Hamburg. As part of the 2026 enrollment ceremony, the DAAD Prize for Outstanding International Students was awarded for the first time at Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces in Hamburg. The award went to Captain Pierre K., who has been studying Digital Engineering at Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces (HSU/UniBw H) since October 2024. The award recognizes his outstanding academic achievements as well as his commitment to his fellow students and his dedication to educational and social projects.
Pierre K. is a captain in the Togolese Armed Forces and came to Germany in April 2023 as part of the Military Training Assistance program. Before beginning his studies at HSU/UniBw H, he first completed language training at the Federal Language Office in Hürth and then attended the preparatory college at the Bundeswehr Technical School in Berlin. He has been studying Digital Engineering at HSU/UniBw H since the fall semester of 2024. His instructors took notice of his achievements early on. During his studies, he has not only impressed with an outstanding grade point average but has also actively contributed to research projects at his department as part of a specialized internship.
“Being the first student at HSU/UniBw H to receive this DAAD award means a great deal to me. I see this award as a great honor and am very pleased to have received it. At the same time, I am proud to be able to represent my home country, Togo, through this award.”
For him, success also means supporting others
The DAAD Prize honors international students who combine academic achievement with social engagement. It is precisely this combination that Prof. Dr. Stefan Dickmann, professor of fundamentals of electrical engineering and dean of academic affairs—who nominated Hauptmann for the DAAD Prize—also highlights.
What may sound obvious to many is, for Captain Pierre K., an expression of a deep personal conviction. His actions are strongly shaped by his Christian faith. He does not take much of what he has achieved for granted and sees in this a responsibility to support others as well:
“I’ve received a lot of support myself. That’s why it’s important to me to give back and support others on their journey. If I can help open up new opportunities for people, I’m happy to do so.”
A fascination with the logic behind technology
His enthusiasm for his field of study is obvious. He is particularly fascinated by the connection between mathematics, physics, and engineering.
“I’m fascinated by the logic behind the physical phenomena in electrical engineering. Solving problems step by step and understanding how things are connected is what makes this field so appealing to me.”
It’s not just about formulas or technical systems. Captain Pierre K. particularly values courses in which complex concepts are explained in an understandable way. When something that initially seems puzzling gives way to genuine understanding, he considers that one of the most rewarding moments of learning.
Involvement far beyond the campus
However, his commitment to helping others does not end at the boundaries of Helmut Schmidt University/University of the German Armed Forces in Hamburg. Through his church congregation, he is involved in educational projects in Africa and supports initiatives that provide children with access to education.
In addition, he and his partner are actively involved in social projects in Burkina Faso and Lomé. Their efforts focus on supporting women and girls. This commitment stems from the observation that many young women are forced to drop out of school due to early pregnancies, thereby losing important opportunities for their future.
To open up new opportunities for these women, his partner founded the organization Femmes d’impact. Captain Pierre K. supports the initiative’s work both financially and as a volunteer.
“Education opens up opportunities and changes the course of people’s lives. That’s why it’s important to me to help where people wouldn’t otherwise have these opportunities.”
Development as a Conscious Choice
When asked what he is most proud of in his life so far, Pierre K. mentions neither his grades nor the DAAD Award.
What was much more important to him was a decision that had shaped his entire life:
“To me, personal growth means making a conscious decision to learn something new every day and to become a better person. That’s the decision I’m most proud of to this day.”
He also shares this insight with other international students. Linguistic and cultural challenges are part and parcel of studying abroad. At the same time, Germany offers many opportunities for those who are willing to take advantage of them.
In his view, openness, interaction, and mutual support are just as important as academic achievement. Or, as he puts it himself: “If you can build bridges with other people while you’re studying, that’s always a good thing.”
With his outstanding academic achievements, his dedication to his fellow students, and his longstanding commitment to the community, First Lieutenant Pierre K. embodies in a special way the spirit of the DAAD Award: combining academic excellence with a sense of responsibility toward others.
International Exchange at HSU/UniBw H
International exchange and study programs are an important part of international cooperation at HSU/UniBw H. They expose students to different academic perspectives and promote exchange across national borders.
The university is therefore all the more pleased to now be able to honor outstanding international students with the DAAD Prize for their academic achievements and social engagement. The fact that the award was presented at HSU/UniBw H for the first time this year is largely due to the dedication of the International Office under the leadership of Linda Weiß.
Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces in Hamburg extends its heartfelt congratulations on this award.