Ruben van Gogh writes new birthday poem "Resitting an exam"

The new birthday poem "Resitting an exam" is written by Ruben van Gogh (1967). Van Gogh studied Human Geography in Groningen for several years, but did not finish his studies. He gained national fame with bundles like De Man van Taal (The Man of Language), Zoekmachines (Search Engines) and Klein Oera Linda (Oera Linda Minor). He also wrote several librettos for operas. He wrote the lyrics for the song "Chanson Départ" to mark the start of the 2015 Tour de France in Utrecht, that was performed by a 1,000-strong choir on July 5, 2015. Donald Gardner translated the birthday poem "Resitting an exam" to English.

The Ubbo Emmius Fund has been sending the special birthday poem on behalf of the University since 2011, to all alumni (with an email address known to the university). Often, responses are very positive and sometimes we even get a poem back. Earlier poets were Jean Pierre Rawie, Ronald Ohlsen, Maggie Brands, Stefan Nieuwenhuis and Leonie Veraar.

Would you like to receive the birthday poem? Please provide your email address via www.rug.nl/alumni/update