22nd Lustrum Alumni Day

"Embrace the Future"

The day started with the EFR Inspiration Days, this years theme was: "Embrace the future". The opening Session kicked of the event with inspiring speeches from Rector Magnificus Annelien Bredenoord and the Dean of Erasmus School of Economics Patrick Groenen. 

Unity, Innovation and Courage

Following the opening sessions all participants divided themselves in three groups for the workshops of Fatimazhra Belhrich, Daan Smits and Edmond Fokker. Belhrich, senator for D66, discussed the importance of unity in the geopolitical theater, especially with important elections coming up this year. Head of operational development at Mosa Meat, Daan Smits, discussed how he innovates through his company Mosa Meats, which produces artificial meat. Foreign Affairs Specialist Edmond Fokker told the participants of his workshop his courageous personal experiences in International Affairs and how he helped the military adapt to different cultures.

Closing session

The closing session started with a panel discussion with, former Rector Magnificus, Alexander Rinnooy Kan, former CEO of Saxo Bank, Saskia Klep and NRC foreign affairs Journalist, Michel Kerres. Led by Jort Kelder the panel discussed topics such as moral ambition and Alexander Rinnooy Kan also reflected on his time at Erasmus University Rotterdam:

"What I liked about EUR is that it is very strong academically while still being grounded within society" - Alexander Rinnooy Kan

The congress closed with a one on one interview where Ali Niknam, founder and CEO of Bunq Bank, was questioned by Jort Kelder and they discussed the steps he had taken to be where he is now. An important take away was that you do not have to be extremely talented as long as you have the motivation and you are willing to put in the work. Students and Alumni then had the opportunity to have a drink together before the Alumni headed to HAL4.

Lustrum Alumni Dinner

At HAL4 over 180 Alumni joined together for the Lustrum Alumni Dinner, where it was a very open setting and more recent and more experienced alumni sat with each other. During the dinner Desiderius Erasmus, played by Harpert Michielsen and "Student" Claire, played by EUR alumna Josephine van der Hoeven, came by to talk about the philosophy of the person who our university is named after. With closing words, about the future of our school from the dean, Patrick Groenen, the day came to an end.