On November 3rd, most seats in the US Congress will be up for election. Since winning slight majorities in both houses two years ago, members of the Republican party have used Congress to routinely approve the president’s initiatives and to block those who seek to limit his power. In November, this balance could be restored: if the Democrats win enough seats, Trump’s power could change almost overnight. But what happens if the Republicans retain an even bigger majority? In this edition of Let’s Ask on Tuesday 27 October, Mark L. Thompson will review the origins of the US Congress in light of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. How did the founders of the US conceive the role of the legislative branch? Can the constitutional balance between the legislative and executive branches be restored? And if the Republicans win again, what will the future of the US look like?
More info and tickets.

US Midterms: Could the balance be restored?

To celebrate the 29th lustrum of G.F.S.V. “Pharmaciae Sacrum”, the reunion day will be held on Saturday 13 February 2027.
Please save the date and keep an eye on our website for the latest information: Pharmaciae Sacrum – NL – Events

Reunion Day G.F.S.V. “Pharmaciae Sacrum”

On Tuesday 24 November, the University of Groningen is organising an alumni gathering in Jakarta, Indonesia, on the theme ‘Celebrating Groningen–Indonesia Collaboration: Past, Present and Future’. Participation is free of charge, including dinner and soft drinks. However, places are limited and registration is required. There are 40 free tickets available for UG alumni, so make sure to reserve your ticket in advance.
Click here for more information and to register.

Alumni event Indonesia

Save the date: 12 March 2027 – Alumni & Recruitment Event, Milan. Calling all University of Groningen alumni in Italy!
Join fellow UG alumni and prospective Italian students for a special joint event on Friday 12 March 2027, 18:00-22:00 in Milan.
Reconnect, share your Groningen experience and meet the next generation of students.
Details & registration from early 2027: rug.nl/alumni/agenda

Alumni & Recruitment Event Milan

Books are paradoxical entities: fragile objects in which ideas are preserved for centuries. Our own bodies, too, are fragile, subject to the passage of time, illness and the limitations of memory. Throughout the centuries, societies have made a remarkable choice. We protect what is vulnerable: our words, the sick, the elderly, the vulnerable. From that perspective, reading is also a form of care, a way of keeping memories alive and connecting people.
In this lecture on Friday 6 November, bestselling author Irene Vallejo explores how, throughout history, books and care have been intertwined, to show why this focus on vulnerability makes societies stronger and why this is more urgent than ever.
Co-speaker is poet and writer Joost Oomen.
More info and tickets.

Book and Flesh –
Van der Leeuw Lecture Irene Vallejo /Joost Oomen

Is it a sundial? A burial ground? Or a ceremonial site? Stonehenge is one of Great Britain’s most mysterious landmarks. Archeologist Mike Parker Pearson, leading researcher on Stonehenge, has spent more than two decades studying this prehistoric stone circle. Through stone excavations, a careful study of the monuments’ surrounding landscapes, and comparing practices of prehistoric cultures across the world, he was able to make groundbreaking discoveries on the monument and the people who built it. In this Studium Generale lecture on Wednesday 21 October, he will share his perspective on this mysterious megalithic site.
The lecture will be held in English. More info and tickets.

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About – Stonehenge

Few artists have captivated pop culture like Tupac “2Pac” Shakur. Positioning himself as a gangsta revolutionary, 2Pac rose to fame amid constant controversy, selling millions of records while making enemies in the streets, in the industry, and all the way up to the White House. In 1996, at the peak of his success, he was killed. His legend only grew in the years that followed, but the murder remained unsolved — until now. Thirty years later, the man who orchestrated the killing was found guilty, and once again, all eyes are on 2Pac. Steven Gilbers revisits 2Pac’s story on Monday 19 October, showing how the contradictions that defined his life ultimately led to his death. How did a rapper born in New York become the face of West Coast hip-hop? Why would a man who wanted to unite his community tie himself to street gangs? And how are 2Pac’s speech and flow connected to all of this?
More info and tickets.

All Eyez on 2Pac

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Bequests to science

This autumn, the university funds of the various Dutch universities are running a joint campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of contributing to scientific research, education and talent development – both during your lifetime and through your will. The Ubbo Emmius Fund (UEF) is also taking part.
The decision to leave a legacy to a university fund often stems from a personal connection to one’s ‘own’ university. Geert Sanders, an alumnus, professor emeritus and former director of the UEF, talks about his connection in this interview: ‘When you notice in a lecture theatre that students are getting excited about what you’re saying, that’s a great gift. I want everyone to have the chance to develop themselves. That’s why I’ve decided to include a bequest to the UEF in my will.’
Read the full interview here.
Read more here about leaving a bequest to support research and education at the University of Groningen.