An Eternal Edict: video on 400 years of the University of Groningen

The six-minute video An Eternal Edict. For Infinity, Celebrating 400 Years of University of Groningen features noteworthy moments from the rich history of the University. It begins in the year 1614, when an Academy is set up in the region of Groningen, which has joined the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. Not by the pope or a king, emperor or other sovereign, as in other parts of Europe, but by the people themselves. They want a university. Necessary for the development of the city and the surrounding areas; good for society.

The video includes images of Aletta Jacobs (1871, the first female student), different royal visits (Queen Wilhelmina in 1914, Queen Juliana in 1964, King Willem Alexander in 2014) and the Nobel Prize being awarded to Professor F. Zernike.

In An Eternal Edict, the conclusion is reached that the original wish of the people has come true. Four centuries after it was established, the University of Groningen has become a research and teaching institution of international allure. It is a ‘Top 100’ university covering the entire academic spectrum. State-of-the-art research takes centre stage in its teaching activities, and the focus is always on talent development and excellence. The University of Groningen aims to use its knowledge and innovation to create a stable, sustainable society – a society that is able to utilize the energy sources of the future, and where people can live and age in good health.

Titles

•  An Eternal Edict was produced for the University of Groningen by the Communication Department (Franck Smit, Nyckle Swierstra) and Sensu Science (Jesper Beijvoets and Caspar de Zeeuw).

•   The following appear in An Eternal Edict (in order of appearance): Han Borg (historian), Elmer Sterken (Rector Magnificus and Professor of Monetary Economics), Janka Stoker (Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change, Chair of the For Infinity anniversary board) and Mayowa Oduola (student of Economics and Business Economics, specializing in International Economics and Business).

•  Voice over: Han Borg (historian)