There was cause for celebration at HSBA’s campus, and with good reason: the HSBA’s Association of Friends and Sponsors (VFF) is looking back on 15 years of commitment to the business school. Sponsors, alumni, students, teachers and corporate partners came together at the anniversary reception to honour the association's many years of work and set new goals for the future.
15 Years of Commitment to Education: Anniversary Reception for the Association of Friends and Sponsors of HSBA
Review and outlook
The evening was opened by Mattias Schmelzer, Chairman of the VFF and CEO and Spokesman of the Executive Board of KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft. In his welcoming address, he reviewed key milestones in the association's work and emphasised the importance of personal commitment, corporate responsibility and the promotion of education for the future of HSBA:
‘The VFF has been committed to HSBA for 15 years – with a strong network and a genuine interest in the people who study and teach here. Together, we have supported numerous student projects, facilitated international academic exchange and brought together people who believe that education is more than just a degree. Our association is alive and kicking, and we still have a lot to achieve! I am very much looking forward to it!’
Education as a shared responsibility – panel discussion with a variety of perspectives
One of the highlights of the evening was the panel discussion entitled: ‘Promotion creates a future – How companies benefit from investing in education’ The discussion was moderated by HSBA alumna Inga Richter. The panelists were:
- Prof. Dr. Michael Höbig (HSBA)
- Sydney Kloppenburg (committed HSBA student)
- Dennis Treichel (Head of Global People and Organisational Development, Hapag-Lloyd)
The discussion demonstrated once again that intergenerational exchange and the targeted promotion of ideas and education have a lasting impact and represent an important investment in the future.
Diversity lives! – Presentation of the new special award
The first presentation of the VFF special award ‘Diversity lives!’ was a particularly festive occasion. With this award, the association honours three student projects that promote greater diversity, participation and cohesion at HSBA. The winning teams each received €1,000 to implement their ideas – sending a clear message that diversity is not only desired, but should be actively embraced.
Barbara Hatzer, Deputy Chair of the VFF Executive Board, emphasised: ‘This amount is not only recognition, but also a vote of confidence – combined with an invitation to continue working with us to build a university where diversity is not only desired, but truly lived.’
The award-winning projects at a glance:
Legmon x HSBA – Mentoring for equal opportunities:
The team led by Aryan Sahi (HSBA Bachelor's student) focuses on low-threshold mentoring, digital learning opportunities and exchange formats with corporate partners – especially for young people from non-academic households.
"At Legmon e.V., we create opportunities! Through targeted mentoring, community events and content, we support people from disadvantaged backgrounds (especially first-time students and people with a migrant background) to give them a better future. Through this project in collaboration with the VFF, we want to inform our more than 500 members about dual study opportunities and make the HSBA more diverse through workshops and scientifically guided approaches.‘ Aryan Sahi
Elvitas – For closeness in old age:
Three HSBA Master's students (Rick Schunselaar, Matti Stout, Torben Henke) developed a platform to connect seniors with everyday companions – to combat loneliness and promote intergenerational closeness.
’Our goal is to enable senior citizens to participate more fully in everyday social life and to make the diversity of age visible.The award from the VFF's ‘Vielfalt lebt!’ programme is valuable support and encouragement for us on our journey so far. With the funding, we can further refine our concept based on user feedback, establish additional pilot partnerships and quickly put our platform into practice – for age-appropriate and inclusive participation." Rick Schunselaar, Matti Stout, Torben Henke
MultiCultural Initiative at HSBA:
Muslim Guseynov, Yashanjot Singh and Zhakar Buntush are establishing a new network format for intercultural exchange at HSBA, with language cafés, cultural evenings and career workshops.
‘We want to create an environment where students can meet, learn from each other and grow together regardless of their origin, language or cultural background by not ignoring differences, but consciously acknowledging and respecting them and seeing them as strengths. Through commitment and support we want to make this space lively and open.’ Muslim Guseynov, Zakhar Buntush, Yashanjot Singh
Rounding off with music, drinks and good conversation
The successful event was rounded off with a convivial get-together featuring live music, finger food and a cocktail bar provided by Anbar Gin. A special highlight was the presence of former Senator Ian K. Karan, founding chairman of the VFF, who played a decisive role in shaping the association's early days.
We would like to thank the panel participants, all guests and our alumnus Jan Skrovanek (Saxophone) for their contribution to this truly wonderful evening.
Photos: Sebastian Isacu
About the Association of Friends and Sponsors:
For 15 years, the Association of Friends and Sponsors has been supporting students, researchers and lecturers at the HSBA. In addition to providing financial support for student projects, the association enables stays abroad, conference participation and accompanies cooperative doctoral projects.
Further information can be found here. Association of Friends and Sponsors