In 2014, our University will be 400 years old! Naturally, this is a cause for celebration. We are going to celebrate the University’s fourth centennial (or 80th ‘lustrum’) between 15 May and 15 June together with the RUG-community, inhabitants of the city and the surrounding area, and of course our alumni and everyone else who holds the University dear. In the coming months, the Lustrum Office will be working on the programme together with a University Advisory Board, consisting of professors from various faculties. However, we would like to give you the opportunity to add your ideas to the celebration programme as well.
The University 4∞ - For Infinity
The theme of the lustrum is "4∞", in other words: For Infinity. We have chosen this theme because it is in line with the University’s focus areas Energy, Healthy Ageing, and Sustainable Society. Apart from that, it expresses the idea that studying and working in Groningen is a special experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life; in other words, you will carry the Groningen DNA with you 4∞ (for infinity). While the rest of the country considers the location of Groningen as a weakness, as Groningen citizens we know better. This city has everything we need: a university that is fully intertwined with the city, the Northern mentality, a high percentage of students, a beautiful historic city centre, science all around you and everything and everyone within reach.
The city’s unique character contributes to the fact that the University has made sustainable contributions to society for 400 years. Innovative academic research, important publications, definitions, formulas, discoveries, inventions, prizewinners, etc.; during our 400th anniversary celebrations, we would like to pause to reflect on all those milestones and the bond between city and University of the past 400 years. But we will mostly be looking ahead. Just like in the past 400 years, the University wants to contribute to a sustainable society 4∞, and we would also like the lustrum programme to reflect that.
