2024 d’Ester-Preis Goes to Bachelor Graduate Paolo Caesar

Extraordinary young people deserve extraordinary recognition. That principle drives the WHU Foundation to bestow its annual d’Ester-Preis [d’Ester Award] upon those WHU students who exhibit notable engagement for their community or the school itself over the study term. At the New Year’s Dinner hosted at the Düsseldorf-based Industrie-Club on January 15, 2025, Dr. Toni Calabretti, Chairman of the WHU Foundation, honored Paolo Caesar (BSc 2024).

“In his role as the Head of Event Technology, Paolo Caesar has shown incredible commitment to quality and the success of the events taking place on WHU’s campus in Vallendar,” noted Dr. Calabretti in his speech. “His hard work and engagement were central to the success of several of these events.” In 2024, Caesar was a core member the teams behind WHU Euromasters and the Campus for Finance: WHU Private Equity Conference, massively contributing his expertise to these and other events hosted by WHU’s student clubs. “We congratulate Paolo Caesar and hope that he maintains a life-long affinity for helping others, lending them a sympathetic ear, and showing commitment.” 

Recipients of this civic accolade are chosen via an anonymous selection process. The outcome of those proceedings is then shared with the WHU Foundation.

The d’Ester-Preis is named for the d’Ester family of Vallendar, who, in the 18^th century, cleared the ruins of the former manor of the Count of Sayn-Wittgenstein and built the Marienburg—today the home of WHU—in its place. This respected and wealthy family of entrepreneurs were passionate about the welfare of the residents of Vallendar and the surrounding area. The award bears the family surname as a nod to their spirit of commitment and engagement.