"It is a great pleasure to honor Marta for her exceptional achievements," said Dr. Isabella Tegethoff, EUF’s advisor for European and International Affairs, who presented Gontarz with the renowned award during the Intercultural and Diversity Day event. "She is not only an outstanding student but also an inspiring individual whose engagement enriches both the university and the wider community."

Marta Wiktoria Gontarz began her studies at EUF in 2020 under the challenging conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, she quickly took on responsibility and organized virtual meetings to foster solidarity among her peers. After arriving in Flensburg, she became involved in various student committees, including the student council for her program and the Local Erasmus Initiative (LEI), where she recently assumed a leadership role. Her contributions to the internationalization of the university are particularly noteworthy, as highlighted by Tegethoff in her speech. Gontarz represented her bachelor’s program in online sessions for partner universities, hosted a Polish information booth during the 2023 Europe Week, and engaged in LEI activities to encourage students to consider studying abroad. "The fact that Ms. Gontarz could devote so much time to these activities while also excelling in her studies is remarkable," Tegethoff remarked.

When asked how she manages her many activities, Marta Wiktoria Gontarz simply replied, "I just do it!" She added that she finds joy in working with people and helping others, which drives her efforts. Gontarz will continue her academic journey at EUF, as she has enrolled in the master’s program "Language – Culture – Media".

About the DAAD Award
The DAAD Award has been presented for over ten years to international students at German universities. This award aims to highlight the exceptional contributions of students who distinguish themselves not only through their studies but also through their contributions to the common good.