Stine Jensen Alumnus of the Year 2011

Philosopher and publicist Stine Jensen has been elected Alumnus of the Year 2011 by the University of Groningen. On Friday, the 1st of July, the award will be presented during the Summer Ceremony at the Academy Building of the University.

The University of Groningen thinks of its alumni as ambassadors: after their student years in Groningen alumni manifest themselves in society, all over the world. Since 2009, the University once a year honours an alumnus who has made a significant contribution to society, science or culture: the Alumnus of the Year. The award is meant as both a reward and an encouragement. The alumnus of the year is a promise for the future as well as an inspiration to others.

Science more accessible

Stine Jensen graduated from the University of Groningen in Literary Studies (1996, with credit) and Philosophy (1997). She has been elected Alumnus of the Year because the judges find Jensen makes science more accessible to a wide audience. She is capable of linking relevant themes from daily life to the views and knowledge of scientists, including philosophers. She hereby succeeds in making science in general and especially philosophy more accessible. This has great merit, particularly in a time when society seems to become more and more critical towards the value of (paying for) scientific research.

Summer Ceremony

The award for the Alumnus of the Year is a specially made statue form the Groninger artist Jan Steen. Vice-chancellor Elmer Sterken will present the award to Jensen during the Summer Ceremony at the Academy Building, with which the University celebrates the end of the academic year. Previous winners of the award were Jeroen Smit and Jelle Brandt Corstius.

More on the Alumnus of the Year 2009 and 2010>>>

Note for editorial staff

More information: Yvonne Jordens-Streng, y.m.jordens-streng@rug.nl, tel. 050-363 4684