Opening Academic Year

In times of climate change, shifting global order, and societal and technological developments, Erasmus University Rotterdam works to address these complex challenges as a community. We need and seek collaboration with each other and with external parties to achieve impactful and sustainable solutions. However, collaboration does not happen automatically. It requires a continuous process of open mindedness, feedback, dialogue and willingness to learn. This is no easy task. For this reason, the 'art of connecting' is central during the Opening Academic Year 2024–2025.

All the more reason to reflect during the ceremony on how Erasmus University Rotterdam embodies the Erasmian value of 'connection' and to showcase successful collaborations. How do they bring out the best in each other to create societal impact? How do they engage in dialogue with the outside world? What is needed to ensure these relationships remain resilient? During the Opening Academic Year 2024–2025, we will experience the 'art of connecting'.

The cortege walks on the rainbow path on their way to the Aula.

Opening Academic Year 2024-2025 Promotional video

Programme

How can 'connection' contribute to our positive impact mission and to our dream of growing into a true civic university strongly intertwined with the outside world?

These top speakers will explore the “art of connecting”:

Mpho Tutu
Mpho Tutu – Anglican priest, speaker, writer, and daughter of Desmond Tutu. She promotes the philosophy of Ubuntu, which provides people with insight into themselves and their connection with others. Ubuntu posits that one is only truly a person through other people. In other words, we are only human in relation to other humans. Our humanity is interwoven, and every tear in the fabric of our connectedness must be repaired so that we all may become whole. It forms the basis of who we are.
Annelien Bredenoord
Annelien Bredenoord – President of the Executive Board, as of September 1st, with the Opening Academic Year marking her first official act in this position.
Simone Frederiksz
Simone Fredriksz – Albeda MBO Executive Board Member. She works at the interface of business, digital technology, and education.
Desiree Hoving
The Opening Academic Year will be hosted by Desiree Hoving, host of the "Global Connections" podcast, recognized for her exploration of global interconnectedness and facilitation of cross-cultural dialogue.
Huize Lucas
The upbeat musical performance will be by Huize Lucas, whose eclectic blend of hi-fi electronic productions with orchestral arrangements emphasizes queer joy and collectivity. Huize Lucas, musically brings together talents from various backgrounds in a collaborative and inclusive environment, embodying the theme of 'connecting' that lies at the heart of the event.

Prizes

The Opening Academic Year is also the moment when the Education Prize, Rotterdam Thesis Award, the Student Societal Impact Award and the Sustainability Award are presented to students and researchers from our community who have notably excelled. The Education Prize and Student Societal Impact Award are made possible by the Erasmus Trustfonds.

More about the Prizes

New President of the Executive Board

This year, the Opening Academic Year is a significant occasion for the President of the Executive Board. Annelien Bredenoord will begin her role as president at this event, marking her first official act in this position.

Reception

There will be a reception after the ceremony. The reception will take place from 16:30 at the Theil Hall. During the reception, we will have a special moment to recognize Ed Brinksma's contributions and celebrate his years of service. This will be an opportunity to acknowledge his impact while enjoying the chance to connect with each other and celebrate our community.

Date and time
Monday, September 2nd, 2024 from 15:00 to 16:30 hrs.
Location
Aula, Campus Woudestein, Erasmus University Rotterdam
The language of the ceremony is Dutch, with simultaneous interpretation to English available.

Watching the Opening Academic Year online

Are you not able to make it to the event? The event can also be followed via a livestream.

Questions

Do you have any questions or comments regarding this information? Please send a message to ceremonies@eur.nl.

Studenten zijn bezig met het verduurzamen van de campus

Sustainability

The Opening of the Academic Year will be a CO2 conscious celebration, including vegetarian catering and offsetting of CO2 emissions. Read more about sustainable events at our university.

Photography & video

Photographs and video recordings will be made during the Opening Academic Year. It is possible that you are recognisable in the images. As a visitor, you give permission for the storage and use of these images for commercial purposes.