Europe Calling
On Tuesday, 7 February 2017, exactly 25 years after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, UM celebrated its 41st Dies Natalis. This year the Dies celebration was organised alongside festivities in Maastricht for this ‘Europe Calling’ anniversary.
In honour of the anniversary UM awarded an honorary doctorate to the German President Joachim Gauck, whom Angela Merkel described as a ‘tireless advocate for freedom, democracy, and justice’. His record of pro-Europeanism led the University Council to his nomination. Mister Gauck also delivered the Dies Lecture. Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands attended the presentation of the honorary doctorate to President Gauck.
In keeping with tradition the Rector awarded the Wynand Wijnen Education Prize, Dissertation Prize 2016, and the Student Prizes as well. For a complete overview of all prize winners, read this news release.
Photo gallery
Student prize winners for the best bachelor’s theses of 2016. For a complete video registration of the bachelor prize ceremony, click here.
Photos by Harry Heuts
Rector Rianne Letschert and the other professors gathered at Minderbroedersberg and ready for the cortege to Theater aan het Vrijthof
The cortege
On his way for the roundtable discussion with UM students (see next photo), Joachim Guack stopped to sign the guestbook of YO!Fest
Roundtable discussion on EU topics between UM students and president Gauck, moderated by Prof. Martin Paul. The discussion took place at Lumière, before the academic ceremony at Theater aan het Vrijthof
At the start of the academic ceremony. From left to right: Theo Bovens, King’s Commissioner of the Province of Limburg; Daniela Schadt, life partner of President Gauck; Joachim Gauck, President of Germany; Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix; Prof. Martin Paul, President of Maastricht University, Dirk Brengelmann, German Ambassador to the Netherlands and Annemarie Penn-Te Strake, Mayor of Maastricht
Syrian refugee students Hoseb Assadour and Sally Haj Khalaf Allah were invited on the stage to share their thoughts on Europe
The music was performed by the Eurasia Quartet, established in Maastricht in 2013. Last year, they were awarded the Henriëtte Hustinxprijs for the most promising ensemble from the Conservatorium Maastricht
The conferral of an honorary doctorate to German President Joachim Gauck
President Gauck was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his distinctive role in modern German history, a role which is consistent with UM’s vision and values. These values are implicit in Gauck’s personal history: he fought as citizen of the former GDR for human rights, was a co-founder of the New Forum opposition movement to the former GDR, and has been a supporter and advocate for the European Union
In his Dies lecture titled ‘Europe Calling’ President Gauck said: “Maastricht University too is committed to the idea of Europe in a special way. Its graduates often remain dedicated to the united Europe. I am very grateful that of all universities, this institution is awarding me an honorary doctorate today. I was particularly happy when I hear that the students had suggested I be granted this honour. I see this as an important sign that the European project and European values can unite us across generations.”
In conclusion, President Gauck reminded his audience of a historic moment: “Seventy years ago, Winston Churchill, one of the most outstanding figures of the time, gave a speech at another European university in which he called on his contemporaries to ‘let Europe arise’. Our answer to him today from Maastricht is that we are giving Europe a future.”
This year’s Wynand Wijnen Education Prize was awarded to Dr. Jeanette Hommes, who has worked for the Department of Education, Research and Development at the School of Business and Economics since 1991. Over the past twenty-five years, Dr. Hommes has made a significant contribution to the further professionalisation of UM lecturers.
Student prize winners for the best master’s theses of 2016
The winner of the Dissertation Prize 2016 was Jess Bier with her dissertation titled 'Mapping Israel, mapping Palestine'. Dr. Bier examined how the segregated landscapes of Jerusalem and the West Bank influenced the way this region has been mapped since 1967
Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix and Ms. Schadt with Syrian refugee students Hoseb Assadour and Sally Haj Khalaf Allah
Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix meets Student prize winners
Links
Dies lecture 'Europe Calling' by German President Joachim Gauck
News release 8 February 2017: Prize winners during 41st Dies Natalis celebration at Maastricht University
Background article 27 January 2017: Honorary doctorate for German president Joachim Gauck
News release 23 January 2017: Princess Beatrix to attend the presentation of honorary doctorate to President Gauck
Video introduction Joachim Gauck
During the Dies celebration, a video introduction of Joachim Gauck was shown to the audience. Watch the video!
Wynand Wijnen Education Prize
The Wynand Wijnen Education Prize is an annual prize awarded to members of the UM teaching staff who have made an exceptional contribution to education at UM.
This year, the prize went to Dr. Jeanette Hommes. Read this news release.
In the video, two former winners, Hetty Snellen-Balendong and Bob Wilkinson, explain what winning the Education Prize has meant to them.
Video report
Watch the short video report for an impression of the day. Made by the UM Student Videoteam.
Complete video registration
Watch the full registration of the Dies celebration at the Theater aan het Vrijthof.