As a bridge builder between the university and the city, Dimpi Nilesh Mehta was awarded the "Prize for Intercultural Engagement 2025" at the City of Ilmenau's reception for new students. The city and the International Office of TU Ilmenau are thus honoring the Master's student's tireless commitment to intercultural exchange and student support.
"Ms. Dimpi Nilesh Mehta, you have our utmost respect. Congratulations on being awarded the 'Prize for Intercultural Engagement 2025'!"
With these words, Lord Mayor Dr. Daniel Schultheiß presented the award to the Master's student - and in his laudatory speech painted a picture of a determined young woman who courageously takes on new challenges and is always interested in learning new things, developing herself further and accepting challenges.
Shortly after starting her Master's degree in International Business Economics at TU Ilmenau in April 2023, she got involved in extracurricular activities alongside her studies . She committed herself to ISWI e.V., the student association that organizes the International Student Week Ilmenau every two years - the largest international student festival of its kind in Germany. In 2023, she took on the role of Group Leader, shortly afterwards also taking on responsibility as the first Chairwoman, then as Chief Financial Officer - and from in February 2025, she has once again led the Executive Board until recently. In these roles, she initiated new projects, organized events such as the Intercultural Week or language lounges, planned festivals and passionately promoted the image of the association to the outside world.
But her commitment is not limited to association work: as a tutor, she has been supporting Master's students since 2024 in finding their way around everyday life at the university and arriving in the community. Since June 2025, she has also been a member of the student council of the Department of Economic Sciences and Media.
In all these roles, Dimpi Nilesh Mehta helps new students to settle in - creating an environment in which diversity can flourish and community can grow. The jury particularly praised the breadth, continuity and responsibility of her commitment. The young woman herself describes her motivation as follows:
"My involvement has strengthened my skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, collaboration and empathy - while creating a positive, inclusive environment for new students."
With her commitment, Dimpi Nilesh Mehta proves that intercultural exchange is more than just a buzzword - it can come to life, create community and make Ilmenau a home for people from all over the world.