Video's: opening academic year Faculty of Economics and Business, 2 September

On 2 September, the Faculty of Economics and Business opened the academic year in the Aa-kerk in the city centre of Groningen. The opening marks the start of the new study year, which the faculty traditionally celebrates with staff members, students and guests.

Special guest was dr. Hans Wijers, graduate of the faculty of economics and currently CEO of AkzoNobel. He spoke on: 'The role of Dutch universities and companies in a globalizing world'.

Watch the video of Wijers' speech (wmv)

The theme of the opening of the academic year was “jubilees”. The (former) Faculty of Economics was founded 60 years ago. Moreover, the (former) Faculty of Business celebrated its 30th anniversary when the two faculties merged in 2007.

In addition to Hans Wijers, faculty members prof. Luchien Karsten and dr. Herman de Jong presented a spoken column, in which they looked back on the two faculties. Luchien Karsten, professor of International Business and Management, focused on the history of business studies, the discipline as well as the (former) faculty. Herman de Jong, associate professor of Economic and Social History, did the same for economics.

Watch the video (wmv) of Luchien Karsten's column (wmv)

And/or download the text here 

Watch the video  (wmv) of Herman de Jong's column (wmv)

And/or download the text here

This year, the opening was also the time of the farewell speech of the retiring dean, prof Henk Sol, and the 'maiden speech' of the new dean prof Elmer Sterken.

Watch the speech of Elmer Sterken (wmv)

Download Henk Sol's speech here

The student-representatives of Quest announced the winner of the teacher of the year award. Dr. Martijn van der Steen received the highest evaluation results by students in the past academic year.

Watch the video (wmv)

The festive event was rounded off with drinks.