Luca Voigt: Prize for exceptional commitment at PH Gmünd!

Luca Voigt: Prize for exceptional commitment at PH Gmünd!

On July 2, 2025, Luca Voigt was awarded the prestigious BESTEN prize at the Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Education. This prize recognizes exceptional student commitment and is endowed with 1,500 euros. Voigt, who is studying to become a secondary school teacher in biology and English as well as a certificate subject in computer science, will complete his studies in a few weeks.

Since the winter semester of 2020/21, Voigt has been involved in the university in a variety of ways. His activities include, among other things, the organic tutorial, the student department representative in English and the role of a first-year mentor. He has also been involved in writing consultancy and the Lego League. Voigt is also active in the student parliament and on the AStA board, is involved in equality and diversity projects and founded the queer-feminist working group PHomo. Another highlight of his commitment was the organization of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Appreciation by the university

The laudator and vice-rector, Prof. Dr. Jana Krüger and Miriam Zeilinger expressed their appreciation for Voigt's remarkable contributions and his tireless commitment to the student community. The award was presented at a celebratory event that highlighted the importance of the students' commitment to the university.

Against this background, it is important to mention that the BESTEN prize is not the only prize awarded at the University of Education. The “Dies Academicus” took place on November 18, 2021, where several prizes were awarded for outstanding achievements. In addition to the BEST award, the “Held_in” award for innovative teaching and the “Irma Schmücker” award for work relevant to gender and equality were also recognized. Dr. Axel Blessing, for example, received the “Held_in” prize for his “Media Basic Education” event, which uses a blended learning format to train students in critical topics.

Prizes for student engagement at the state level

The BESTEN prize at PH Schwäbisch Gmünd is in the context of other awards for student commitment. In Baden-Württemberg, a special prize for outstanding student commitment has been awarded since 2009, which is usually awarded every two years as part of the state teaching prize. This prize is endowed with 5,000 euros. Since 2010, a special prize for student engagement has been awarded annually at the University of Tübingen, which is supported through similar programs.

The application deadlines for 2025, for both the state award and the University of Tübingen award, end on April 11, 2025. These awards underline the importance and value of student engagement that goes beyond regular studies and contributes to the improvement of the university community.