Outstanding achievements by students honored

The ceremonial presentation of the Christl and Horst Zimmermann and Erwin Gächter awards took place on "University Day" at the FHV. This year's prizewinners are Veronika Sohler and Dionysios Kefalas. They were delighted to receive a grant of 3,300 euros each. "Both students have demonstrated their particularly strong motivation and achievements in their studies. Their careers have convinced us of their determination," emphasized FHV Rector Regine Kadgien.

Committed and motivated

The Christl and Horst Zimmermann Prize was awarded for the second time this year. Dionysios Kefalas, FHV student on the Bachelor's degree in Engineering and Management, was delighted with the support. With a generous bequest, the Zimmermann couple laid the foundation for the sponsorship award, which supports students in the Department of Engineering and Technology at FHV. "I am still speechless that I was selected for the sponsorship award. For me, it is not only motivation for the future, but also confirmation that the decisions I made on my life's journey were the right ones. What's more, this generosity cannot be taken for granted and I can't thank them enough," emphasized the 31-year-old. "We are very impressed by Dionysios' CV and his educational background. We are delighted to be able to support this young, committed and motivated person with the sponsorship award for his outstanding achievements and believe in him and a successful professional future," emphasized Bettina Seeberger, who manages the estate of Christl and Horst Zimmermann.

Valuable support

The Erwin Gächter Prize was awarded for the eighth time by the founders, the couple Hermine Zass-Gächter and Dr. Engelbert Zass. The award is given to students who have overcome obstacles on the way to their studies with a particularly high level of motivation. Veronika Sohler was selected from numerous applications. The Lingenau native is completing a bachelor's degree program in Health Care and Nursing at the FHV. She learned early on to take on responsibility. "I am delighted to receive this award and would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Zass-Gächter and the FHV team for this valuable support on my path. My motivation is to develop professionally, to give my children a secure life and to show them that determination and commitment are crucial for success - regardless of the starting conditions," says the award winner. "With the award, we want to encourage the younger generation. At the same time, we want to give back to society some of the good that we ourselves have experienced in our lives," said the Zass-Gächter couple in unison.

Honorary senatorship awarded

The FHV awarded Hermine Zass-Gächter and Dr. Engelbert Zass honorary senatorship during the event. Regine Kadgien emphasized: "We would like to thank them for their many years of generous support. We greatly appreciate their commitment to promoting young talent in Vorarlberg." Karin Wüstner-Dobler, Head of the International Office for many years, was also made an Honorary Senator of the FHV. Since joining the university in 1997, she has played a key role in shaping the internationalization of the university for over 25 years: she founded the International Office, initiated numerous projects and awards, was socially committed, for example by founding the JUMP - FHV association, and represented the university at national and international level. University management Stefan Fitz-Rankl paid tribute to her achievements: "With her tireless efforts, she has made the FHV internationally visible and opened up new horizons for many students - her achievements are invaluable. For this we say thank you."

The University Day provided the perfect setting for the event. Prior to the celebrations, workshops with FHV staff focused on the future strategy of the university and the direction of the degree programmes - with all the challenges and opportunities of AI. 

About the Christl and Horst Zimmermann Prize

Horst Zimmermann, who died in 2019, was considered a visionary with a fascination for Engineering and Technology and an entrepreneurial spirit. He was one of the co-founders of ECCON and previously shaped the Liebherr company in Nenzing for many years. His wife Christl was a driving force behind the "Women's self-help after cancer" association founded in Vorarlberg in 1982. For her commitment, she received both the Medal of Merit and the Grand Medal of Merit of the State of Vorarlberg, as well as the Leopold Bischof Ring. Christl Zimmermann died in 2023.

About the Erwin Gächter Award

The Dornbirn couple Hermine Zass-Gächter and Dr. Engelbert Zass dedicated the prize to their father and father-in-law Erwin Gächter. He was the middle of five children. Due to his family situation, it was not possible for him to complete a Matura or a degree. The Erwin Gächter Prize is awarded to FHV students who have an exceptional CV, are highly motivated and perform very well without having been born into it.