University of Groningen Commemorates Victims of World War II

On 4 May, the University of Groningen (UG) commemorated the victims of World War II. The Board of the University laid a wreath in memory of UG staff and students who lost their lives during World War II. A memorial ceremony followed.

The flowers were laid at the monuments honoring UG staff members and current and former students who lost their lives, located on the left and right sides above the stairs in the lobby of the Academy Building. During the memorial ceremony, historian Stefan van der Poel explained for whom a Stolperstein will be laid this year on 12 May, more on which below. Two relevant research projects were also presented. Jeroen Benders spoke about his research on the University’s war victims, and master’s student Flores Bootsma discussed her research on Anda Kerkhoven.

Stolperstein

On Tuesday 12 May, a Stolperstein (stumbling stone) will be reveiled for Charles Ubbens (1888-1942). Ubbens was archeologist and curator at the UG. During the Second World War, he played a crucial role in the resistance movement in the north. For this, he was executed in the concentration camp of Sachsenhausen. The reviling of the Stolperstein will take place at Rijksstraatweg 45 in Haren. Benders will then say a few words. Everyone is welcome to attend.