Opening Academic Year 2024-2025

The art of connecting
Illustration of figures around a globe.

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' was 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? On Monday 2 September 2024 we experienced the 'art of connecting'. 

Het academisch jaar wordt geopend.

Full broadcast - Opening Academic Year 2024-2025

Watching the Opening Academic Year back

Did you miss the Opening Academic Year? You will soon be able to watch the broadcast back here.

Host Desiree Hoving on stage during the Opening Academic Year.
Arie Kers

Desiree Hoving, a dynamic science journalist, hosted the presentation. Music was provided by Huize Lucas, whose eclectic mix of hi-fi electronic productions with orchestral arrangements emphasised queer joy and collectivity. 

 

The Cortège walks towards the Aula.
Alexander Santos Lima
Mpho Tutu stands behind the podium speaking at the Opening Academic Year.
Arie Kers

The art of connecting

Mpho Tutu (Anglican priest, speaker, author and daughter of Desmond Tutu) spoke about the philosophy of Ubuntu, which gives people insight into themselves and their connection to others. She inspired attendees to use Ubuntu at university too.

Prizes

As every year, the Opening of the Academic Year is the moment when prizes are awarded to outstanding students and researchers in our academic community. This year, the Education Prize (co-sponsored by the Erasmus Trustfonds) was awarded to Dr Pieter Tuytens and Dr Peter Marks (ESSB) for their extraordinary commitment to both students and teachers, specifically within the subject Economics, Welfare & Distribution. 

The Sustainability Award was won by two students from Erasmus University College. Stefanie Essaadi and Emma Kibel designed a garden for EUC, a green oasis in the middle of the city. The award was presented by Executive Board member Ellen van Schoten. Arthur De Jaeger was awarded the Rotterdam Thesis Prize by alderman Faouzi Achbar for the thesis ‘Towards a Right to the Smart City? Citizen Participation in Rotterdam's Urban Digital Twin’, which he wrote for the master's degree in Metropolitan Issues and Policy.

More about the Prizes

Looking back in photo's

Annelien Bredenoord walks alongside minister Eppo Bruins in the cortège.
Opening Academic Year 2024-2025
  • The Cortège of student associations walks inside Erasmus Building.
  • Annelien Bredenoord and host Desiree Hoving on stage during the Opening Academic Year.
  • Mpho Tutu stands behind the podium speaking at the Opening Academic Year.

Opening Academic Year 2024-2025

Annelien Bredenoord walks alongside minister Eppo Bruins in the cortège.
1/9
Alexander Santos Lima
The Cortège of student associations walks inside Erasmus Building.
2/9
Arie Kers
Annelien Bredenoord and host Desiree Hoving on stage during the Opening Academic Year.
3/9
Arie Kers
Mpho Tutu stands behind the podium speaking at the Opening Academic Year.
4/9
Arie Kers
Pieter Tuytens & Peter Marks being awarded the Education Prize 2024
5/9
Alexander Santos Lima
Chairman Erasmus Trust Fund: Gijs van Lookeren Campagne presents Ise Lau with the Student Societal Impact Award.
6/9
Alexander Santos Lima
Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins gives a speech on stage during the Opening of the Academic Year.
7/9
Alexander Santos Lima
Ed Brinksma gives his farewell speech on stage during the Opening Academic Year, to his left is his successor Annelien Bredenoord.
8/9
Arie Kers
Annelien Bredenoord strikes the gong to open the academic year with all award winners on stage.
9/9
Arie Kers
Annelien Bredenoord walks alongside minister Eppo Bruins in the cortège.
The Cortège of student associations walks inside Erasmus Building.
Annelien Bredenoord and host Desiree Hoving on stage during the Opening Academic Year.
Mpho Tutu stands behind the podium speaking at the Opening Academic Year.
Pieter Tuytens & Peter Marks being awarded the Education Prize 2024
Chairman Erasmus Trust Fund: Gijs van Lookeren Campagne presents Ise Lau with the Student Societal Impact Award.
Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins gives a speech on stage during the Opening of the Academic Year.
Ed Brinksma gives his farewell speech on stage during the Opening Academic Year, to his left is his successor Annelien Bredenoord.
Annelien Bredenoord strikes the gong to open the academic year with all award winners on stage.

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