Recap: UM Connect Day 2025
On Saturday 27 September 2025, around 150 Maastricht University alumni returned to Maastricht for the annual UM Connect Day. This year’s edition, held at the School of Business and Economics, centred on the theme technology and innovation. Alumni came together to exchange knowledge, strengthen networks and reconnect with their alma mater.
The programme opened with a warm welcome by Bouwien Janssen, Director of Development & Alumni Relations, followed by an inspiring keynote by Rutger van der Leeuw, CEO of Enexis. In his lecture, “The energy transition, the delta works of our generation”, he addressed the urgent need for innovation and collaboration to build sustainable energy systems for the future.
Networking and breakout sessions
New to this year’s programme was the interactive networking game, which offered participants a fun and accessible way to connect and get to know one another.
Alumni then joined a wide range of breakout sessions, led by UM academics and alumni, on topics including artificial intelligence, climate leadership, sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation in business. The choice between two shorter sessions or one in-depth session allowed participants to tailor their learning experience.
Closing and informal networking
The day concluded with remarks from Guido Vanderbroeck, Senior Advisor University Fund Limburg, followed by networking drinks at the Tapijn Brasserie. A photo booth enabled participants to capture their memories of the event, while enjoying drinks and snacks in a relaxed setting.
Contribution to equal opportunities
We are delighted to share that UM Connect Day 2025 raised €3,110 for the Equity and Inclusion Programme of the University Fund Limburg. Thanks to your participation and generosity, this amount is enough to fund the first year of a bachelor’s degree for one student from a disadvantaged background.
We are deeply grateful for this achievement, which will make a tangible difference in a young person’s life. The Equity and Inclusion Programme provides talented students—who might otherwise face insurmountable social or financial barriers—the opportunity to study at Maastricht University. Your support helps turn this ambition into reality.
Looking back and ahead
We look back on a very successful edition of UM Connect Day 2025. It was wonderful to see so many new connections being made and existing ones strengthened throughout the day. We truly enjoyed welcoming you back to Maastricht, and we hope you enjoyed revisiting your university city as much as we did hosting you.
We are grateful for your enthusiasm and engagement, which once again underlined the strength of our alumni community. We look forward to seeing you at our next alumni event and to continuing this journey of learning, meeting and growing together.
Photography by Joris Hilterman.
Arrival and lunch
Opening and keynote
Keynote Rutger van der Leeuw
Networking game
Networking game
Breakout session
Breakout session
Networking drinks
Photobooth
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