The ground floor of the Centre Céramique was well filled last Monday during UM's New Year’s reception. President of the executive board Rianne Letschert, who together with rector Pamela Habibovic and Vice-President Jan-Tjitte Meindersma welcomed everyone, estimated that she had shaken around six hundred hands.
In her speech, she stressed the importance of the government’s recognition, just before Christmas, that border regions, and thus Maastricht University, deserve special consideration in the debate around the internationalization of higher education (instruction language and influx of international students). “This political recognition is proof that good arguments can make a difference. And it shows something else: that we are able to find connection, even in a polarised playing field. That is what we remain committed to in the new year as well. Because reason, humanity and nuance are not a luxuries; they are the foundation for progress.”
Award
Next, it was time for the presentation of the annual employee award, a task traditionally handled by the vice-president. As always, it goes to someone who, according to their colleagues, has made a special effort to the university or community. This year, HR professional (now People and Development Petra Suurmand was awarded. She, along with others, was instrumental in the creation of the game for new employees: Unlocking the UM DNA, which allows them to discover the university in a playful way.