech for the award winner, highlighting her expertise, commitment and dedication. In addition to her outstanding academic achievements, she was part of the organising team for this year's PPE conference and is involved as a student representative for the students of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society. Her main goal is to promote the internationalisation of the university and give English-speaking students a voice.

"I am very pleased that an international student is representing the interests of our international degree programme in this crucial body of our faculty's academic self-administration, and I would add that she is doing an excellent job," said Prof. Zweynert. "She can be a very sober and rational intellectual/scholar, and I personally expect her to go on to do a PhD, but even in the most serious discussions there is always some irony, some humour and a refreshing liveliness shining through."

In recognition of the growing number of international students at German universities and to honour their importance to the community, universities can award the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Prize to one student each year. The honoured students represent their fellow students from all over the world.