Professor Emeritus Roy Thurik of Erasmus School of Economics has received royal honour from the Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb. Thurik has been appointed Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau, a Dutch Royal decoration for people who have rendered outstanding service to society.
Fierce dedication to science and entrepreneurship
On Wednesday 26 April, Mayor Aboutaleb presented Roy Thurik the decoration on behalf of King Willem-Alexander in the City Hall, because of his fierce dedication to science and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the significant contributions Thurik made and still makes to research on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship as well as to research on genoeconomics. He also noted that Thuriks work has been an important source for policymakers and that Thurik has encouraged many students to pursue academic careers or entrepreneurship. In addition, he noted the various social projects for the community of Capelle aan den IJssel Thurik took a leading role in.
It is worth noting that out of a total 2830 people who received a ribbon on 26 April, only 25 people nationwide were appointed Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau.
Special invitation King's Day
During this year’s so-called Ribbon Rain, 40 Rotterdammers received a royal decoration, a total of 24 men and 16 women were distinguished. The Ribbon Rain is a yearly public appreciation of people's commitment to society. People who have made themselves useful and have worked hard for others for years, often in addition to a permanent job and on a voluntary basis.
All laureates, including Roy Thurik, received a special invitation by Mayor Aboutaleb, to join King’s Day celebrations in the City of Rotterdam on Thursday 27 April. King Willem-Alexander, who has been on the throne for 10 years, celebrated this special moment in Rotterdam, in the presence of Queen Maxima, Crown Princess Amalia, Princess Ariane, and several more extended royal family members.
- More information
For more information, please contact Ronald de Groot, Media and Public Relations Officer at Erasmus School of Economics, rdegroot@ese.eur.nl, or +31 6 53 641 846.