International alumni meetings

‘When did you last visit Groningen?’ ‘Where can I find a decent restaurant in the city centre these days?’ French and Spanish ‘Groningers’ were given the opportunity to meet up in Paris, Madrid and Barcelona this spring. On 8 April, the Dutch Ambassador Hugo Siblesz in cooperation with ten Dutch universities organized a meeting for alumni living in France. His colleague Como van Hellenberg Hubar organized similar events for alumni in Spain on 6 and 7 May.

The meetings provided ample opportunity to relive old memories of the alumni’s student city, to network and to discuss the lectures given by Louise Fresco (France), Herman Philipse (Spain) and others. Most of the participants never actually studied together but that did not prevent them from starting lively conversations very quickly, and younger and somewhat older alumni had no trouble mixing. There was a lively exchange of information, business cards and tips.

The University of Groningen is currently investigating the possibilities of organizing alumni meetings in other countries as well. Do you know any alumni in, for example, Germany or the United Kingdom? Or do you live abroad yourself and would you be interested in such a meeting? Please let us know: alumni rug.nl.  

Photos: Emile Gregoir