Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences mourns the loss of Susann Schwarze

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of our colleague Susann Schwarze.

Since November 2022, she had been working in the Quality management division of the Office of University development and communication. She brought extensive experience from the private sector to the role and was particularly involved in the areas of auditing/accreditation, process development, and the University Information Portal.

When she first joined the university, she described her understanding of Quality management with the words: “My goal is to build trust.” This philosophy shaped her work at our university. She viewed Quality management not merely as the analysis and evaluation of existing structures, but as a collaborative, communicative process that thrives on dialogue and mutual trust. Finding and implementing pragmatic solutions was always a priority for her.

In addition to her responsibilities in Quality management, she was particularly dedicated to further developing Zittau/Görlitz University as a family-friendly institution. Balancing family, studies, and career, as well as issues of equal opportunity, were especially close to her heart.

Together with many dedicated members of the university community, she coordinated the audit process that led to Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences receiving its first certification as a family-friendly institution in 2024. Her goal was to highlight the diverse life circumstances of students and staff and to create conditions that foster a considerate and family-friendly environment.

With the passing of Susann Schwarze, we have lost a deeply committed colleague who brought her experience, her ideas, and her personality to our university.

Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, her loved ones, and all those who were close to her.

Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences will honor her memory.