University College Utrecht - Lustrum X

“We look at the present through a rear-view mirror.

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University College Utrecht | 10 year anniversary

:: 01 Preface :: 02 Cartoon Jan Veldhuis :: 03 Timeline :: 06 Enriching our city :: 07 History of the UCU campus :: 09 A special part of Utrecht University :: 12 The deans spill the beans :: 16 Accreditation :: 17 Curriculum innovation :: 23 Facts & figures :: 27 Serving the community :: 30 UCSA :: 31 ASIC :: 33 A platform for student initiative :: 36 Fraternities & sororities :: 37 Inside the gates – outside the gates :: 40 How international is UCU? :: 41 Poem of some sorts :: 43 Celebrating the year round :: 48 Not your ordinary alumni :: 51 Life after UCU Facing page / Saskia Westhof Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

Preface ::

by Rob van der Vaart dean UCU

What this lustrum year significantly shows me is the vibrancy of our UCU community. After ten years, our community has not become lazy, uninvolved, or boringly ‘consolidated’. This lustrum book is just one element of proof that many members of our community work together to produce interesting results.

It is not just this book and the effort put into it, which clearly show widely shared involvement. This year’s academic conference, festival, scholarship diner, plethora of academic and non-academic events organized by students, community outreach activities: they all show dedication and commitment to invest effort in our community, to do things that benefit all, to contribute to the community.

A community of students, staff and faculty can only flourish in this spirit of commitment, and in an atmosphere of mutual respect, mutual learning, openness to initiative, and a common sense of purpose. This book clearly demonstrates that these qualities are very much alive at University College Utrecht.

I hope and expect that our common sense of purpose will be further strengthened by the process of developing a UCU Strategic Plan for the coming years, a process in which many members of our community are involved right now, during the Spring of 2009. This common sense of direction, the fuelling of our community by a spirit of openness and involvement, and a shared focus on high academic quality will be the best guarantees for continued success on our road to the third lustrum in 2013-2014. 1

Photo by: Giulia Binon

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UCU ten year anniversary | Preface

teacher quotes

“Become your own Carrot” Christel Lutz / psychology instructor

Jan Veldhuis, well-known opponent of UCU and chair of Utrecht University’s executive board in 1998, is invited to speak at UCU’s official opening.

image: Published in U-Blad, September 3rd, 1998. Artist: Niels Bongers

Cartoon Jan Veldhuis | UCU ten year anniversary

02

Timeline :: 1996 / a small team headed

May 2000 / University College

by first Dean Hans Adriaansens

Alumni Association is created

starts preparations for a small scale international college in Utrecht

August 1998 /

2000 / Student housing

start of the first

April 1999 /

academic year

College Bar opens

‘The Wall’ is completed

Spring 1998 /

June 1999 /

even before the

first UCU

May 2000 / the

official opening the

merchandise

first 17 students,

college newspaper,

April 1999 /

Boomerang, is

University College

established

Student Association is founded

January 23rd 1998 /

enrolled in

appears

the 2 year

2000 / All Students

program,

Interest Council is

graduate UCU

founded

Kromhout terrain is officially bought from the military

2000 / the military donates an entrance arc to the college

teacher quotes

“Generally, it was the Roman Army, namely the legions, as it were, that conquered the northern region.”

Jeroen Bons / classics instructor

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April 10th 2007 / June 2004 / scientist

UCU alumnus wins

Ronald Plasterk (current

Vliegenthart thesis

Minister of Education)

October 2008 / Elsevier

award

publishes an article in

rates UCU as best bachelor

which he refers to UCU

program in the Netherlands

as a kindergarten for rich kids, causing at least one applicant to cancel

August 2008 / second lustrum

May 2001 / first official

August 29th

graduation: 110 students

2008 / parting

graduate from the 3 year

Dean Hans van

program

2003 /

Himbergen opens

first lustrum

meditation center

February 1st,

August 2008 /

2004 / Hans

Rob van der Vaart

2003 /

Van Himbergen

is appointed as

Willem Albert

installed as

Dean of UCU

Wagenaar

Dean

becomes Dean

September 2nd 2008 / January 12th 2006 / UCU

UCU alumna wins first UU

appears in New York Times

Master's thesis award

November 6th 2002 / Princess Maxima visits UCU

November 2007 / UCU is officially accredited by the ministry of education, and receives two special distinctions: the program is labeled ‘excellent’ on the achieved level and success rate of students

Timeline | UCU ten year anniversary

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by A. Wolfsen LL.M mayor of Utrecht

Enriching our city ::

Maybe I told you before about James Boswell, our most famous foreign student. In 1763 the 22 year old Scotsman arrived in Utrecht to study law. This was useful to him because Scottish law was, like ours in those days but unlike English, based on Roman law.

With his servant, James Boswell rented sumptuous lodgings in a hotel, quite on a par with his social status. He moved in the city's highest circles, to which also belonged the young Belle van Zuylen. He tried to learn Dutch, but rather half-heartedly, and his contribution to city life remained limited. He was one of the few hundred Utrecht University students, of whom just a very small group were foreigners. In the 18th century, on average fewer than five foreign students annually graduated in Utrecht. All in all, the role of foreign students remained marginal.

They were a tiny sub-group within an already small, elitist community.

Society has changed since. The population of Utrecht boasts more than

Facing page / Charlotte Champion Language: English Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

170 nationalities. This is reflected in our student population, although Dutch students of non-western descent are - alas - still relatively scarce.

Luckily, the high scientific level of our university, which is generally considered as the country's best, attracts many foreign students.

Photo by: Keke Keukelaar

UCU has asked me before about the possible role of foreign students in our city. I responded with a quite practical list of creative ideas, performed by Utrecht students. A list which hasn't - so I have been informed - failed to inspire. The other way around, I also learned some excellent ideas from the UCU students themselves. But quite apart from that, already by being yourself, by radiating your own country's habits and culture, and in the meanwhile by - unlike James Boswell - getting really involved in our city life, by showing interest in Dutch culture and maybe by learning Dutch, you already enrich our city in a most pleasant manner. By the way - best wishes for your second quinquennium! 1

Enriching our city | UCU ten year anniversary

06

Origins

theless, in order to enhance the deterrence effect, dead convicts were

University College’s premises are of historical origin. About a century

often hung for an indeterminate period of time in a location outside of

ago, builders were digging an excavation for the big chimney locat-

the Utrecht centre, which was where now our beloved campus stands.

ed next to the W building and discovered the remnants of an old well dating back to the eleventh or twelfth century. Back in the days, UCU

The Kromhout military base

grounds belonged to a monastery called Oudwijk. It is hardly surprising

Built as of 1910 and opened in 1913, the Kromhout kazerne served as

that human bones were found: between 1100 and 1600, Utrecht was

a replacement of the former base of the so called ‘Genie’ troops, the

subject to many battles. During one of these the monastery was set on

Dutch Army Engineer Corps. The military base was named after lieu-

fire and almost completely burned down.

tenant-general Joachim Hendrik Kromhout, an honorable member of the Genie. The immediate surroundings of the base were complete-

Another historical fact concerns the name of the premises on which our

ly different from what they are today, being largely made up of polder

campus is build, simultaneously the name of the FC Utrecht football

landscape or reclaimed land. The Kromme Rijn was mainly used as a

stadium: Galgenwaard. The name is deduced from the Dutch word for

route for transportation. The Wilhelminapark was present and the adja-

gallow: galg. In medieval times, convicts were hanged in the city cen-

cent neighborhoods were under construction. The houses of the Prins

tre: a fact at odds when considering the location of our campus. Never-

Hendriklaan were still non-existent.

History of the UCU campus ::

by Fleur Brunninkhuis class of ‘09

image: Kromhoutkazerne 1975 / from: 75 jaar Kromhoutkazerne / 1988

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image: menukaart feestelijke maaltijd / from: 75 jaar Kromhoutkazerne / 1988

After the Dutch capitulation in 1940, German troops confiscated the military site and allocated it to the Herman Gรถring air landing division.

The base served an educational function for German soldiers who were taught the theoretical aspects of military life and accommodated layovers for German troops.

Some years after the Second World War had ended the Dutch government realized that modern warfare required the use of motor vehicles.

The Dutch army motorised and founded a new department for the maintenance of these motor vehicles: the Technical Service.

The birth of this new division forced the Genie to leave their base. Because of a lack of barracks, machineries, and parking spots combined with the successful military trainings offered, new buildings were constructed which changed the appearance of the base completely. HanThe base was quite different from the current UCU campus in several

gars for vehicle maintenance and education erected, as well as extra

respects. The clock tower, academic buildings, College Hall, K and the

living space for the soldiers. These are the typical post-war, low, long

Auditorium were already present. The buildings were used as guard

military buildings which have only been removed recently. Additionally,

post, accommodated soldiers, served educational purposes, provided

old buildings were demolished and new facilities constructed. Building

sport facilities, and lastly functioned as armament storage. Additional

G was built in 1974 and replaced the old canteen. Dining Hall, func-

warehouses were constructed for the purpose of extra storage space

tioning as a common place to eat and relax, substituted the kitchen

and a canteen and bathhouse were in use.

and the old bathhouse in 1985.

The First World War passed relatively peacefully. In 1915, the govern-

A decrease in personnel, reorganization of the Dutch army and the

ment deemed it necessary to call for extra troops which were installed

abolishment of conscription in the beginning of the 1990s lead to

at the base. Considering the development of air traffic, additional ma-

a significantly less occupied Kromhout base. Parts of the Kromhout

terials such as eavesdropping machines and searchlights were sup-

base became available and discussions regarding its new function

plied: the base expanded.

were initiated.

Between 1919 and 1939, the extra land was sold and the base reduced

After ongoing negotiations in 1996, the Utrecht city council voted in fa-

to its previous size. In the second half of the 1930s and with the Sec-

vour of the transformation of the Kromhout kazerne. The former army

ond World War looming, the ministry of war constructed many new mil-

base seemed the perfect location for the realisation of an international

itary bases and expanded existing ones. A total of five new buildings

honors college. The site was bought and renovated by Utrecht Univer-

were added and the Kromhout base expanded again.

sity and became the UCU campus as we know it today. 1

History of the UCU campus | UCU ten year anniversary

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by Giulia Binon / class of ‘10 & Alisa Kholmovskaya / class of ‘11

A special part of Utrecht University ::

Interview with Yvonne van Rooy,

enced UU. Due to the increased

chair of the UU executive board

interest in such education, a Dutch liberal arts and sciences

Mrs. Van Rooy, in what sense

program has been developed

does UCU differ from UU?

along with five other programs

Though UCU is a very special

that have implemented selection

part of the UU, it is not so much

procedures.

different from it. UCU is a perfect example of the strength of

What are your attitudes

UU in terms of the innovation of

towards UCU?

the Liberal Arts and Sciences pro-

Very positive and grateful. Any-

gram. The creation of such a pro-

time a foreign commission comes

gram was unique because of the

to visit, they seem to be im-

type of education developed, the

pressed by the correlation be-

obligatory residence on campus

tween the high quality of educa-

and the international environ-

tion, the living standards of the

ment students are placed in.

students and the fairly low costs at UCU. Students are motivated

“UCU is sort of a laboratory for a new type of education.”

Has UCU started a new trend in

and ambitious; the future leaders

the Netherlands?

of the world. You are guaranteed

UCU is a sort of laboratory for a

to be successful in the public sec-

are positively engaging Utrecht

dents to be able and open to

new type of education. Today,

tor, government and politics as

University as a whole into a wider

meet people from all over the

many other similar colleges have

those doors are always open for

network of connections. The ex-

world; it enables them to face ev-

or are being created in the Neth-

people with international experi-

change program that was set up

ery challenge later in life. 1

erlands such as in Maastricht,

ence.

at UCU is one unique advantage.

Roosevelt Academy or the one

A major plus for the students is

being developed in Amsterdam.

What do you think about the

the campus situation which cre-

The concept of self-selecting

international advantages of

ates a different climate compared

courses throughout the bach-

UCU?

to the other English programs

elor’s program has greatly influ-

The international features of UCU

at the UU. It is important for stu-

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UCU ten year anniversary | A special part of Utrecht University

Facing page / Saskia Westhof Language: Dutch Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

The deans spill the beans ::

by Lana Askari / class of ‘11 & Giulia Binon / class of ‘10 In any college or university, the dean has a key occupation when it

What makes UCU different from other universities?

comes to academic as well as governance issues. At UCU there is an

Wagenaar: “UCU’s most remarkable feature is its high success rate,

added dimension: the campus, its inhabitants and all social issues that

more than 90% of the students obtain their degrees in exactly three

may arise because of this setup. At UCU, then, the dean bears respon-

years. That may be normal outside the Netherlands; the rate of success

sibility not only for the academic program, but also for the students

of other university programs in our country is only around 60%. Thus

and the campus. And on top of all of this, UCU students have a ten-

the foundation of UCU meant a significant innovation in the Dutch edu-

dency to voice their opinion and participate in all kinds of decision pro-

cational system.”

cesses. One can imagine that presiding over such an enterprise can be

Van der Vaart: “UCU has a residential element which provides a spe-

quite a challenge.

cial atmosphere. It creates focus among the students, they want to put more time and effort into their studies.”

During the ten years of its existence UCU has had four deans. These individuals have, each in their own way, worked at getting the best out

What motivated you to take the position of dean at UCU?

of the college. What is that makes this liberal arts and sciences college

Adriaansens: “It has always been my intention to help universities to

special? The word is to the deans.

reorganise the undergraduate state. Dutch universities were impersonal, inefficient and one-size-fits-all, particularly in the first years of their programs. The liberal arts and sciences college was originally meant to improve Dutch higher education, particularly the first years of it, which

“UCU has become the first university where the quality of education is more important than obtaining a diploma.”

was very necessary.”

Wagenaar: “UCU has become in the first place a college in which teachers can do well. That has attracted me to UCU, as a dean, but above all as a teacher. In the Netherlands UCU has become the first university where the quality of education is more important than obtaining a diploma.”

Van Himbergen: “We need to give students space to create what they want. Let students be the architects of their own programs.”

Facing page / Max Adrian Language: German Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

What are the advantages of an internationally oriented college?

Wagenaar: “The international orientation and the use of English are essential because they tend to stimulate ambition. This applies to students as well as to teachers; or rather: more to teachers than to >

UCU ten year anniversary | The deans spill the beans

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Photo by: André van Haasteren

Prof. Dr. Hans Adriaansens is founder and first dean of UCU. Currently he is the dean of Roosevelt Academy in Middelburg, and he is busy innovating the Dutch higher education system.

Prof. Dr. Willem A. Wagenaar was the second dean of UCU. He is a psychologist, with expertise in criminal court cases.

students. Students’ study habits are to a large extent induced by their

have been several consistencies, one being the promotion of excel-

teachers’ aspiration levels. If the teachers do not expect students to do

lence. However, it always is a challenge to improve courses and to

well, why would students try to falsify such expectations?”

get the routine out of them. Maintaining a light institution without too

Van der Vaart: “It is not something you immediately might see, but study-

much bureaucracy and a spirit of innovation are also important factors.”

ing here, over the years you create a more global view of the world.”

Van Himbergen: “The spirit of enterprise is the same, it has only become stronger.”

Has UCU changed since its existence?

Van der Vaart: “I believe that the initial thoughts of the UCU spirit are

Has UCU set a new trend in (continental) Europe?

still present today, the program has changed in terms of scale over the

Adriaansens: “There’s a high level of interest in the liberal arts and sci-

years, but the basic principles have not altered. Over the years, there

ences concept. UCU has never been a matter of building something

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Photo by: Sebastiaan Cassé

Photo by: Fred Trappenburg

Prof. Dr. Hans van Himbergen was the third dean of UCU. Currently he coordinates several research projects and represents UU in Europe and America.

Prof. Dr. Rob van der Vaart is the current dean of UCU. He has taught geography at UCU since the beginning.

exclusive. The main theme has always been to improve the level of undergraduate education in our country. That was our major tasks. I am very happy that next to UCU, several others have been established. Im-

“Let students be the architects of their own programs”

itation is the nicest form of flattery and that’s what you’ve been seeing.

Maastricht, Middelburg and Amsterdam have already established similar colleges. Universities in Leiden, Leuven and Gent are also consider-

A last word?

ing establishing new liberal arts and sciences colleges. There are also

Adriaansens: “UCU has certainly lived up to my expectations. I think

universities in Sweden wanting to build colleges.”

it’s an asset to the UU and the system of higher education in our coun-

Van Himbergen: “In making students enthusiastic and allowing them to

try. I do hope that the colleges in this country will stay in good comfort

show initiative, we are a leading example.”

with each other because I think we can make a difference.” 1

UCU ten year anniversary | The deans spill the beans

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teacher quotes

In Dutch high schools a streber – which translates roughly as eager beaver – is often the object of disapproval and bullying. Not so at UCU; excelling is very much at the core of what we aspire to do. We are sup-

A student is asking a long and complicated question.

“This is a very good question... let’s have a break!” (question remains unanswered) Jacobijn Olthoff / anthropology instructor

posed to be excellent students, we are expected to get into top schools around the world, and allegedly we work our behinds off the year round.

The term excellence appears in every other sentence of the mission statement, strategy plan and promotion leaflet. But, while an admirable intention, how do you validate such a statement?

Accreditation ::

“A stamp of approval, accreditation by an independent body guarantees that the institution offers education and issues degrees that meet a widely recognized level of quality.”

In most of the western world de-

In June 2007 UCU was evaluat-

factory, good and excellent, where

gree programs or educational in-

ed by representatives of a Dutch

excellent is defined as ‘best prac-

two special distinctions in the ar-

stitutes are required to carry ac-

visitation team and their North

tice’, can serve as an international

eas evaluated as excellent. These

creditation. A stamp of approval,

American counterpart. This un-

and national model. In terms of

distinctions are not acquired eas-

accreditation by an independent

precedented and experimental

the results that students achieve,

ily, and ours is the only program

body guarantees that the institu-

committee allowed for a unique

UCU scored excellent on ‘level

with this particular combination.

tion offers education and issues

evaluation of the college; it com-

achieved’ and ‘success rates’. An

degrees that meet a widely rec-

bined expertise of the Dutch

exceptional and unprecedented

The committee also produced a

ognized level of quality. In the

educational system with typically

achievement. Scoring good on

list of recommendations, urging

Netherlands, as in most countries,

American criteria. A useful com-

almost all other items, a default

for progress to be made on those

accreditation is a governmental

bination, as UCU introduced the

satisfactory was awarded when it

items marked as satisfactory. As

responsibility, carried out by the

American liberal arts tradition to

comes to ‘international and inter-

an institute that – to a large de-

Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Or-

the Dutch university arena where

cultural orientation’ and ‘involve-

gree rightfully – thinks of itself as

ganization (NVAO).

disciplinary focus is the standard.

ment of staff, students and the

excellent, we owe it to ourselves

professional field’ in internal qual-

to dot those i’s and cross those

ity assurance.

t’s. 1

The committee evaluated UCU’s Facing page / Alisa Kholmovskaya Language: Russian Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

UCU, but we were also awarded

program on a list of 21 criteria.

Each item was marked on a 4

The outcome prompted the

point scale: unsatisfactory, satis-

NVAO to not only fully accredit

Accreditation | UCU ten year anniversary

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Curriculum Innovation :: A new concept Towards the end of the twentieth century Hans Adriaansens had a vision of a small scale college, in the image of the American Ivy League institutes and British universities like Oxford and Cambridge. A breeding ground for tomorrow’s leaders, this college would embrace as key values ambition and excellence, amidst an educational landscape of conformity and contentment. In 1997 Utrecht University allowed Adriaansens the opportunity to found University College Utrecht, the first

The Dutch are used to higher education that emphasizes disciplinary specialization.

You want to become an architect? Go to a technological university. Become a doctor?

Go to med-school.

liberal arts & sciences (LAS) program in the Netherlands.

A decade later several universities have followed suit and started their own LAS colleges or programs. At the same time, however, misconceptions about the concept are not uncommon. From a Minister of education who referred to UCU as ‘a Harry Potter school’, to selection committees of Master’s programs that ‘do not admit hbo bachelor’s’; the maturation of LAS in continental Europe is far from complete.

Most of the time unfamiliarity with the philosophy is the source of these misconceptions. The Dutch are used to higher education that emphasizes disciplinary specialization. You want to become an architect? Go to a technological university. Become a doctor? Go to med-school.

The idea that a degree can also reflect a broad base of knowledge and intellectual and social development is new to them. Acceptance, then, should start with understanding. >

did you know...

Did you know that the first UCU brochure was already published before the Kromhout terrain was purchased, and that the ‘students’ in the picture are in truth staff members?

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UCU ten year anniversary | Curriculum Innovation

Facing page / Krysten Ho-Kang-You Language: Papiamento (Netherlands Antilles) Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

What is liberal arts?

“Liberal education is an educational philosophy rather than a body of knowledge, specific courses, or type of institution. By drawing on a broad range of knowledge, it asks students to grapple with complicated, important issues, and usually expects them to learn about at least one subject in greater depth and at an advanced level. Intellectual growth occurs as both broad and deep learning challenge previously held beliefs.” from UCU Educational Philosophy From antiquity through medieval times, in Western thought a classical education was constituted by study of the seven liberal arts. This luxury was only afforded free men; others were confined to professional, or illiberal, education. Gradually the scope expanded to include the visual arts and the natural and social sciences. By the end of the nineteenth century a shift became perceptible: whereas the Anglo-Saxon world continued development of the liberal arts, mainland Europe shifted attention to a strong orientation on research and disciplinary focus.

The seven artes liberales: grammar, dialectic, rhetoric, geometry, arithmetic, astronomy and music.

Nowadays liberal arts colleges are a predominantly American phenomenon, denoting undergraduate colleges which emphasize broad knowledge and skills development rather than academic specialization. In the United States a majority of college graduates enters the work market, as opposed to Europe where Doctoral or Master’s degrees are expected. The European LAS programs aim to produce graduates who on the one hand find their way to Master’s programs and PhD research, and on the other hand develop the skills and sensitivities necessary for their professional careers.

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Liberal arts at UCU Academic skills / Founder Hans Adriaansens used to compare the curriculum to a pie with four equal slices: skills, major core, major enrichment, and minor. The first slice, academic skills, comprised courses like argumentation, statistical research, academic English and foreign languages. These are the courses that everybody has to take, regardless of their major. They are gradually being replaced by majorspecific courses. As such, science students are no longer required to learn research methods employed in the social sciences.

Fried Keesen became head of the Academic Core department and Director of Education at UCU in 2004. True to his belief that skills education must be taught in context, he discontinued the Academic Core as a separate department in 2008.

Today Fried Keesen advocates a trend from teaching skills in isolated courses to learning in context. A language requirement, for example, gains more value when it is used within the curriculum. Keesen envisions a sociology course where a student analyses an article in Italian, thereby satisfying the foreign language requirement. “This way students acquire skills in context, rather than learning isolated tricks which are easily forgotten.�

The China program exemplifies such a future. Students take a course in Chinese language and culture, after which they go abroad for a semester to Xiamen University. As such the language is learnt in a context, making it applicable and part of the curriculum.

The development of skills accumulates in the research project, where the student independently puts all the acquired knowledge and skills into practice, resulting in a sizeable academic paper. >

UCU ten year anniversary | Curriculum Innovation

20

Major / When UCU started, the curriculum had to be designed from

year. Cognitive neuroscience, a highly interdisciplinary field, frequently

scratch. It was a good opportunity to launch ideas. The result was a dy-

takes in UCU graduates as well.

namic and interesting collection of courses, but this process inevitably had its effects on the perceived coherence of the program. A 200 level

Interdisciplinarity / By combining traditionally distinct academic fields,

course, for example, did not always build on the content of the preced-

students are stimulated to view topics from different perspectives, thus

ing 100 level course. Keesen: “Gradually we have attempted to bring

demanding and fostering mutual understanding and creativity. But how

more structure in the curriculum. Graduate programs require a degree

is theory put into practice in the UCU curriculum?

of knowledge in their respective fields, and we have a responsibility to prepare our students to meet these requirements.”

One way is to develop courses that touch on different academic disciplines. Cognitive neuroscience for example, combines neurobiology

In the early days, some UCU graduates did experience problems en-

(science), psychology (social science) and linguistics (humanities). The

tering Master’s programs at Dutch universities. They were encour-

humanities course museum studies similarly covers anthropology and

aged to report this at UCU, which would take the issue higher up.

scientific collections.

Although their number decreases with the years, two incidents nevertheless occurred last year. One UC student who graduated cum

But one can also think of a thematic approach. The Africa program is a

laude was denied entry into econometrics both in Amsterdam and

good example. In this program students take a summer course in de-

Tilburg. After intervention of the UU Executive Board she was ac-

velopment at UCU, after which they go to Africa as a group for a field

cepted at both institutes, and is now doing great among her peers.

course. Next they split up to do individual internships. The science ap-

Another highly qualified graduate was barred from veterinary sci-

proach ranges from white energy to farming and wildlife preservation,

ence. Partially as a result from this incident, the faculty of veterinary

whereas the social science approach might tackle sustainable tourism

science is now working on a fast-track program open to non-veter-

or economic systems. Humanities students, in turn, focus on art, gen-

inary undergraduates. The student, meanwhile, is in Belgium, do-

der studies or journalism. But by working in a group each student is

ing… veterinary science.

confronted with all these different perspectives, while at the same time bearing in mind the common aim of development.

Conversely, there are more and more graduate programs that love to welcome UCU students. Summa, the medical research Master’s at UU

A very recent development, in which Keesen is heavily involved, is the

for example, filled 16 of 40 available places with UCU students last

Sirius program. Highly qualified students (GPA >3.5) design a course on an interdisciplinary theme (this year’s theme is evolution) which they believe is missing from the curriculum. Under the supervision of a senior faculty member these students simultaneously develop and take

Facing page / Timor Faber Language: Hebrew (Israel) Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

this course. The semester after, the course will be introduced as a regular UC course and is up for grabs to all students who are interested.

Combining ambition, curiosity and independence, the Sirius course is a miniature embodiment of the liberal arts philosophy. 1

Curriculum Innovation | UCU ten year anniversary

22

Facts & figures :: Evaluation and ranking of program / The 2008 Academic Ranking of World Universities conducted by

UCU is fully accredited and internationally evaluated as ‘excellent’ on

Shanghai University rates Utrecht University as the best Dutch and 9th

‘level achieved’ and ‘quality of education’ by a joint commission con-

best European University. The research focused Shanghai ranking is an

sisting of a council from QANU - an independent assessor of higher ed-

influential index of universities worldwide.

ucation programs in Holland - and delegates from the American Higher Learning Commission.

In the 2008 issue of Elsevier magazine’s extensive survey among Dutch institutes of higher education, students rate UCU and Roosevelt Academy as the best undergraduate programs in the country.

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Staff & Faculty / The UCU faculty comprises 130 lecturers, 14 fellows, 21 tutors and 17 members of staff.

teacher quotes

“Every one of you should work in a factory by an assembly line for a while. It is indeed a very enlightening experience and you will learn to understand why you study and why you are the chosen ones.”

Longina Jakobowska / anthropology instructor

23

UCU ten year anniversary | Facts & figures

190

3

89 %

29% / stu dy a

U tU

8%

Where do UCU graduates go? /

No f

11 es

89% of UCU graduates choose to do another study program. Of this

Studi

aster’s prog 82% / M ram

he urt r

%

gram pro dy u t s er th no a /

group 7% enrols in another Bachelor’s program, 82% in a Master’s program and 15% in a PhD research position.

broad udy a / st

6%

38% of UCU graduates do so abroad. The most popular universities are

5% 5% 3%

6%

Cambridge (5%) and London School of Economics (5%).

3%

5%

5%

29% of UCU graduates go to Utrecht University: elor

Bach 7%

univers

itie s

33%

resear

15%

/o

s

D

% / Ph 15

ch dut er th

Medicine:

8%

Science:

6%

Humanities:

5%

Law, Economics & Governance:

5%

Geosciences:

3%

Social & Behavioral Sciences:

3%

ch

The remaining 33% of UCU graduates go to other universities in the Netherlands.

10mm = 10%

G.P.A. distribution / UCU graduates achieve the following grade

10mm = 10%

point average, on a scale from 1 to 4: summa cum laude (3.90 – 4.00)

9%

magna cum laude (3.80 – 3.89)

7%

cum laude (3.50 – 3.79)

34%

with honors (3.00 – 3.49)

34%

no distinction (2.00 – 2.99)

16% 99

2.

49

3.

79

3.

89

3.

00

4.

0

.0

-2

0

.0

-3

0

.5

-3

0

.8

-3

0

.9

-3

24

Semester Abroad Approximately 50% of UCU students take part in an exchange program to spend a semester abroad. The most popular desti-

1. Australia

When the nationalities of all students past and present are colored in

2. United States

on a map, the following pictures appears:

3. China 4. United Kingdom

nations are:

10mm = 10%

Student body composition UCU currently numbers 673 students representing 55 countries (excluding visiting students).

Nationalities:

1 / complete the program

85% of the students who start

Dutch

at UCU complete the pro-

7%

Double nationality

gram (national average: 46%),

2%

US

1%

Canadian

3%

Asian

1%

African

1%

Eastern-European

2%

British

2%

French

4%

German

1%

Scandinavian

12%

Other

76% of whom finish within 3 years (national average: 26%).

2 / national

1 / UCU

64%

20 mm = 100%

did you know...

Did you know that founder Hans Adriaansens always planned important events on his own birthday?

25

Efficiency

2 / finish within 3 years

UCU ten year anniversary | Facts & figures

Facing page / Neha Rao Language: Hindi (India) Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

Serving the community ::

by Michael Price

Community service has long been an integral part of the liberal arts and

student life officer

sciences educational tradition, as colleges strive to not only give back to the communities in which they are located, but also to use these opportunities as learning experiences for their students as they grow in their education to become responsible members of society. By engaging with and participating in the surrounding community, students prepare themselves to take on a greater role in society as they move further along their career paths, as well as learn the reward of supporting the community for the greater good.

Continuing with this tradition of liberal arts and sciences institutions, University College students are also actively engaged in their surrounding community and have been involved in community service as individuals, as part of campus committees, and as part of a broader initiative by the college to provide students with the opportunity to contribute to the greater Utrecht community.

The popular and widely supported annual Charity Ball raises funds for a local cause every year through ticket sales for the ball. This year, the IMC Weekend School was the chosen beneficiary, and students were not only

teacher quotes

“This blackboard here could serve as vacuum cleaner if it was somehow starting to suck in dust.�

Rob van Gerwen / philosophy instructor

able to support the project through buying a ticket, but were able to volunteer their time to help tutor local middle school students during weekend teaching sessions held on the UCU campus.

This year, UCU students have reached out into the Utrecht community to share their talents and skills for the benefit of others by working with local vocational school students. This is being done together with the Anglia English Language Network to help students at the Centraal College middle and high schools in Utrecht improve their English skills. This initia-

27

UCU ten year anniversary | Serving the community

did you know...

Did you know that on Queen’s Day in 1999 the army veterans wanted to celebrate the festivities on their former military base, and as such held a parade on the campus grounds, after which the students were invited to drink ‘oranjebitter’ (orange liquor) at 10 in the morning?

tive is being developed with the intention of becoming a long-term sus-

The UCU Humanitarian Committee has been very active in supporting in-

tainable partnership with Centraal College, Anglia, and UCU, providing

ternational causes for several years. Every semester, HumCo raises mon-

high school students with opportunities they otherwise would not have,

ey to support a chosen cause. For example, in Spring 2009 they are rais-

and allowing our students to make a difference in the local communi-

ing money to support the Tabitha Foundation in Cambodia, a non-profit

ty. The response from Centraal College students during the pilot period

organization which assists poor families in Cambodia through a housing

this year was very positive, and the international composition of our par-

construction program and by providing micro-credit for cottage indus-

ticipating students gives the Centraal students exposure to people and

tries. Other past targets of HumCo include providing funding for children

places they otherwise would not have the opportunity to encounter. It

in Guatemala City through the Safe Passage organization, contributing to

is hoped that this partnership will continue to the benefit of all involved,

a refugee school in Myanmar, and donating to the Kawempe Youth Cen-

and that our students will facilitate growth and opportunity for the young

ter library in Uganda. These types of fundraising activities engage UCU

people with whom they are working.

students with the broader world and prepare them for entering public service after their time here by familiarizing them with how international

UCU students volunteer their time on an individual basis by volunteering

charities and NGOs function.

with public service organizations like the Red Cross or Salvation Army, or volunteering internationally to work for a variety of international Non-

It can be seen that UCU students are active and engaged in their sur-

Governmental Organizations. Other students have organized tutorial

rounding community and the broader world through their actions. Stu-

sessions for minority and immigrant high school students. After learning

dents do this on their own initiative to become involved in a way that

that high school students who are ethnic minorities or children of im-

makes a difference in the lives of others. This type of community service

migrants are considered as being at risk of not performing to their po-

provides students with an experience which compliments the liberal arts

tential, students who have their own business tutoring students started

and sciences education provided by UCU, allowing the students here

weekend sessions to tutor these students for free.

to broaden not only their intellectual horizons, but also to broaden their knowledge and understanding of others as they learn and grow. 1

Another area of community service activities that a number of our students are involved in is fundraising for charitable causes. An ambitious student initiative currently taking place is the Cultural Cookery project.

Students will work together with the Happitaria organization to set up and operate a restaurant in Utrecht. Chefs and students donate their time and work together to provide good food with the proceeds being donated to development projects in India, Sudan and Uganda.

28

1998

1999

2001

2000

2002

University College Student Association ::

by Charlotte Champion

The University College Student

responsibility very seriously.

gap between University College

Class of ‘09

Association (UCSA) has

Although the board may not

and Utrecht University students

existed since the creation of

always represent the student

by encouraging students to go

University College itself and is

body demographically, they

into town and see what other

a fundamental part of the social

nevertheless believe that they

organizations have to offer.

atmosphere on the campus.

are capable of representing all

Each year a board is elected

the different cultures that come

Being a member of the UCSA

by students to represent their

together at University College.

board is a time consuming

interests for a whole academic

“Whether you are Dutch or

occupation. This lustrum year

year. The UCSA carries out

foreign, man or woman doesn’t

has caused added pressure in

a variety of tasks and events

affect whether you can represent

the form of new events. And

each year, among which the

a different culture – you don’t

members face additional college

introduction week. During

think from your own sex or

fees because they have to

this week new students are

nationality; that is not what

take an extra semester worth

introduced to both on and off

the board is for. The campus is

of course work. But none of

campus life, meeting their fellow

a mixture of different groups

them regret making this small

students, learning about dining

and the board must reflect that

sacrifice. “It is a wonderful

hall, and of course partying

idea.”

experience, because you are not

“The campus is a mixture of different groups and the board must reflect that idea”

together.

Facing page / Photos of Introduction Week, 1998 - 2002

UCSA | UCU ten year anniversary

only in a position in which you Although UCSA has already

represent the students but also

UCSA’s tasks are not limited to

accomplished many things

in which you see how motivated

managing events for the first two

such as the festival, the

the students are. There are so

weeks of the academic year; the

beach party, and the charity

many opportunities to engage

association acts as an umbrella

ball, there is always room for

in organization and discussion.

for everything related to keeping

continuous improvement. An

It’s always a challenge being in

students socially engaged

example of this is an improved

a board with six different people

outside the field of academics.

relationship with sister colleges

who each have six different

The board members themselves

like Roosevelt Academy in

opinions. However, it opens up

are very proud to have been

Middelburg and University

your eyes and makes you see

chosen to represent the interests

College Maastricht. UCSA

that there is more to the world

of their peers and take this

would also like to bridge the

than your own opinion.” 1

30

All Student Interest Council :: The All Students Interest Council

council which allows ASIC to rep-

dents. With tuition fees rising,

by Jolien Buijs

(ASIC) was originally an organ of

resent the students in academic

that will prove quite a challenge.

Class of ‘10

the UCSA, but they broke away

affairs. The college council has

after three years to become an

worked closely together with the

For the near future ASIC has

independent organization that

academic staff to improve course

many plans for the campus it-

represents student interests in

content and grading measures.

self; wireless internet on campus

matters concerning academic

The abolishment of grading on

and remodeling Dining Hall and

and domestic life.

the curve is an example.

the sport centre are just a few. In addition to this, there are plans

ASIC has achieved several ac-

Since ASIC is an independent

for a campus café and lounges

complishments that may be seen

body it relies heavily on student

in the academic buildings. Fur-

as small, but that have neverthe-

activity and commitment in par-

thermore, ASIC hopes to cre-

less been very important for im-

ticipating in questionnaires, peti-

ate more awareness concerning

proving the quality of campus

tions, and the Agora, a platform

Master’s programs.

life. Among these are the book

that gives students the opportu-

sales held at the beginning of

nity to discuss the matters that

The members believe that

each semester which take an

concern them.

there is always something that

enormous load off the students’

can be improved. “ASIC will

shoulders. Additionally, ASIC

ASIC’s ambitions are not con-

have its eyes focused on the

provides several facilities such as

fined to campus life; they also

school but also on how the

the rental of bikes, ovens, and

aim to help maintaining UCU’s

school can become better. All

vacuum cleaners. A major accom-

reputation as an honors college,

ASIC members like to leave

plishment is their involvement in

while at the same time uphold-

thinking that they have accom-

the establishment of the college

ing its accessibility to all stu-

plished something.” 1

teacher quotes

“Beauty is something that touches you, not necessarily in a positive way though. I can think of numerous examples of very repulsive things that I find truly beautiful.”

Suzan Lemont / performing arts instructor

31

“The members believe that there is always something that can be improved”

UCU ten year anniversary | ASIC

Facing page / Photos of Introduction Week, 2003 - 2008

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

by Ivar van Hasselt UCSA Chair 2008-2009

Committees / A platform for student initiative ::

Although only few people might realize this during their time on campus,

positively at the famous Party Nights and the liquid gold called Grolsch.

the committee system of the UCSA really is unique and knows hardly any

Moreover, right from the start onwards, the Drama Committee has en-

equivalents in the Netherlands or abroad. Together, the activities of over

tertained campus with its diverse performances, the Sports Commit-

thirty committees on campus combine creative, cultural, academic and

tee has offered a wide variety of physical activities and the Boomerang

social activities all under the header of one association. This might be

has facilitated a platform where students can publicize their stories. In

taken for granted by many, but honestly, try to list one other association

the years that followed, the quality of already existing events increased

that combines committees such as dance, drama and choir, with lectures,

while simultaneously many new committees developed and expanded

debate tournaments, a student newspaper and even a very own bar. Uni-

the diversity of the committee system. Today, just to name a few, the

versity College Utrecht therefore not only offers a highly challenging aca-

Humanitarian Committee has already raised tons for charity, the Debate

demic program, but also a diverse and intensive social life. As has been

Committee has organized several debate tournaments and the Poli-

stated in many introduction week speeches, including my own, “UC is

tics Committee has introduced our Auditorium to a wide variety of well-

not only about studying”, and it shows!

known figures.

The development of the committee system started the very way every-

Apart from this all, a lot can be said about the dynamic nature of the

thing on this campus was set up: covered in mud. After UCU’s first se-

committee system and the endless possibilities for creative and innova-

mester had experienced the birth of all kinds of committees, it became

tive ideas. During its ten years of existence, the UCSA has known various

clear to many members that, in order to keep all these social initiatives

specific committees set up by a small group of motivated members. Of-

organized and coordinated, a unified association was to be founded.

ten, these committees have been around for just a short period of time

And so it happened; the UCSA was born and the first board was elect-

and the UCSA has therefore become a very dynamic organization with

ed. Ever since, the number of committees has grown, the quality has in-

different committees reflecting the interests of its current members each

creased and the diversity has been further developed. Although the term

year. The Hug Committee, for instance, was established in 2004 and

“UCSA” is often used to identify the six people elected for Board in that

aimed to spread love through campus by choosing a new “huggee” ev-

particular year, the reality is quite different. Rather, I would like the UC-

ery week. Being one of the low-budget committees, it unfortunately died

SA to stand for all those that create the social diversity on campus; the

in 2007. Other examples are Paparazzi, Philosophy and Poetry; all no lon-

members of committees and teams and its audience.

ger alive, but if anyone knows CPR?

Over the years, the association has witnessed a steady increase in strong,

Ten years of committees, naturally, do not go without any controversy

active committees which have proven to be a solid basis of social life on

or debate. The usual critical remarks and questions at General Assem-

campus. The Bar, as an example of one of the first committees, has been

blies have always been around and to me this only illustrates the es-

responsible for a large part of the unique social life of UCU ever since

sential involvement of students in the committee system. Also outside

its existence. I believe there are few UCU students who don’t look back

the formal setting of GA’s, there are plenty of controversial, difficult and

33

UCU ten year anniversary | A platform for student initiative

sometimes even funny issues that have arisen within our community.

From food fights in Dining Hall during Sinterklaas celebrations resulting in strict supervision of the event by the Dean the years after, to a petition making the UCSA College Bar smoke free: both caused heated debates

“The Hug Committee, for instance, was established in 2004 and aimed to spread love through campus”

and eventually compromised according to the Dutch “polder” model.

in the current structure. In the end, we should not forget the reason why

And from extensive discussions over the all student email list addressing

the UCSA was founded in the first place: to end a scattered and uncoor-

whether it should be possible to hire a stripper at the Beach Party, to a

dinated system and to introduce structure and continuity.

sudden public resistance against the elitist character of Prom, leading to the creation of the innovative concept “Charity Ball” the year after. Even

Whether it is the creative minds of the students, the fact that everyone

though it is just a very small selection, it is sufficient to illustrate my main

lives on the same campus or something completely different, the diver-

point: UCU students have an opinion they are not afraid to voice! The in-

sity of student initiatives seems to increase endlessly. Last year’s board,

teresting consequence of this feature is, again, the dynamic and unique

by introducing three main committee groups – lecture, social and arts

nature of our association.

– took an important step in structuring the dispersed assembly of committees. Although various joint committee events proof the effectiveness

The quality and quantity of the UCU committees and events raises the

of this system, it can fortunately still not prevent the creation of several

question which concerns the extent to which different committees can

new committees to happen. It seems that as long as new students come

claim autonomy and independence. Despite the efforts of many UCSA

to UCU, the diversity of student initiatives will continue to increase. The

Boards to create enough space for creativity and freedom, some com-

number and composition of committees therefore remains dynamic. Is

mittee members have indicated to feel limited by the current structure.

this problematic? Not really: it merely shows the unique nature of our as-

This is regrettable and understandable at the same time. Admittedly,

sociation and the space and flexibility it offers to student input. And so

the relative success of non-UCSA organizations such as EBS and SIFE,

it should. Allowing for new initiatives while simultaneously providing the

seem to suggest that for some initiatives the UCSA structure might sim-

necessary continuity and structure will remain a constant challenge for

ply not be the best option. Nevertheless, looking at the overall quality

UCSA boards. Even though we have witnessed an increase in structure,

and quantity of UCSA Committee events, it would seem safe to conclude

organization and professionalism over the past ten years, we are not

that the overwhelming majority of committees seem to fit very well with-

quite there yet. 1

34

Fraternities & sororities ::

by Alisa Kholmovskaya

PRIMUS, established in 1998, was the first fraternity on campus and

class of ‘11

celebrates their tenth anniversary this year. They distinguish themselves as a fraternity with an international perspective; English is the official lan-

To those not acquainted with UCU it may comes as a surprise that the

guage and members come from many different countries. Current Pri-

campus is home to no fewer than five fraternities and sororities. Some

mus board member Fritz Streiff claims that Primus' social role on campus

may feel that such communities are not needed on campus, because

is to provide and organise open events for everyone, both on and off

UCU itself is a community already. Others regard them as exclusive clubs.

campus.

At the same time, it is a human trait to bond with people who have similar likes and dislikes. And they contribute to the community as well: by

The origin of EQUITES goes back to the second year of UCU histo-

organizing social events targeted at a larger audience they play a role

ry. That is when twelve Dutch students decided to form a fraternity that

in bringing people together. Once graduated members typically remain

would promote ‘companionship, pleasure, and intellect’. In many ways

tight. A quick glance over UCU’s Greeks:

similar to traditional Dutch students ‘corps’, Equites is especially well known for its strong alumni-network.

What is a fratority without an image?

Some persistent prejudices…

Sorority LUNA was established in September 2002. Claiming to contribute to making UCU a lifetime experience, Luna organises social events such as Valentine's Dinner, drinks and more. In the near future they are

> All Equites members’ dads own yachts > Primus members are drunken buffoons > Salad is known as ‘broodje Allure’ > All Luna members do is drink tea > Nobody knows who Felix are, or what they do

throwing a big party for the entire UCU community.

ALLURE, the second sorority, was founded in 2003. There are many stereotypes about this community: many believe that members are exclusively pretty blonde Dutch girls. But this is not always the case. In fact, the language spoken is English, and quite a few non-Dutch girls joined recently (even brunettes!). Activities include a vintage sale and their own lustrum party.

FELIX – the only fratority – was established in 2007. Their original idea Facing page / Promise Mkwananzi Language: Shona (Zimbabwe) Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

is inclusive, rather than exclusive – there would be no requirements. Goal was to form a group of friends to have a good time with. Some people believe that Felix does not exist anymore; this, however, is not true. Felix has been ‘providing the opportunity for students of any year or gender to join a fun group of people and get involved in social life on campus.’ 1

Fraternities & sororities | UCU ten year anniversary

36

Inside the gates outside the gates ::

by Anouk van der Laan

yond. In the last two years the

tifully caught in the old saying:

class of ‘10

response of Utrecht students to

‘Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al

my ‘UCU-ness’ has changed from

gek genoeg’. (Be normal, that is

People often like to remind us of

the flattering ‘Wow you must be

crazy enough). Dutch culture has

the fact that we as UC students

smart’ to the slightly more insult-

an ingrained dislike of those who

do not take enough effort to get

ing ‘You’re not studying - that’s

stand out, and strangely enough

to know life outside of the gates.

just advanced high school!’. I ad-

this dislike is mainly focused

But to be quite honest, it is not

mit, our tutors might be there

on being better than someone

as if life outside the gates is tak-

to assist us from time to time by

else. Due to our deeply protes-

ing much effort to get to know us

holding our hand a little bit here

tant background wanting to be

either. Sadly most of the country,

and there, and small classes and

better in education is simply not

and even most of our ‘own’ city

class discussions might help the

accepted, and UC is seen as a

of Utrecht does not know that we

high school image, but the as-

community of people striving

exist. And if they do - well let’s

sociation of personal attention

to be better than the rest – by

just state they do not always have

with lack of education is a quite

which we deeply insult everybody

the highest opinion of what is go-

crooked one. It seems as if the

else. When then implying that

ing on in here. Even the Dutch

outside community simply does

we might also be working harder

minister of education himself fa-

not like us, and there are two

sometimes than the average UU

mously claimed that ‘University

main reasons for this: our sup-

student, that class discussions are

College students know less, work

posedly arrogant view of our own

of a higher quality, or that our fu-

less and are less interested than

education and the nature of our

ture aspirations are more ambi-

other students. UCU turns sci-

community inside our gates.

tious, you call upon yourself the

ence into Disneyland.’

wrath of many a Dutch student.

For all the non-Dutch reading

Granted, it is fun here, but we are

this, there is one aspect of Dutch

Perhaps we would get along

nowhere near Disneyland (yet).

culture threatening acceptance of

better if we got to know each

Unfortunately, our minister’s opin-

UC by both members of the gov-

other’s world better – but it was

ion seems to rapidly gain ground

ernment and students from other

nearly impossible to find anyone

with the UU population and be-

universities - and that is beau-

from the legendary ‘outside the

37

UCU ten year anniversary | Inside the gates - outside the gates

“Although we could try harder, and UC’ers sometimes complain about our closed culture, in general we are more than comfortable staying inside our literal and proverbial gates.”

gates’ to step inside. Many peo-

we take our weekly march to AH

folk that are too good to come

world outside the gates. Yet I

ple asked admitted to feeling

our seclusion might seem slight-

off campus?

believe we are all privileged

uncomfortable or even intimidat-

ly sect-like at times. Although

ed by the closeness of the cul-

we could try harder, and UC’ers

Often, we do believe we are bet-

ble, good or bad as it may be,

ture that exists on our campus.

sometimes complain about our

ter in some way or another. With

at least for a few years before

And yes, it may be true that for

closed culture, in general we are

our own prejudices such as ‘UU

heading out into ‘the real world’.

some of us the world on aver-

more than comfortable staying

students are lazy since they can

Since even though it might be

age days does not stretch be-

inside our literal and prover-

just resit their exams’ we are not

more exciting, cooler, better,

yond campus, the park and the

bial gates. Our seclusion leads

guilt free either. In the end, it is

more motivating, and definitely

Albert Heijn, and that for many

directly to another prejudice:

clear that our world inside can-

more real out there – you won’t

UU students seeing us only when

UC’ers, aren’t those the arrogant

not easily be understood by the

survive in pajama pants. 1

to find ourselves in this bub-

38

How international is UCU?

by Alisa Kholmovskaya

tire campus population. But what

raises the issue of UCU being

class of ‘11

is it that makes a student “inter-

“Western-centric”. The facilities

national”?

on campus (like Dining Hall and

Living in a unit with five Dutch

Bar) are oriented towards west-

students might raise a question

Is it, for example, fair to call an

ern cultures, although Dining Hall

about the internationality of UCU.

Italian student who has been liv-

now and then serves Indone-

But let’s take a closer look at the

ing in Holland for eight years “in-

sian and Moroccan food. Frater-

cultural backgrounds these Dutch

ternational”, or is it fair to label

nities and sororities, significant

people come from. My neighbors,

a Dutch student who has never

forces in the lives of quite a few

for example, are not typical Dutch;

lived in the Netherlands “Dutch”?

students, primarily attract Dutch

many of them have taken gap

And what to do with students with

members. But, Primus, in an ef-

years (in Latin America, Indone-

dual nationalities (almost 9%)?

fort to become more accessible,

sia, US) and some have lived a sig-

“As far as I’m concerned, I would call myself a truly international student. Yes, we may be a minority at UCU, but we are definitely growing.”

has declared English as their of-

elled all around the world, worked

nificant part of their lives abroad.

Statistics show that out of all

ficial language. Small steps that

in international environments, did

One of my Dutch neighbors

Dutch students 46 are half Dutch,

are vital for making UCU truly in-

charity work and studied abroad.

holds multiple passports (which I

and only 10 of those were born

ternational.

They are an interesting group to

promised to keep a secret).

in the Netherlands. There are

interact with, to share your experi-

only 367 students who are 100%

What is certain is that – while de-

ence, find similarities, get in touch

As far as I’m concerned, I would

Dutch (place of birth and nation-

fining “international” remains dif-

with foreign languages, and work

call myself a truly international

ality) – which is a half of all stu-

ficult - UCU is one of the most

on projects together. I find my-

student. Yes, we may be a minor-

dents. There are 60 students who

international places in the Nether-

self very fortunate to study here at

ity at UCU, but we are definitely

were born in another country, but

lands. The diversity brought into

UCU with the gifted students who

growing. Statistics show that we

are Dutch.

the classroom in terms of the ex-

have managed to inspire me and

periences and nationalities is truly

make a difference in my life which

inspiring: most students have trav-

I will never forget. 1

are approximately 36% of the enTwo thirds of the student body claims itself to be somehow conFacing page / Natasha Risseeuw, language: Spanish photo by: Roeland Verhallen

nected to the Netherlands; more then two thirds of our instructors are Dutch (73%), 19% are European, and only four teachers are non-Western. This also

How international is UCU? | UCU ten year anniversary

teacher quotes

Student: “Doesn’t this statement here by Brenner somehow summarise what the article is about?”

“Well yeah... I guess so... because it’s the title.”

Guus van Westen / geography instructor

40

Metrophobia Poem of some sorts ::

by Simon Cook* creative writing teacher

UCU Elite Future Leaders have a unique perspective on things.

bonned willy. Alcohol flowed, the dance floor was occupied, and some

Liberal arts opens your mind up to the world. You don’t go to University

unlucky people got pitchers thrown over them. It was a normal Tuesday

to study: you go there to become an adult. The professors don’t speak

night again.

English. The boys wear tight pants. The living rooms stink. The assigned

College Bar, 2006, Tuesday night, 12 PM. Empty. There are five people on

unit policy sucks.

the left, and five people on the right. The first years don’t show up in the

The pre-cooked meals save time. The professors care about their stu-

bar. In 2009, they’re discussing strategies to get people back to the bar.

dents. The assigned unit mate policy gives one the chance to get to

None of my friends want to come with me into town because it’s always

know new people.

too cold or too rainy to leave campus, and they’re too cheap to pay

Of course we come to class in pyjamas. The small student body creates

more for beer.

an intimate environment. Normal UU students seem to think of campus

But of course, there is the intransigent anti-UC-student, for whom the

as a prison:

word ‘off-campus’, or better, ‘Amsterdam’ guarantees instant orgasm.

“Are you allowed to leave campus after ten?”

I lived with a student who lit large fires inside the house, tormented and

“Do people wake you up in the morning?”

blackmailed a housemate and blew up the microwave.

Students only write what they know the teacher will like. The Wall is gen-

Sounds of copulation penetrate the thin wall between my room and my

erally a disaster of infestations, leakages and darkness. How many UCU

neighbour’s.

students does it take to change a light bulb? Who do we call?

Girls stop wearing heels after two weeks.

I’m not alone in my struggle.

Fortunately, I manage not to lose my balance, though somewhere in my

He likes the bar so much that he sometimes brings his laptop to study

mind the condom had activated an alarm bell.

there. The looming counts of words threatens everybody: they can only be

The answer is bullet-proof glass.

eradicated by the slow and systematic process of researching and typing.

I learned a campus is a community, and my responsibility to campus life

Even at the high-intensity, work-your-ass-off rocket-science program

doesn’t stop at the classroom. And the complete obliteration of the Wall

called University College Utrecht, the ruling elite of tomorrow need to re-

is a bit too much to hope for. 1

lax after a hard day’s studying, in the college bar.

Four, if not five, times a week. I was just a first year. Young and stupid.

* I stitched together the above from things people (students) said and

Beer consumption has always been around 200 hectoliters per year.

wrote about UC. I’ve taken liberties with juxtaposition & context and

They were clearly in another world. They were totally comfortable around

completely distorted almost all of what was said. But I didn’t write it.

each other. They touched, caressed and kissed.

Simon Cook

The effects of drug taking are magnified by the gated social arrangements of UCU. And I could tell a lot of girls were quite disappointed when, after what seemed like only ten minutes, it all ended with a short view of his rib-

41

Facing page / Boaz Zaionce Language: Arabic Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

UCU ten year anniversary | Poem of some sorts

Celebrating the year round :: How do you celebrate ten years of UCU? One option is to throw a big

es of land which belonged to the church and existed from the Middle

party and be done with it. But that wouldn’t do justice to what UCU is

Ages until the Napoleonic period. Monasteries and cathedrals had

all about. Instead the lustrum committee chose to spread the celebra-

sovereign power over these immunities, and they were protected

tions over the year. With some events focusing on academics and oth-

from the world outside by special laws. As the church was the main

ers on campus and committee life the aim was to celebrate UCU in all

locus of scientific research and academic knowledge, the immunities

its facets, all year long. There were special events, and regular events

developed into powerful centers of knowledge.

spiced up for the occasion. A recap: Mr. Wolfsen attributed similar qualities to University College, but also

Opening Event – 29 August 2008

signaled the importance of contact with the world beyond the gate.

Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds, must have a soft spot for UCU.

He mentioned instances of community service occurring on campus,

By the end of a rainy and cloudy August nobody believed in a sun-

and suggested strategies for further strengthening of these projects,

ny start of the 10th anniversary anymore. But a bleak sun on Friday

as well as the connection between the college and the city of Utrecht.

morning predicted otherwise, and by midday the UCU campus was bathing in sunlight under clear skies. A great day to party!

Annual scholarship dinner – 28 November 2008 The lustrum edition of the annual scholarship dinner, traditionally to

As a result the turnout was great: most students, alumni from all

take place by the end of November, raised € 12.000,- for charity. The

years, many teachers, staff and their guests transformed the campus

proceeds go towards scholarships for highly qualified students who

into a lively festival terrain. Under the soft jazz tones which emanated

want to come to UCU but lack the financial means.

from the stage one could indulge in hamburgers, grilled zucchini and cold beer.

The guest list numbered 150 attendees, ranging from UCU students and alumni to parents, friends, faculty, staff and invited guests. For

When the Blues Brothers appeared on stage the party really broke

the occasion Dining Hall had been magically transformed into a posh

loose. Strikingly similar to the original act, they brought a show full of

restaurant. 61 different national flags suspended from the ceiling gave

rhythm and blues classics. At 23:00 beautiful fireworks lit up the sky.

the area an international touch. Upon entrance cocktails were served,

An impressive start to a new year. In the UCSA bar, filled to the brim,

while a string trio provided a distinguished atmosphere.

the party continued into the night.

The serving staff consisted of friendly and skilled volunteers, who

Opening of the academic year with Mayor Aleid Wolfsen –

more than adequately refilled wine glasses and served the different

19 September 2008

courses. With a Moroccan pastry starter, a rich game soup served in a

Friday the 19th of September Rob van der Vaart, Dean of UCU, of-

tall wine glass, a beautifully arranged seafood curry, and a grand des-

ficially opened the academic year at the Fall Convocation. Key-note

sert the Dining Hall staff once again gave proof of the fact that there

speaker was Aleid Wolfsen, Mayor of Utrecht. In his speech mr. Wolf-

is some real cooking talent amongst them. Not only was each course

sen drew parallels between University College and immunities, patch-

a treat to the eye, but tastes were wonderfully balanced as well.

43

UCU ten year anniversary | Celebrating the year round

Then a group of UCU musicians gave a harmonious and solemn perfor-

Haba na Haba – 24/26 March 2009

mance of two Scandinavian folk songs, followed by an energetic rendition

Haba na Haba (Swahili for ‘step by step’) is a Kenyan youth project

of The Police’s ‘Roxanne’. The subsequent raffle gave guests the opportu-

which, through the performing arts, aims to integrate, educate and in-

nity to donate to charity once more, and win nice prizes while doing so. It

form the community. Young people performing music, drama, dance and

was a worthy conclusion to a successful and memorable evening.

acrobatics, address themes such as female empowerment, hiv/aids, education, and alcohol and drug use.

Career Conference – 6 February 2009 UCSA, UCAA and the career development office organised the lustrum

Based in different slums, most group members themselves are aids or-

edition of the annual career conference, centered around the theme:

phans. By introducing them to the performing arts, they experience

“globalization, going global”. Featuring a host of interesting firms and

personal development and a renewed sense of direction in life. But the

speakers in two rounds of workshops, round table discussions, a net-

project also stimulates social integration, bringing together people from

working lounge and a Lustrum-worthy buffet, the following companies

different backgrounds. The (often illiterate) community is involved in the

and organizations were represented: Triodos bank, McKinsey, Sotheby’s,

performance, and stimulated to participate. Performances often lead

Philips, Ministry of Foreign affairs (Diplomatenklasje). The conference was

to discussions among performers and audience, about the issues ad-

opened in a Keynote address by Henk Benjamins, a.o. former chairman

dressed.

of the board of Frans Maas, a leading European transport firm.

A group of 9 Haba na Haba’s visited our campus. On Tuesday, they per-

Alumni Reunion – 7 February 2009

formed before a full auditorium. They performed a play about politics, and

After welcoming piano sounds performed by Colijn Buis (’02), the dean

how you should not always take politicians’ claims at face value. Interacting

opened the alumni day. A round of workshops followed: body painting,

with the audience they got people to respond to the situations as they were

drama improv, meditation, kendo (martial arts), poker, nude sketching,

performed, and were invited to comment on what they saw.

sushi making and the definite favorite – cocktail mixing.

On Wednesday the group went to Amsterdam, to witness music teacher At the buffet dinner there was opportunity for all the alumni from the

Susanne van Els’ performance in the concert hall. After a tour around our

workshops and the newcomers to mingle among the bar tables. The en-

nation’s capital they worked together with Rich Hinam’s performing arts

suing pub quiz was another spectacular highlight, as it brought every-

class.

one together in racking their brains on the chewy if not tough questions.

Judging from the endless list of teams, there couldn’t have been many

The result of this collaboration was shown on Thursday. Before a crowd

people not in the game.

of students, staff and teachers Haba na Haba performed a few sketches with UC students. These were intermitted by musical pieces under

Former UC DJ Kiran Coleman (’05) offered us some swinging tunes in

guidance of Susanne van Els. As Kenyan tradition does not distinguish

the first half of the evening and the current DJ’s took over for the rest of

between dance, theater or singing, there was an interesting contrast be-

the night. People were mingling, catching up on the post-UC years and

tween our and their way of performing. The evening ended with a thank

enjoying a few cocktails. A decent group of alumni from all years attend-

you ritual that performers and audience took part in. Drama teacher Rich

ed the reunion, and judging from the great turnout this was definitely not

Hinam, finally, expressed the wish to establish a long lasting relationship

the last alumni reunion.

with our African visitors. >

44

Charity Ball – 3 April 2009

afternoon a team of UCU staff and faculty faced a team of UCU students

From the start UCU has known the tradition of an annual prom. Men dress

in a slow-pitch softball game, which the students ultimately won 13 to 9.

up in snug white tie and women in cinderella attire, they hop on a bus to a remote castle and party all night long. That used to be the end of it. Until

During the Festival the Lustrum Exhibition was opened, showing the dif-

a few years ago a group of students got dissatisfied with the concept and

ferent aspects of 10 years of UCU in six different venues on campus. Visi-

wanted something more meaningful or lasting out of the experience.

tors could see campus from the inside and the outside, in real life and on photographs, and make a journey through history that showed how

Charity Ball was invented, dancing for a cause. On April 3rd the 2009

the campus has become the way it is nowadays. The different topics on

edition of the Charity Ball took place in Utrecht’s Winkel van Sinkel.

exhibition were: the international community, campus architecture, the

Charity of choice was IMC Weekendschool, an organization that pro-

UCU curriculum, the UCSA committees, room and board, and off cam-

vides supplementary education for children, ages ten to fourteen, from

pus involvement (exchanges and internships). During the Lustrum Con-

underprivileged neighborhoods in the major cities of the Netherlands.

ference a selection of the photographs was on display, and the UU library

The charity was chosen not only for the proven impact of their work but

will also exhibit the collection after the Summer.

also because it was felt as a good opportunity for UCU students to give something back to their community.

Lustrum Conference – 24/25 April 2009 A major event in the lustrum celebrations, the first ever UCU Lustrum

Before a group of 360 attendants IMC Weekendschool director Die-

Conference aimed to involve the entire UCU community in two days of

derik Slot opened the evening, thanking UCU for their donation of over

lectures, workshops, master classes and entertainment, all around the

€ 3000,-. Around midnight the formalities made place for DJ Tony Cha

theme: civilications – clash or dialogue? On Friday morning, Peter Ho,

Cha and DJ Eric Santana, who kept the dancefloor filled until 4 o’clock.

Abena Busia and Dirk Draulans offered interesting views on the topic at hand, each from their own perspective (development in China, African

Festival & Lustrum Exhibition – 18 April 2009

identity and evolutionary biology). The afternoon was filled with interest-

The Festival is a one-day event in which the UCU campus is transformed

ing and well-attended workshops – despite the weather, which was too

into a bee-hive of student activity. All students, parents, alumni, teachers,

good for the occasion. The formal dinner and entertainment concluded

neighbors, prospective students, sister colleges and UU students & em-

the evening.

ployees were invited to experience the UCU atmosphere.

The master classes on Saturday were interesting and challenging; in the All UCSA committees were represented at a market and activities includ-

afternoon, Bernhard Dolna, who could not deliver his lecture on Friday

ed music, dance and drama performances, campus tours, a photo exhi-

because his plane from Vienna did not take off, presented his paper, and

bition, high tea, workshops, sports competitions and much more. Food

there was a moving video address by keynote speaker Jonathan Jansen.

stands, bars and lounge areas provided an opportunity to relax and en-

Jansen, the first black dean in South Africa, had been unable to attend

joy the day. Many parents turned up, and for those bringing small chil-

due to turmoil surrounding the elections in that country. The conference

dren there was a bouncy castle. Big children had the opportunity to ride

ended with a bang, thanks to a dazzling performance by former UCU

the mechanical bull. Roosevelt Academy had sent a bus full of students,

student Samba Schutte. 1

who also competed against a team of UCU students. At the end of the

45

UCU ten year anniversary | Celebrating the year round

Facing page / Yangyang Fang Language: Chinese Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

Not your ordinary alumni :: Upon graduation any student, at

their international backgrounds

any institute, becomes an alum-

they travel all over the planet

nus. A process that is unavoid-

as well. Every alumnus has had

able, and, more importantly, in-

the experience of meeting a for-

erasable. It sticks, whether you

mer classmate in an unexpected

like it or not.

place. What’s more, they take advantage of this fact. Before trav-

At UCU this truism is no less val-

eling they check facebook to see

id. Alumni deal with this newly

who’s in the area, give them a call

acquired status in various ways.

and arrange a bed for the night,

Some have a drink in the col-

or at the very least a rendezvous

lege bar on a weekly basis, visit

to share travel tips over a cup of

their friends on campus for lunch,

coffee.

The Latin noun alumnus (female alumna) means nursling or ward, in allusion to the metaphorical relationship of the student to Alma mater - the romantic female embodiment of each educational institution. It has come to mean, within common English usage, a graduate of a seat of learning.

and date freshmen. Others close the UCU chapter and focus on

Bonds forged at UCU seem tight-

their master’s, job, or the future

er, more durable. Taking a stab at

Alumni relations 2.0:

in general. The remainder hov-

understanding this phenomenon,

UCUniverse

teresting positions. If they have

ers somewhere in between these

one could point out that UCU

As an institute, UCU wishes to re-

warm feelings towards UCU, then

extremes.

students not only studied, but

tain that bond as well. For one

they are fantastic ambassadors

lived together. Sharing the good

thing, UCU is very proud of her

of the college. And vice versa: if

At the same time UCU alumni

as well as the bad times for three

offspring. They end up in inter-

UCU graduates are doing well,

are of a particular type. Like most

years straight would seem like

esting places, doing interesting

then current students will have an

friends who met in college, they

a good enough basis for lasting

research, working at interesting

easier time finding master’s and

tend to stick together. But true to

friendships.

companies and institutes in in-

jobs in the future. >

Facing page / Cassiopée Vienne Language: French Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

teacher quotes

“There are trilingual people who speak three languages, bilingual people who speak two languages... and there are Americans.”

Rosemary Orr / linguistics instructor

Not your ordinary alumni | UCU ten year anniversary

48

Some facts about UCUniverse: 952 users, of which > 51 staff & faculty > 396 students > 493 alumni > 12 professional partners

An initiative of a group of grad-

details as well as address informa-

uates, the University College

tion, but CVs and photo albums

Alumni Association (UCAA) was

can be uploaded as well. But it’s

founded not long after the first

more than just that. Companies

class graduated. Since then the

can post job and internship va-

UCAA has published alumni mag-

cancies, to which users can apply

azine QuaQuaVersal, organized

directly. In addition the platform

(regional) drinks, hosted a band

hosts a news service, pages with

night, pub quizzes and an alumni

information about the lustrum and

reunion. A notable achievement is

photo albums. Future plans in-

the yearly career conference, a fair

clude an elaborate calendar, mer-

where alumni and students meet

chandise and more.

with various employers in work-

did you know...

Did you know that when UCU had just started the chair of the University Board of that time, Jan Veldhuis, – who happened to be very critical of UCU – came to visit, and subsequently got lost on the campus for twenty minutes?

shops and round table discus-

Like any comprehensive ICT proj-

sions. In addition they developed

ect, the development period has

a database of alumni addresses

not been without bumps. Slowly

and maintained contact through

but surely, however, a useful and

periodical mailings.

fun site is emerging.

Gradually UCU realized that alum-

UCUniverse’s ultimate aim is to

ni relations is a core business of

become an information hub facili-

any educational institute, and the

tating contact between alumni,

alumni office was installed. Today

students and staff. Cherishing and

UCU’s alumni officers cooper-

expanding your network was nev-

ate with the UCAA on everything

er this easy… 1

alumni related.

A tangible result of this cooperation is UCUniverse, an online platform for the entire community. At its core UCUniverse is a database in which users can update their personal information autonomously. That includes personal

49

UCU ten year anniversary | Not your ordinary alumni

Facing page / Jelena Barac Language: Serbian Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

Leonardo Verkooijen / class of ‘08 Milla Paalanen / class of ‘07 Steven Dijkhuizen / class of ‘02

Life after UCU ::

Leonardo Verkooijen / From the first day of introweek, I met a lot of

over 450 signatories with assets under management of over USD 18

interesting people that agreed on the idea that college was going to be

trillion. I am a project assistant in the Emerging Markets Project; which

the best time of our lives, and during the next three and a half years we

means I am responsible for promoting the PRI in Spanish speaking Lat-

did as much as we could to make that happen.

in America from Lima, Peru.

Even though campus is a very small place, I never experienced a single

What’s funny, is that in my first semester I joined the United Nether-

dull moment. Memorable experiences? Too many to mention! The G-

lands MUN program (only made possible due to my tutor and a very

parties in my first and second year (almost being kicked out of the UCSA

kind teacher who let me skip Friday classes) and now I am actually

board for organizing one of the last ones), ski trips, unit party nights, pok-

working with two people from my delegation that year in the PRI pro-

er nights, unit dinners, and of course, bar nights. Besides all these crazy-

gram!

good times I managed to be a part of the UCSA board in my second year, which was an extremely valuable experience. It was here that I learned about organizing and dealing with many different kinds of people.

This experience helped me a lot when I started a short term consultancy position concerning poverty, at the World Bank in Nicaragua during the summer vacation after my second year. My research project also took place in Nicaragua, this time working on the Millennium Development Goals of the UN Development program. After I graduated, I did an internship at the Royal Dutch Embassy in Havana, Cuba. It turned out that compiling a monthly report on human rights violations in the entire country is a pretty intense experience.

Right now I am working for an initiative called the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), in cooperation with the UN Global Compact and the UN Environment Program Finance Initiative. This mouthful has created systematic change in the investment industry by urging institutional investors to include environmental, social and corporate government factors into investment decisions. The program was launched in April 2006 by the UN secretary general Kofi Annan. Currently PRI has

51

UCU ten year anniversary | Life after UCU

Milla Paalanen / By way of

ished high school and I wanted to

sorority, Luna. At Luna we had

Brussels Milla Paalanen of Fin-

move on right away. At UCU the

a mascot. A 1,5 meters tall Fla-

Working at the PRI is a challeng-

land landed in Utrecht. “Right af-

possibility was offered to start in

mingo, named Freddy. Primus, a

ing experience, and might at first

ter UCU I wanted to do a PhD. At

January. When I visited the cam-

fraternity, once stole Freddy. We

sight not have that much to do

first I was not able to do this in the

pus for the first time, I immediate-

responded by taking a light with

with what I studied at UC. Fortu-

Netherlands. As opposed to the

ly noticed the good atmosphere.

a Primus print. These items, of

nately, UC taught me more than

UK and the US, it’s just not pos-

When I was looking for a build-

course, had to be exchanged. The

just course material; dealing with

sible here. But some requirements

ing, for example, people were re-

boys blindfolded and ‘abducted’

new people, being open-minded,

were waived which meant that I

ally helpful. I was happy from the

me. In the end we got Freddy

and presenting time and again,

could do promotion research at

start.”

back and they could have their

are skills that are definitely useful

the UU right after my bachelor. I

in my life today. It is a good ex-

started in September and expect

In addition to a great time, in

ample of how what we study does

to be finished in August 2011.”

which she studied biology as

University College is a world

well as minors in psychology and

apart, Milla thinks. “They are al-

not necessarily need to be what

light again.

we end up doing in the future.

Milla grew up in her own country

Dutch, social life on campus was

ways talking about the world out-

Above all though, UC helped me

and came, after an exchange in

equally important. “I was a mem-

side the gates.” >

find the job.

Australia and some time at an in-

ber of the dance committee and

ternational school in Brussels, to

active in the science department.

UCU in 2004. “In December I fin-

But I spent most time with my

As for the future … nothing is cer-

Text: © Ublad, 30 October 2008.

tain yet, as always. For now I intend to concentrate on my work in the PRI, and perhaps after that a masters degree, but I’m not sure where or when. Until then, I plan to enjoy the good weather, delicious food, and beautiful places that Lima has to offer. One thing is for sure; eventually I will return to campus, as every proper alumni should, to meet up with old friends and party once more in

teacher quotes

“There have always been attempts to find the universal language of men which ties into the bigger question where men came from. Many are still hoping that this will turn out to be some place nice and white... like London.”

Rosemary Orr / linguistics instructor

true UC tradition.

52

Steven Dijkhuizen / The Bahamas. To many a tropical place, known

has been working on the island

It is these extra curricular activi-

only from photographs of waving palm trees. Steven Dijkhuizen (28)

group. And that’s not his first ad-

ties that benefit your career, Ste-

has a different relation to the Caribbean country. For some time now he

venture abroad.

ven thinks. “The UCU mentality is to go out there and do things.

“I was born in the Netherlands

An exchange to Melbourne, then,

but I spent my childhood in Sin-

does more for you than riding

gapore. I returned when I was

your bike through Utrecht every

eighteen to attend University

day. What matters is what you

College. I was looking for a broad

can do. On a committee meeting

approach which was offered here.

you learn to work as a team.”

It was 1999 and UCU had only existed for a year. At that time

Steven’s experiences brought him

many had doubts about the sys-

to many parts of the world. “After

tem. Too American, too broad,

University College I got my Mas-

and a mentality that differed from

ter’s degree in London. I started

what the regular universities were

working for a media company,

used to. It was pretty intense. It

taking me in three years to about

took a while getting used to liv-

ten different countries in the Mid-

ing on a campus with 600 peo-

dle East and South East Asia. In

ple, but I had a good time. Really

Malaysia I stayed for three years.

enjoyed it.”

And now the Bahamas. When I arrived at University College al-

Steven also took part in some of

most ten years ago, I had plans

UCU’s committees: “I was chair-

for an international future. But

man of the sports committee. We

that things would go quite this

organized many tournaments to

way I had not expected.” 1

promote sports on campus. Think of football and tennis, but also

Text: © Ublad, 30 October 2008.

chess, in the bar. In addition I was a member of the debate team, and together with another guy I went to Slovenia. Quite unexpectedly we finished second in an international debate.”

53

UCU ten year anniversary | Life after UCU

Facing page / Ayana Fabris Language: Italian Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

Credits :: text

production

Lana Askari

Sebastiaan Cassé

Fleur Brunninkhuis Giulia Binon

design

Sebastiaan Cassé

Laurens Hebly

Charlotte Champion Alisa Kholmovskaya

printing

Anouk van der Laan

ZuidamUithof Drukkerijen

photography Giulia Binon André van Haasteren © Universiteit Leiden Keke Keukelaar Fred Trappenburg @ UU-Geomedia Roeland Verhallen (www.roelandverhallen.com)

thanks to Hans Adriaansens

Fried Keesen

Niels Bongers

Milla Paalanen

Simon Cook

Michael Price

Pritha Dahal

Yvonne van Rooy

Steven Dijkhuizen

Rob van der Vaart

Femke van der Geest

UBlad

Jeannette Gels

Leonardo Verkooijen

Ivar van Hasselt

Willem Albert Wagenaar

Hans van Himbergen

Aleid Wolfsen

© University College Utrecht 2009

Facing page / Saskia Westhof Photo by: Roeland Verhallen

We march backwards into the future.�

11

Marshall McLuhan