Constant numbers: HSB Welcomes About 2,000 First-Year Students – DAAD Award Presented

Dennis Dreiling is enrolled in the International Bachelor’s Program in Shipping and Chartering (ISSC) at HSB. The 30-year-old is an outstanding student and is completing his degree well ahead of the standard duration of study. He is involved in a wide range of activities: For nearly two years, he has served as a volunteer interpreter for the German Red Cross (DRK) in refugee assistance, primarily supporting people from Ukraine. Dennis Dreiling is also actively involved in his degree program as a member of the program committee and regularly participates in other ISSC events.

Lived in a reception centre after arriving in Bremen

When Dennis Dreiling arrived in Germany in March 2022, he spent several months in a reception centre for refugees. There, he saw how many volunteers and staff from the German Red Cross (DRK) and the AWO were helping to integrate the newly arrived refugees. “I realised just how valuable help can be when you don’t know how bureaucratic processes – or even simple everyday tasks – work in a new country,” says the student. “Even back then, I decided that as soon as I could speak German reasonably well, I’d like to help refugees too. During that time, I got to know people from many different countries, including Ukraine. As I had spent my whole life in Russia before emigrating, I feel a particular sense of responsibility for the war of aggression that Russia is waging against Ukraine. For me personally, it is therefore a matter of course to support the people of Ukraine.” The 30-year-old now holds German citizenship.

DAAD Award Winner: “Working Together to Protect and Strengthen Democracy”

“I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Dennis Dreiling on receiving this award and thank him very much for his extraordinary commitment,” said the Vice-President for Studies, Teaching and Internationalisation Prof. Dr Annika Maschwitz. She presented the award and hosted the ceremony at the Town Hall.

DAAD award winner Dennis Dreiling: “For me, this award underlines just how important social engagement is for students” he said in his speech to the students. “Time is often tight alongside your studies. But I would like to encourage everyone to get involved. Volunteering doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. It means taking responsibility for other people. We also bear responsibility for our democracy, because it cannot be taken for granted. It thrives on us listening to one another and supporting one another. Let us protect and strengthen our democracy together.”

The Bremen Town Musicians: “Diverse and strong together”

In his speech, President Prof. Dr Konrad Wolf made it clear that the fairy tale of the Bremen Town Musicians can also inspire students on their journey: “It has a lot to do with our times: the four animals found themselves in a difficult situation, their future was uncertain – and they were very diverse.” The solution found by the donkey, the dog, the cat and the rooster: despite their differences, they came together as a social group and decided to leave their familiar world behind. “That was a big step,” said the Rector. “They set off, but interestingly, they never actually arrived in Bremen. Yet they found a better life for themselves along the way.” And the President encouraged the new students: “Join forces and help one another to shape and walk your path together. We at the HSB will support you in this wherever and however we can.”

Student: “Stand up for your needs and make the most of opportunities”

Representatives of the student body also offered support to the freshers and invited them to help shape the HSB: Lana Heinsen, a member of the Executive Board of the General Student Committee (AStA), outlined the work of the highest student body and invited all new students to get involved. Speaking about her experiences at the HSB, she said: “I’ve had the best three years of my life here so far.”

Jule Sobanja emphasised just how important the students’ voice is. She is studying the International Nursing programme at the HSB and has been actively involved in the Student Board of the European university alliance STARS EU, of which the Hochschule  Bremen is a member. “We students are the most valuable asset a university has,” she said. “Use this voice and stand up for your needs. And make the most of opportunities: whether it’s a semester abroad, the Culture Semester Ticket, STARS EU – and make friends. Live your student life to the full!”

A festive atmosphere created by the university choir

There was plenty of applause for the university choir IntoNation, which also sang a canon together with all the guests in the Upper Town Hall.