Studierendenwerk Aachen receives federal medal for “Flood Aid 2021”

Outstanding commitment during the flood disaster

Studierendenwerk Aachen was awarded the Federal Medal “Flood Aid 2021” for its extraordinary commitment during the devastating flood disaster in 2021. The award ceremony took place in the town hall, conducted by Jan Schulz-Wachler from the Aachen branch of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and Aachen's Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen.

The 2021 floods presented the region with immense challenges, particularly due to the destroyed infrastructure in the affected areas. When the water came in the night of July 14 and plunged many people in the region into disaster, a state of emergency also prevailed in Aachen's Mensa Academica a short time later: in view of the urgent need for food for the victims and emergency services, the Aachen fire department had turned to the catering department of the Studierendenwerk; they referred to the existing cooperation agreement “Warm catering in the event of major damage”, in which the Studierendenwerk agrees to provide spontaneous catering in emergencies.

Peter Schröder, Operations Manager of Mensa Academica, recalls: “When the fire department confirmed the supply order that evening, I had already informed our employees and prepared them for the extraordinary operation.” The willingness to help was overwhelming. “Our colleagues knew immediately what to do.”

Arno Mattes, head of the catering department, also faced a major challenge. Due to coronavirus, the kitchen capacities were not fully utilized, but additional goods had to be procured from suppliers at short notice. In addition, some employees were affected by the flood themselves or were on vacation. Nevertheless, those who were available stood ready with great enthusiasm.

In total, over 27,000 hot meals were prepared to feed those affected and relief workers in Aachen and the surrounding area – and not just alongside the students' regular work, but also during their free time and at weekends. Mattes emphasizes: “The real heroes are our employees, who didn't hesitate for a second to help. They are the ones who deserve this award.”

The Federal Flood Aid Medal is primarily intended for THW employees, but also honors third parties who have distinguished themselves through special services in the flood areas. Four colleagues from the Aachen fire department and two employees from the Studierendenwerk were nominated by the THW. On the initiative of Jan Schulz-Wachler, Arno Mattes and Peter Schröder received the award for their outstanding coordination in the provision of hot meals.

Schulz-Wachler praised the uncomplicated cooperation in particular: “I could call at six in the morning and the Studierendenwerk was ready and waiting.” Mayor Sibylle Keupen emphasized the importance of such important collaborations: “We need people like you who don't think long and hard about whether they should help, but simply do it.”