1,300 UM alumni reunited in Maastricht
What a day! On Saturday 23 May 2026, around 1,300 alumni gathered at the Tapijnkazerne in Maastricht to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Maastricht University. With bright sunshine and summer temperatures reaching 29 degrees, the Tapijnkazerne became the setting for a large open-air reunion.
Alumni enjoyed delicious food from the food trucks, drinks on the grass beneath the trees, and above all, reconnecting with former classmates. Everywhere, spontaneous encounters, meaningful conversations and new connections emerged. It was a day full of memories, warmth and togetherness: exactly what the UM community stands for.
Back to the faculty
For many alumni, the day began at their old and familiar faculty. Each faculty organised its own programme, ranging from quizzes and lectures to scavenger hunts and a genuine trip down memory lane.
Alumni had the opportunity to walk through the corridors of their former faculty once again, revisit old memories and meet fellow alumni who had followed the same degree programme — sometimes years earlier or later. It was wonderful to see former students reconnecting with one another.
A festive start to the Homecoming
The real Homecoming began at the Tapijnkazerne, where alumni from all faculties came together for one large celebration. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with live music and invited to walk through a special “time tunnel”: a passage featuring a timeline of 50 years of UM history on one side and nostalgic photographs from past and present on the other. Two theatrical stilt walkers then guided guests towards the festivities.
At exactly 3.00 p.m., the UM 50 Alumni Homecoming was officially opened with welcoming remarks by Jan-Tjitte Meindersma, Vice-President of Maastricht University. This was followed by an impressive musical opening performance by the Maastricht University Choir.
During the opening, it was also announced how much alumni had collectively donated as part of UM50: an impressive €3,592 for the Equity and Inclusion Programme.
A musical welcome at the UM50 Alumni Homecoming
How well do alumni know the UM?
During the UM50 Alumni Quiz, alumni were put to the test. How much did they still know about Maastricht and the university? The quiz led to plenty of enthusiasm, friendly competition and hilarious moments. One thing quickly became clear: our alumni still remember a remarkable amount about their time at UM.
The soundtrack of celebration
The central theme of the UM 50 Alumni Homecoming was, of course: celebration. A 50th anniversary calls for a proper party — and no celebration is complete without music.
Throughout the day, various performers created the perfect atmosphere. The afternoon began with relaxed jazz music in the background, allowing alumni to catch up and reconnect. Later in the day, Vinyl Fuifje truly got the party started, with alumni making their way onto the dance floor. An extra special detail: the DJs of Vinyl Fuifje are themselves Maastricht University alumni.
The festive finale was provided by The Originals, the Netherlands’ largest cover band. Alumni were invited to request their favourite songs, entirely in keeping with the band’s motto: “You ask, we play.” The result was an energetic closing celebration, with alumni dancing and singing along enthusiastically despite the summer heat.
Looking ahead to the next reunion
With the UM 50 Alumni Homecoming, the largest alumni reunion ever organised by Maastricht University came to an end. Thanks to everyone who attended, it became a truly unforgettable day.
But this was certainly not the end — rather, it was the beginning. The UM Alumni Office continues to connect alumni with one another and with the university through a wide range of both large and small events for the international UM community. Every Maastricht University graduate is part of this community.
To ensure alumni stay informed about future events and activities, it is important that contact details remain up to date. We therefore encourage alumni to regularly review and update their information. In this way, everyone can remain connected to the UM community and continue to be part of future events and celebrations.
Photogallery
Were you there on Saturday 23 May 2026? Then there is a good chance you might spot yourself somewhere in the crowd. Browse through our photo gallery to relive the highlights of the UM50 Alumni Homecoming.
Photography: Jonathan Vos
Photogallery UM50 Alumni Homecoming
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