Sustainability requires the right balance, continuity, and, above all, people who bring it to life day after day. For her tireless commitment, FH student Marie Runge was awarded the Impact Cup at the conclusion of Sustainability Week 2026. The sustainability award from the Fachhochschule Dortmund and TU Dortmund honors outstanding efforts toward a greener future on campus.
The Impact Cup trophy is symbolic: a watering can hovering over a plant. “Watering requires a certain continuity, a routine—and the right balance,” emphasized Svenja Stepper, Chancellor of the Fachhochschule Dortmund, in her laudatory speech. This year’s award recipient from the Fachhochschule Dortmund embodies precisely this right balance of perseverance and impact. Marie Runge is pursuing a master’s degree in Social Sustainability and Social Transformations and also serves as the sustainability officer on the AStA executive board. She was honored during the joint Sustainability Week organized by both Dortmund universities.
Three Dimensions: Project, Structure, and Culture
In her speech, Chancellor Svenja Stepper emphasized that Marie Runge is driving sustainability forward at the university at all levels—from individual projects to established structures and an embedded culture: “Marie Runge embodies a seemingly endless range of creative initiatives: from herb walks and clothing swaps to film and event series, all the way to ideas for sustainable Christmas gifts. To bring all these ideas to fruition requires perseverance and persuasiveness—qualities we can all learn from.” Marie Runge is a role model, she said. She not only studies the subject but also integrates it into the structure of the AStA and builds networks within the administration and the faculties.
A strong network and genuine appreciation
Visibly moved, the award recipient offered emotional words of thanks from the small stage on the Emil-Figge-Straße campus. For her, the award is a testament to the spirit of trust and collaboration at Fachhochschule Dortmund: “This award means an incredible amount to me and gives me so much strength. At this institution, I’ve been given so much trust and responsibility; doors have been opened for me and opportunities have been provided—that’s not something to be taken for granted.” Of course, she does this work for the planet, but it’s also a very meaningful endeavor. “And a commitment like this can never be achieved alone,” said Marie Runge. “I have wonderful people by my side who always support me—both within the university and outside of it.”
This was the third time the Impact Cup was awarded. Previous winners included the Procurement Team at Fachhochschule Dortmund and economics professor Sabrina Scheidler.
Representing the TU, Dr. Ute Engelkenmeier from the University Library and Nicole Rechmann from the IT & Media Center (ITMC) were honored with this year’s Impact Cup. Both are involved in the “Seed Library”: Since 2022, members have been able to take seeds from an exchange box in the library and return the seeds they later harvest.