Illuster 'Life is a marathon, not a sprint' - Universiteit Utrecht
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Illuster
Graduation
special
‘Life is a
marathon,
not a sprint’
What preoccupies millennials?
‘I even got a bike
tattoo during my last
week in Utrecht’
Alumna Thais Gomes reporting
from London
‘I’m taking science
to the stage’
Jan Beuving is Alumnus of the Year
Contents
FOREWORD
Congratulations!
A
s the President of Utrecht University’s
Executive Board, I’d like to offer you my
warmest congratulations on your 16 10
‘Thanks to that ‘Life is a
graduation! You have just received your
certificate: a highly-regarded diploma
scholarship, I grew
from one of the finest universities in
Europe, which will be of help to you throughout your life.
Of course, receiving this diploma is a very auspicious
marathon, not
occasion, one that you will surely have celebrated — or 6 as a person’ a sprint’
70% of recent
are about to celebrate — with your friends and family!
You’re officially not a student anymore. Now, you’re
UU graduates
about to take the academic knowledge that you’ve
Anton Nguyen was a
obtained in the course of your degree with you into the
world of work. You are now an alumn of our university. scholarship recipient and
Being an alumn means that your relationship with
find a job is now a donor himself
the university will continue for the rest of your life.
That relationship is very important to us and we are within 3 Alumna Emma Westermann
on the millennial generation
committed to honouring this lifelong bond; for
example, through our range of continuing education
for professionals. At Utrecht University, you get to keep
months
And other facts & figures
on learning. We organise events for alumni all over the
world, while keeping you updated on the current
research and other developments via, for example,
the Illuster alumni magazine. For this reason, it’s
important that you keep your personal details up
to date. This special edition of Illuster is a little taster
of what’s to come. Publication details 18
Utrecht University is very proud of its alumni. You are This graduation special is a special edition of the Illuster alumni
magazine made in 2019. All Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students
The career of… And more:
Jan Beuving
part of our academic community. In today’s highly graduating from Utrecht University will receive this edition after
complex world, our university is on the hunt for solutions being awarded their diploma.
to our current and future challenges. This
goal can only be achieved by working Illuster is a publication of Utrecht University and the Utrecht
4 The big picture
together — students, scientists, University Fund. It appears twice per year and is sent out to all
the alumni of Utrecht University. Editor-in-chief Floor Peeters
8 Short
societal partners, government
agencies, the business community
Editorial team Sara Pot, Jurgen Sijbrandij, Inge Mathijssen,
Carien Duisterwinkel, Hanneke Olivier, Mirjam Streefkerk,
14 Professional education
and alumni. Armand Heijnen With contributions by Willemijn Vermaas,
15 Career services
Thais Gomes, Jan Beuving, Willem Bentvelzen, Anton Pijpers 22
Message
Once again, congratulations and Format and design flowdesign.nl Printing Xerox. Reproduction
is permitted provided that the source is acknowledged.
20 Tips
we look forward to seeing you again
24 Wall of fame
from…
at Utrecht University! Follow us on Facebook: Alumni Universiteit Utrecht,
LinkedIn: Utrecht University, Twitter: @AlumniUU and
Instagram: @AlumniUU. Email: alumni@uu.nl
Prof Anton Pijpers
Alumnus Veterinary Medicine, President
Change of address? Please let us know via
alumni@uu.nl, which can also be used to send
us your email address.
London
of the Executive Board, Utrecht University
2 Illuster — Graduation special Graduation special — Illuster 3
The big picture
CHAOS
Utrecht by bike
Utrecht is a true cycling city. It has been for
a long time: the first cycle path in the
Netherlands was opened at the Maliebaan
in Utrecht in 1885. Today, 125,000 cyclists
travel through the city centre every day while
living, working and studying in the dynamic
heart of the Netherlands. Due to the ongoing
renovations of the Utrecht station area and
the Hoog Catharijne shopping centre in recent
years, the surrounding cycle paths seem to be
changing every day. There is a good chance that
you too have crossed this hectic intersection!
Image: Robert Oosterbroek
4 Illuster — Graduation special Graduation special — Illuster 5
Facts & figures
Utrecht
Professional Worldwide alumni
Alumni all over Special events
education networks
alumni@uu.nl
the world for alumni
University
Places where UU Alumni Networks
can be found include these cities: Follow us on social media
Connected
forever
Alumni
@AlumniUU @AlumniUU
Contribute as a donor
to the Utrecht
University Fund Universiteit Alumni
Utrecht Universiteit
Utrecht
YOUNG
Now that you have graduated, you are an alumn of
Utrecht University. As such, you will always be part
Illuster alumni YOUNG – our network Contribute
of our academic community. These facts & figures magazine for alumni under 35 as a volunteer
provide you with the ins and outs of what it means
to be a UU alumn.
180,000 +
registered alumni
Beijing Jakarta Shanghai
Brussels London Singapore
Hong Kong New York Sydney
Nobel prize Toronto
Alumni and Utrecht University
scientists Martinus Veltman and
Gerard ‘t Hooft won the Nobel
Prize in Physics in 1999. This brought
90 %
of our alumni recommend Utrecht
Keep in touch!
University to future students New address? Help us by keeping
the total number of Nobel Prizes
International alumni (UU alumni survey 2017) your personal details up to date
won by people connected to Utrecht
11,000 via uu.nl/alumni
University to twelve.
Utrecht University
Fund Friends
Friends Donations made by Friends Sectors in which 12.4%
12,724 € 301,017 Recent graduates alumni work Miscellaneous/other
Student Friends Of this amount, € 90,000 is in the job market
History 4,412 awarded to (international)
Utrecht University was founded (Figures from 2018)
students in the form of grants.
70 % 11.5%
on 26 March 1636. Over time, the
university outgrew its location in
find a job within three months
31.1% Government
Education and
the city centre. In the 1960s,
many of the university's activities € 2,500 research
were transferred to De Uithof,
which is now called Utrecht
Alumnus Average starting salary
[alum.nus]
80 %
Science Park.
21.7%
23.4
start on a level commensurate with
Comes from Latin and means %
pupil or foster son. Nowadays, their academic qualification Health care
it is used to denote a graduate Business
of a university. services
6 Illuster — Graduation special Graduation special — Illuster 7
Short QUOTED
‘I have faith in
this generation;
THESIS AWARDS it is more concerned
How good was your with the problems
Photo: Reginar Photography
thesis? of this world than
Did you graduate with a thesis that was rated
‘excellent’? All your hard work led to a university
previous ones’
INNOVATION
diploma, of course, but your graduation research
Utrecht Science
could also end up earning you an award! During
the event to celebrate the beginning of the academic
year, the Rector Magnificus awards the annual prize
for Best Master’s Thesis. The Utrecht University Prof Bert van der Zwaan Park
Fund also awards the Vliegenthart Thesis Prize former Rector Magnificus of
FACULTY CLUB Utrecht University.
each year on University Day, the annual event where You probably best know Utrecht Science Park
The university’s
our alumni return to their university for the day. (De Uithof) from the lecture rooms and
A number of faculties hand out their own awards student accommodation that can be found
living room for the best Master’s thesis as well. there, but were you aware that 108 businesses
are based there as well? Utrecht Science Park
You can find out whether you are eligible and how forms the heart of the Utrecht knowledge
you can compete for one of these distinctions
The University Hall (Academiegebouw) is the economy and is a hotbed of innovation.
at uu.nl/studentenprijzen.
heart and public face of Utrecht University. The Here, our university works with the other
oldest part of the building was completed in 1462. ‘residents’ on innovative solutions for
CARTOON
Today, academic ceremonies and the awarding of societal issues. Life sciences, health and
Argibald
diplomas take place there. But did you know that sustainability are keywords for the future
the Faculty Club, the university’s ‘living room’, development of this domain. The arrival of
BEQUEST
is located right behind the University Hall? All UU the National Institute for Public Health and
€ 1.2 million
alumni can become members. There is plenty of the Environment (RIVM) and the Medicines
space for drinks or meetings. In addition, the club Evaluation Board (MEB) scheduled for 2021
hosts various events and a monthly happy hour. is an exciting new development.
Annie van Leerzem, a
Alumni and donors to the Utrecht University Fund graduate of Utrecht University’s Read about the latest news and plans
are eligible for discounted membership. Check out at utrechtsciencepark.nl
degree programme in Medicine,
the calendar and sign up at uu.nl/en/organisation/
faculty-club bequeathed her entire estate — comprising
1.2 million euros — to Utrecht University in 2018.
This is the largest bequest Utrecht University
received in its history. These funds will be used
to further the study of internal medicine.
Read about her unique story here:
bit.ly/van-leerzem-bequest
8 Illuster — Graduation special Graduation special — Illuster 9
‘You don’t need
to have everything
sorted by the time Alumna
you’re thirty’ Emma Westermann
‘Life is a
marathon,
not a
sprint’
As a recent alumn, chances are high that you are a member
of Generation Y, better known as millennials. Born between
1980 and 2000, millenials are typically ambitious, highly
sociable and always happy. How do they meet the sky-high
expectations that people have of them and that they have
of themselves? Emma Westermann, who studied Theatre,
Film and Television Studies, wrote a book about it:
Het Millennial Manifest (‘The Millennial Manifesto’).
She talked to Illuster — the interviewer being a so-called
babyboomer — about what preoccupies this generation.
text Armand Heijnen image Ed van Rijswijk
10 Illuster — Graduation special Graduation special — Illuster 11
Cover story
‘There’s always
something left to
the outside world the perfect version of the decision that I would largely film her
ourselves on dating platforms or on social myself, it led to a whole load of sleepless
learn’
media, we often do the same thing in real nights. I’d never done camera and sound
life. The choices we face at this stage of our myself before, and without a crew you’ve
lives are perennial ones, but we expect lost your immediate sounding board.
ourselves to get it right straight away. This I thought I wasn’t a real filmmaker because
expectation causes tremendous stress.’ I was daunted by the prospect of shooting
W
and was afraid to fail. Finally, I worked up
‘One of the things we want to achieve with the courage to talk with other documentary
The Millennial Manifesto is to break the filmmakers about those feelings. It turned
taboo around failure: it’s okay to be at your out they all went through the same thing!
wits’ end from time to time, it’s okay if It ended up being a fantastic experience.
you don’t know what’s next. There’s a Sharing our experiences helped all of us.’
e meet in a café in life? Is it true that millennials are also boundless array of
Haarlem. There they a harried, insecure generation, sharing options and Utrecht University
are: the millennials, triumphs on social media while privately possibilities, is more and more
‘What all of us have
sipping their juice or struggling with decision fatigue and which can be focused on the
scarfing down a quinoa burnout? Emma made a documentary daunting, but it topic of Lifelong
in common is that
burger, with their mobiles and laptops about it with the poignant title Generatie can also work in Learning. Does
out on the table in front of them, because Nooitgenoeg (‘Generation Unlimited’, your favour. It that topic fit into
we are going
there’s work to be done — freelance work, 2010). The 2017 book Het Millennial helps to be aware your metaphor of
of course. Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z, the Net Manifest (‘The Millennial Manifesto’) is that you don’t life as a marathon?
through our
Gen, the Einstein Generation, the Lost essentially the sequel to that documentary. have to be stuck Emma: ‘Of course,
Generation, the baby boomers... Have with the choices you’re never done
formative years in
we gone slightly overboard labelling and ‘In The Millennial Manifesto, we’re taking you’ve made for learning, even
pigeonholing the population? Emma a critical look at the millennial generation the rest of your after you’ve got
an increasingly
agrees to some extent: ‘Of course, you — ourselves included. We’re not doing it life. Life is a your diploma.
cannot make sweeping statements about to preach, though; we want our generation marathon rather I did an academic
complex world’
an entire generation. Take just the to talk with each other more and have the Emma Westermann than a sprint. You degree, but I
millennials: there’s a world of difference guts to address difficult subjects as well. (1982) studied Theatre, don’t need to have ended up in a very
between late and early millennials. Late How do you deal with the pressure to Film and Television at everything sorted practical field of
Utrecht University.
millennials are under twenty, while the perform, online dating, stress and fear by the the time work. In those
She went on to work as a
early millennials — born around 1980 — of failure? How do you find out what your documentary filmmaker, you’re thirty — situations, it’s
are getting close to forty. They grew up in values and priorities are? We need to have writer and dramaturge. a lot of the time, those endless bucket lists very helpful if your alma mater provides
a completely different world. What all of open discussions with each other where She is one of the creators just aren’t feasible. Draw up a realistic plan, opportunities for continuing education
us millennials have in common is that we we are not just presenting ourselves in the behind the Millennial talk to friends about it, really try to hear — not just within your field of study, but
Mindf**k podcast, which
are going through our formative years in best light, but where we are also honest them out and accept help when you need it.’ also where your attitude and skills are
combines personal stories
an increasingly complex world where the about our fears and doubts.’ with scientific insights concerned. How do you deal with
pressure to perform is high, where you about topics that Emma strongly discourages people from disappointments, how do you present
feel personally responsible for your own These questions are not typical for one preoccupy millennials. putting off decisions for fear of going yourself, and what are your strengths
She wrote The Millennial
success and happiness.’ generation alone, however. Baby boomers down the wrong road: ‘Millennials have and weaknesses?’
Manifesto with Aik Kramer
(1945–1960) and Gen X (1960–1980) also a lot of energy, are highly independent
and Rik Launspach
It is the generation of selfies, backpacking talk about relationships, work, housing (millennialmanifest.nl). and creative. Make use of those qualities In a blog post about millennials, Utrecht
through Bali, bingeing shows on Netflix and financial troubles. ‘True, but they to achieve your goals and don’t let the fear University pedagogue Bas Levering
and swiping matches on Tinder. As Queen could only compare themselves with those of not knowing something slow you down. bemoaned their unwillingness to protest
once sang: I want it all and I want it now — in their immediate surroundings, a group Dare to admit that there’s always in comparison with the student movements
‘all’ being a career, a relationship, a family, of perhaps fifteen friends and something left to learn. It’s something of his own generation, the boomers.
travel, fun, friends, a home... and acquaintances. You can now see the choices I’ve often experienced in my own life. He feels that the millennials are too
preferably all by the age of thirty. But what that are being made by literally thousands For example, when I was making my acquiescent. Emma completely disagrees:
lies behind this pursuit of an Insta-perfect of different people. While we tend to show documentary about Pia Douwes and made ‘We are idealists by necessity’, she says.
12 Illuster — Graduation special Graduation special — Illuster 13
Cover story
‘We are confronted
every week with washed-
up whales full of plastic
It’s okay
and other shit the previous
generations have saddled
if you don’t know
us with. Those problems
can’t be solved with a
what’s next
protest sign — they’re too
complex. We’re looking for
more pragmatic solutions.
How can you do your bit
FINDING YOUR WAY
to make the world cleaner
Career services
or fairer? One example is
sharing instead of buying. When it really
matters, we’re there, with creative slogans
and full of energy. Just look at our Are you keen to get started on your career, but
Instagram and Snapchat feeds.’ not quite sure how to go about it? You may have
already become acquainted with Career Services Nico Benoist
as a way of preparing for your professional future (1993) graduate of the
during your degree. You can continue to take Science and Business
Management programme:
advantage of the support offered by Career
‘My search for a starter
Services after you graduate for at least six job was ultimately a search
months after you are awarded your diploma. for identity and meaning.
They offer a ton of practical help! Who am I? What am I
good at? What do I want?
1
KEEP LEARNING Career Services provided
Do a test Find out what stage you are
guidance to answer
Professional
at and what kinds of things you need these key questions
in a working environment. satisfactorily for the time
education being. Career Services
2
continually offered
Complete a training course From ‘writing
concrete guidance,
a résumé and cover letter’ to ‘LinkedIn’
stimulating me to explore
As a recent alumn, continuing education may not and from ‘exploring the job market and and act instead of to
be the first thing on your mind. However, new networking’ to ‘working consciously observe and theorise
knowledge is developing at breakneck speed. and effectively’. from my armchair.
What’s more, they taught
3
In our knowledge-intensive economy, there is
me skills I believe are
always something new to learn. Job descriptions P ractise with online role-playing games missing in the curriculum
are changing constantly and require up-to-the- Perfect your communication skills of the educational system:
minute expertise, while it may be that you will end to remain employable in the long term. Whether it with video role-playing games on your time management, coping
up needing to know things that were not part of is a short course or a Master’s degree culminating laptop or mobile phone. with emotions and, of
course, looking for a job.
4
your original degree. ‘Continuing to learn and in a certificate or diploma, you can keep on learning
develop is something that keeps professionals for the rest of your life at Utrecht University. Job database Find a traineeship, entry-
inspired and motivated’, says Wieger Bakker, our level position or career event here.
Dean of Lifelong Learning. We offer courses in a wide range of topics and
5
formats, from traditional classroom learning to
With our education offer for professionals, we make online-based teaching or a combination of the two. Personal advice Some faculties have
sure that you can continue to gain the skills and career officers who can offer personal
expertise after you graduate which will enable you For the current course programme, support and advice.
see uu.nl/professionals
The complete range of services can be found at
students.uu.nl/careerservices
14 Illuster — Graduation special Graduation special — Illuster 15
Made possible
Boston also feels very European — the area around
Janskerkhof reminded me of Harvard Square, so I felt right
at home in no time.’
Anton looks back on his two years in Utrecht as a great
learning experience. ‘For me, an important aspect of the
programme was the real focus on developing academic
skills like writing abstracts, which is very useful in the rest
of your career. I also loved learning about microvariation,
‘Thanks to that
a subdomain of linguistics that focuses specifically on
dialects — of which there are many in the Netherlands.’
SUPPORTING SCIENCE
Having a chat
Giving others the
scholarship, I grew
Socially, Anton found himself going through a real
transformation as well. ‘In a new place, you can discover
new things about yourself and develop certain aspects of same opportunity
your personality. I wasn’t that socially confident in Boston.
as a person’
I decided that I wanted to be more sociable during my time Anton Nguyen received a Utrecht
in Utrecht, so I made a deliberate effort to go up to people Excellence Scholarship. This scheme is
and have a chat. That led to some great friendships.’ one of the scholarship programmes for
talented international and Dutch students
Becoming a donor himself at our university. Thanks to contributions
text Mirjam Streefkerk
After completing his Master’s, Anton was not ready yet to made by Friends and donors of the Utrecht
return to the US. He spent two and a half years in Poland University Fund, more and more students
working as a language engineer for Amazon, before finally are able to take advantage of these
going back to work for Amazon in Boston. ‘During my time scholarships every year, as a result of
A
in Utrecht, I grew so much as a person, and none of it would which the student body is becoming
nton Nguyen got to spend recommended that he should do a stint have been possible without the scholarship. It’s very increasingly international and diverse.
two years studying at abroad. ‘I wasn’t eligible for a PhD yet and important to me that this scholarship continues to exist,
Utrecht University, all there’s no separate Master’s programme because I want others to have that transformative experience The donations made by Friends — Utrecht
thanks to the Utrecht in Linguistics at MIT.’ as well. That’s why, ever since I graduated, I have made an University alumni, students and staff —
Excellence Scholarship. annual donation to the Utrecht University Fund.’ form the cornerstone of the activities
Now, as an alumnus, he Anton applied for various Master’s undertaken by the Utrecht University
Anton Nguyen is himself contributing to the Utrecht programmes in Canada and the Fund. Maybe you already became a Student
(1990) obtained his University Fund. ‘I want to give others Netherlands, and got accepted at both Friend of the Utrecht University Fund
Bachelor’s in Linguistics that opportunity to study abroad as well.’ Amsterdam and Utrecht. He chose Utrecht during your studies. For only 10 euros
from the Massachusetts
Giving for a
because the programme seemed better. per year thousands of UU students
Institute of Technology.
Between 2012 and 2014, Now that he is back in his hometown of As one of the best students in his year, supported Incluusion, the project that
he completed the Master’s
in Linguistics at Utrecht
Boston, he misses getting around by bike.
‘It probably sounds like a huge cliché’,
he was eligible for the Utrecht Excellence
Scholarship, which is awarded to better future offers refugee students the chance to
participate for free in all kinds of courses
University. He went on Anton laughs, ‘but I really do miss it. international students from outside offered by our university.
The Utrecht University Fund was established in 1886, making
to work as a language it the oldest university fund in the Netherlands. Thanks
Cycling around Utrecht is wonderful the EU. ‘It’s lucky I did, because I’m not
engineer for Amazon: first to contributions by its donors, the Fund is able to make an
in Poland, now in Boston. — it feels very safe and the air is clean. sure I would have been able to afford this ever-greater difference. Of the funds, 70% is used for research As an alumn, making an annual
It’s very different in Boston.’ adventure otherwise.’ that cannot be financed through conventional routes. About contribution of 30 euros or more qualifies
15% goes to education. The Utrecht University Fund uses this
you to become (or stay) a Friend, and help
money to offer 27 scholarships every year. The remaining
Anton completed a Master’s in Linguistics A great learning experience monies are designated for the preservation of academic to facilitate grants, student subsidies
at Utrecht University between 2012 and He quickly felt at home in the city, which heritage and for extracurricular facilities. and special projects.
2014 after first obtaining his Bachelor’s he says is picturesque and cosy. ‘All of my Why not make a contribution too? Every donation helps.
from the Massachusetts Institute of classes were in the historic city centre, Check out the various projects on uu.nl/ufonds Become a Friend as well and help to
support the next generation of students.
Technology (MIT) where his advisor which was fantastic. The architecture in
uu.nl/vriend
16 Illuster — Graduation special Graduation special — Illuster 17
The career of ... Jan Beuving
2009 2010 2013 2014 2016 2017 2018 2019
Bachelor’s degree Graduated Finalist at Leids First stand-up comedy Stand-up comedy Winner of the Stand-up comedy Alumnus of the Year
in Mathematics from Konings Cabaret Festival show ‘Reken maar show ‘Raaklijn’ Neerlands Hoop show ‘Rotatie’ at Utrecht U
niversity
theateracademie nergens op’ (‘Don’t (‘Tangent’) stand-up comedy (‘Rotation’)
Master’s degree in Den Bosch Winner of the Annie Count On Anything’) (with Tom Dicke) prize for ‘Raaklijn’ (with Tom Dicke)
in History and M.G. Schmidt Prize (with fellow UU (‘Tangent’)
Philosophy of alumnus Daan van Eijk)
Science
‘Maths always After this rejection, Jan signs up for
the Leiden Stand-Up Comedy Festival.
comes back to
I felt only love for the stage. Still, I was He makes it to the finals and gets to go
too scared to apply to drama school. I was on tour. ‘I did a degree, but I learnt the
the good boy who played it safe and went metier up there on stage.’
the fore’
off to study maths at university.’
Jan has one piece of advice for today’s
During his student years, Jan would go to young graduates. ‘Keep as broad a
the theatre up to a hundred times a year. perspective as you can. At university, you
‘I was fascinated by the stories and the learn to acquire and channel knowledge,
language of those stories. More and more but there’s a risk that you end up digging
‘A bright mind who is willing to venture off often, I’d find myself being the one to get yourself into a tunnel. Try to connect with
the beaten path and who has made an up and sing at parties. Every year, I would the people around you — it will widen your
also recap the year in song at the own tunnel.’ Jan Beuving
important contribution to society.’ Jan Beuving Department of Physics’ Christmas event.’ (1982) After obtaining a
is honoured to have been named Alumnus Bachelor’s degree in
Mathematics and a
of the Year. He downplays the praise Six years in, after his parents ask him if he
Master’s degree in History
‘Deep down,
is ever going to finish his degree, he does. and Philosophy of Science
immediately, however: ‘Sure, I make people ‘I would have regretted it for the rest of at Utrecht University, Jan
laugh, but a plumber is more useful at the
I was relieved to
my life if I hadn’t. I’m proud of it as well.’ Beuving studied
Still, maths is not his calling and Jan goes songwriting at Konings
end of the day.’ The fact remains, though, theateracademie in Den
be turned down’
on to study songwriting.
that this stand-up comedian and songwriter Bosch. He has worked as
a songwriter ever since
is a trailblazer. The stand-up comedian does not have any and performed stand-up
experience with job interviews. No, wait, comedy in theatres all
‘W
over the Netherlands.
he does — just one time. ‘By coincidence,
He writes a column on
hen I told the dean at my I ended up with a part-time job editing
science for the Dutch daily
secondary school that I just books for an educational publisher. On one ‘Although I went on to do something newspaper Trouw and
wanted to solve puzzles all day occasion, I corrected so many mistakes in completely different from what seemed has a weekly slot about
text language on NPO Radio 1.
long, he told me to go and study a book about teaching arithmetic that I was to be the obvious career path for me, I was
Hanneke Olivier Also he is our regular
image mathematics, which was invited for an interview. They were looking still able to make use of my degree. I bring
columnist in Illuster.
Robin Alysha Clemens, great advice. I fit in very well, for a mathematics teacher at the post- a little bit of science to the stage. Maths Jan Beuving has earned
Jaap Reedijk especially in the A-Eskwadraat study association.’ secondary education level. I wasn’t getting always comes back to the fore somehow. various awards for his
any work as a writer at the time, so I What I learnt at university — and songwriting, including
However, Jan also felt drawn to the stage from very early probably would have ended up taking the especially who I became during that time the Annie M.G. Schmidt
Prize (2012 and 2018)
on. Watching school theatre productions, he fell in love job if they’d hired me, but they didn’t. — gave me a solid foundation. I’m very
and the Willem Wilmink
and joined the drama club. ‘Although I was terrified Maybe, deep down, I was quite relieved grateful to my alma mater for that Prize (2017).
of giving presentations, I have never had stage fright. to be turned down.’ foundation.’
18 Illuster — Graduation special Graduation special — Illuster 19Tips
NETWORK FOR YOUNG ALUMNI
Expand your
network with
YOUNG
UU AFTER GRADUATION
Keep your
There you are, diploma in hand, on the threshold
of your working life. Do you know exactly where you
personal details are headed, or do you want to cut your teeth on the
working world for a few years before changing track
up to date and pursuing something new? YOUNG (previously
known as JAN, Jonge Alumni Netwerk) is a great
Now that you have graduated, you are resource for alumni up to the age of 35. It organises
officially an alumn of our university — activities and events that focus on soft skills and
but we do not want to lose contact with you. meeting fellow young alumni. Why not come along
To this end, we make sure that you can still to one of the popular ‘coaching café’ sessions or any
keep in touch with the university and your of the other workshops?
STUDIUM GENERALE fellow alumni after you graduate. We will
Science and
send you our alumni magazine Illuster
twice a year, no matter where in the world As a recent alumn, you will automatically
receive an invitation via email. You can also
current events you may be. In addition, there is a wide
range of lectures and meetings for alumni,
check uu.nl/alumni/young for a list of the
upcoming activities.
both in the Netherlands and abroad. You
The Studium Generale programme can also keep on learning at UU, as we offer
brings together science and current an extensive range of courses for
developments in society. Alumni, professionals. Furthermore, you could
academics, students and others volunteer in various ways to strengthen
BECOME A FRIEND
interested can meet up at the Science our alumni community by meeting contributes to a flourishing
Benefits and
Cafés, debates and lectures organised prospective students, current students, academic community.
by Studium Generale. Expert speakers researchers and each other. Did you know that becoming
address questions that really make you
think. You don’t even need to leave the Make sure that your personal details are discounts a Friend not only supports
the Fund but also enables you
house in order to get inspired — as well up to date, so you can receive Illuster to take advantage of various
as an event calendar, the Studium magazine and we can contact you via email The Utrecht University Fund benefits and discounts?
Generale website has video recordings with an invitation to events that are was established in 1886 and For example, you will be
of previous events. relevant for you. We promise not to spam able to keep fit at a reduced
you — you will receive an average of rate at the Olympos gym,
Visit sg.uu.nl and subscribe to one email a month and you can of course take courses at Parnassos
the email newsletter.
unsubscribe at any time. and get free entrance to the
University Museum.
Update your contact details Become a Friend now
via uu.nl/alumni at uu.nl/vriend
20 Illuster — Graduation special Graduation special — Illuster 21Message from … London
‘London is
absolutely
crazy’
text Jurgen Sijbrandij
image Thais Gomes
INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI
‘M
y name is Thais Gomes Together, we build
and I’m from Brazil.
In 2013, I spent a year a network
in Utrecht, studying Are you moving abroad after graduation?
Communications and The biggest difference between London Or are you an international graduate staying
Media Studies at and Utrecht is the pace. London is in the Netherlands? Utrecht University has
Utrecht University. It was one of the biggest absolutely crazy. Everything happens at an active international alumni relations
achievements of my life. My education at the same time, everyone is super busy, programme just for you! Wherever you go,
UU gave me a different perspective on the traffic is total madness and cycling is not as we consider you to be an important member
Thais Gomes education I had had before at my university common here as it is in Utrecht. In Utrecht, I made friends who are like brothers to me of the UU community and an ambassador
(1992) obtained a back home. even though it is far from a quiet city, you today in this city. I even met my husband in of our university.
Bachelor’s degree in Social are able to take a breath between activities Utrecht; how cool is that? We met at a party
Communications at
My first job in London was at Booking.com in your day. You can enjoy your music while for new foreign students organised by Your time can make a difference
Universidade Federal
do Rio de Janeiro in Brazil — a Dutch company. I believe my you cycle from one place to another or have ESN and here we are, six years later. International alumni assist us in several ways.
and spent an exchange experience in Utrecht was a big part of a drink with your friends by the canal. Outreach Ambassadors help to recruit new
year at Utrecht University. being successful at this job. Finding Learning how to ride a bike, at age 21, was international students, Welcoming Ambassadors
She is currently working at accommodation, however, was a struggle a huge challenge for me. When I finally help to welcome newly admitted students into
Manpower UK in London.
that people both in Utrecht and in London mastered it, it meant so much to me! I even the UU family before they move to Utrecht
‘Utrecht will
are familiar with. got a bike tattoo during my last week in and Career Ambassadors support international
Utrecht. This tattoo is not only a symbol students with their preparation for the Dutch
forever have a
I am currently working at a recruitment of my love for Utrecht, but also a reminder labour market. In addition, Network
agency in London. I am responsible for of how strong I am and how I can overcome Ambassadors help to build a strong alumni
special place in
ensuring the candidates are fully my fears. community worldwide via alumni networks
compliant before they start their new role. in cities around the world.
my heart’
I loved London when I visited as a tourist Being part of the UU Alumni Network
and I still enjoy it now I am living here. in London is my way to thank Utrecht Get involved
I love how you can always find something University for everything it has done for Are you interested in becoming an active
to do in London and how you meet people me. I have met amazing people through ambassador for Utrecht University? Message us
from all over the world. The public this network. I had the opportunity to at alumni@uu.nl. Make sure that you stay up to
transport is amazing; it gets you anywhere take part in fantastic events. It is my date via the international alumni newsletter and
in the city. If you feel like eating food Utrecht will forever have a special place in pleasure and honour to be part of the invitations for events relevant to your region.
from any place in the world, you will find it my heart. It was my first time leaving my UU Alumni Network, help out with the Update your contact details via: uu.nl/alumni.
here. There’s always something happening country (Brazil) and living on my own. events in London and spread the word
in London. It was a year of learning and finding myself. about the university.’
22 Illuster — Graduation special Graduation special — Illuster 23Wall of fame
Jermain van der Graaf BSc 2017 Anna Maria van Schurman 1636
Yvonne van Rooy LLM 1977 Founder and CEO of Rebottled First female student Drs Hafida Abahai 2003
Former President of the CEO of Weber Shandwick
UU Executive Board The Netherlands
Marij Swinkels MA 2012
PhD candidate and 2019 UU Teacher
G.J. Joubert 1923
Talent of the Year
Dentist
Proud UU
Alumn
You 2019/2020/2021
Add your graduation picture, and join
our community!
Dr Pieter van Genuchten 1984
Co-founder of alumni network
‘Hofvijverkring’ Avin Ghedri BSc 2016
Master student and 2018
ECHO Award winner
Drs Ted Hekerman 1991
Veterinarian
You are part of our
community!
Since the foundation of Utrecht University in
1636 a lot of students have graduated. Do you
recognize some of our alumni? Read more about
these alumni on our website uu.nl/alumni/wall-
of-fame
Djura Coers MSc 2017
Stay connected with your alma mater. Find other
PhD candidate and chair of YOUNG,
Utrecht alumni and keep your contact details up
the young alumni network
to date.
Jacintha Baas BA 2012
Co-founder Sustainer Homes uu.nl/alumniYou can also read
