Academic Heritage conservator Bart Zegers delivers the 'Juliana-table' at the Servaas church The King, a festive mood and reverent silence Looking back on the 50th Dies 28-01-2026 · Photo reportage There was “the most festive music ever composed,” according to André Rieu, who provided the musical accompaniment with his Johann Strauss Orchestra and the Mastreechter Staar (he was referring to Händel’s Hallelujah). There were speeches that brought the entire Sint Servaas Basilica to complete silence; the King signed his name at the very same table where his grandmother once had; prizes were handed out in abundance; and afterwards, of course, there was a reception. Last Friday, Maastricht University celebrated its 50th anniversary. Old images were projected on the Minderbroedersberg building, here Hildegard Schneider, former dean of the Law faculty The academic procession arrives at the Saint Servaas church, the Palestinian flags belong to a group of protesters who want the university to cut all ties with Israel Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, during the rehearsel King Willem-Alexanders writes his signature at the same table Queen Juliana signed the founding document. On his right UM President Rianne Letschert, Mayor Wim Hillenaar and King's Commissioner Emile Roemer Former rector Luc Soete, at the reception afterwards at the Minderbroedersberg Thomas Cleij, dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, at the reception