Bauke Vermaas writes Birthday poem

Every year, the RUG sends a birthday poem to all alumni for whom we have an email address. The new poem, ‘We became’, was written by Bauke Vermaas, a physics alumn, science journalist, writer of cycling poetry and, until recently, City Poet of Zwolle. Donald Gardner made the English translation. Would you also like to receive the birthday poem? Then sign up with your email address via www.rug.nl/alumni/update

FOTO: STELLA DEKKER / MARKETING GRONINGEN

Vindicat Lustrum with UEF meeting

Vindicat is celebrating its 210th anniversary with an
extensive lustrum. Information will soon be available at www.lustrumvindicat.nl. One of the events is Concert@Diep on Tuesday 15 July, a festive canal concert on the Diepenring.
The Ubbo Emmius Foundation is organising an exclusive meeting for its Friends and Supporters during this event.
For more information, reach out to e.kamphuis@rug.nl

Lustrum VESTING (econometrics)

Study association VESTING is organising an activity for former econometric students in the Randstad (exact location will follow) on Saturday, May 3. This day is part of VESTING’s 7th lustrum and will be celebrated in an extra festive manner! The evening before, on May 2, a lustrum closing party will take place in Groningen, to which former econometric students are also warmly invited. Don’t miss this opportunity to reunite and celebrate this special lustrum together! More information about these events will be available soon at devesting.nl/alumni.

Nominate the Alumnus of the Year 2025

You can still nominate a former student for the
2025 Alumnus of the Year award. Previous
winners include Stef van Grieken, Taku Mutezo,
Iris de Graaf, Christiaan Triebert and
Sander de Hosson. Do you know a former
student who:

• has made a special contribution to society, science, sports or
• culture,
• is a source of inspiration for others,
• and is considered a further promise for the future.

Then submit your nomination and motivation before 14 april 2025 via alumni@rug.nl.
More information: rug.nl/alumni/alumnusvanhetjaar

PHOTO: JOËL HUNN

On Tuesday 27 May, EAWAG, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Sciences and Technology, will host an alumni meeting in Zurich. Speakers include Stef van Grieken (Alumnus of the Year 2024 and co-founder of AI platform Cradle) and Jacquelien Scherpen (Rector of the University of Groningen). There will also be a guided tour and a discussion about high-tech startups.

Alumni event Zurich

Alumni meeting Santiago, Chile

On Thursday 29 July (preliminary date; subject to change),
the RUG is hosting an alumni meeting in Santiago, Chile. Information will follow at rug.nl/alumni/agenda and rug.nl/rugconnect.

UG alumni day at the Glimmen golf course

On Saturday 4 October, the UG alumni day will be held in Glimmen. A fun day full of golf and a great clinic, for everyone – whether you are an experienced golfer or have never held a club before. More information will follow, but put the date in your diary now!

Alumni event Beijing

On Friday 23 May, the University of Groningen will hold an alumni meeting in Beijing, China. Among others, Chairman of the Executive Board Jouke de Vries will be present.
Details will be available soon on rug.nl/alumni/agenda and rugconnect.rug.nl.

Right to DUO compensation?

Did you study for one or more years under the loan system (2015-2023) and did not receive a basic grant at the time?
Then you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Do you want to know if you meet the conditions? Then go to duo.nl/tegemoetkomingleenstelsel, fill in the form and check
if you are entitled. This also shows whether you will receive
the compensation automatically or whether you have to apply for it yourself.

RUGconnect – New online platform

RUGconnect is the new online platform of the UG. RUGconnect has been set up to connect the various members of our academic community: students and alumni but also UG staff, study associations, and businesses. Through RUGconnect, you can expand your network, search interesting vacancies or internships, share and attend events, get in touch with other professionals from your field, explore collaborations in the professional world, or reminisce about the good old days with former students. This enables us to collaborate even better in the future and allows us to contribute to a valuable, life-long connection between students, alumni, and the labour market.

For alumni, RUGconnect will be available at the beginning of May. As soon as it is available, you will notified by email and social media.