Anniversary year opens in style

The theme of the opening this year was academic freedom. The start of the anniversary year was also celebrated - the University turns 400 in 2014. ‘Academic year 2013-2014 is going to be one to be proud of’, said Rector Magnificus Elmer Sterken in his speech. The University is linking a research project on a theme chosen by the public to its 400th anniversary celebrations. Anyone can vote for the next four weeks at www.rug400.nl.

One of the important speakers was Prof. Klaas Knot, president of De Nederlandsche Bank and a University alumnus. He listed gathering knowledge, acquiring insight and understanding, finding explanations for complex problems, and above all really wanting to know everything possible about a certain field as great reasons for choosing to do a university degree. ‘This intense thirst for knowledge creates a type of capital that share prices can never influence. It’s a type of wealth that you will never lose.’

See also:

Speech by Rector Magnificus Prof. Elmer Sterken (Dutch)

Speech by prof. Beatriz Noheda