Honours Festival 2025: Celebrating the Goodall Cohort

On 25 June 2025, the Honours Festival took place in the Academy Building to mark the academic journey of the Goodall cohort. As the final event of the Broadening part of the Honours Programme, third-year students showcased their work from the Broadening Module, School, and Atelier.

The festival opened at 2:00 p.m. in the Aula with inspiring speeches by Dean Prof. Joke Fleer and guest speaker Dr Marc Pauly. Their remarks highlighted the value of academic curiosity, interdisciplinary learning, and personal growth. Afterward, students gathered for a group photo on the front stairs of the Academy Building.

From 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., visitors explored interactive activities by the Atelier Groups, presenting the results of their collaborative projects. At 17:00, a closing ceremony featured congratulatory remarks from Prof. Jacquelien Scherpen (Rector of the University of Groningen), student representative Loek van den Nieuwenhuijzen, and Dean Fleer. The speeches were also live streamed for guests. Three musical interludes by Dr Simon Friederich, performing Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 10 in C major, KV 330, added a celebratory touch.

At 6:00 p.m., faculty-specific Honours Ceremonies took place, followed by a reception in the Spiegelzaal and Bruinszaal. The day concluded with a festive gala at 10:00 p.m., themed 'Down the Yellow Brick Road', hosted by the Honours College Social Association (HCSA).

The 2025 Honours Festival celebrated the achievements of the Goodall cohort and reflected the spirit of the Honours College—academic excellence, curiosity, and collaboration. Congratulations to all graduates!