- Opening and welcome by Tom Veldkamp
- In Memoriam
- Keynote by Heleen Herbert, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate
- Reflection on 65 Years of the University of Twente: Courage to Innovate and Lead
- Musical interlude by The Bartenders Reunion
- Video, interview and presentation of the Van den Kroonenberg Lifetime Achievement Awards
- Alumni Speakers: Courage in Practice
- Wrap-up and assignment to the University of Twente
- Musical interlude
- Film and presentation of the five UT Graduation Awards
- All award winners, speakers and Executive Board members on stage
- The Executive Board officially opens the new academic year and invites guests to the reception
- Finale by The Bartenders Reunion
- End of the Opening of the Academic Year
- Reception
NOTE: the doors of the auditorium will be closed at 14.45.
Programme information
The cortege will depart from the City Hall and makes its way to Muziekcentrum Enschede. Following the arrival of the procession, the Opening of the Academic Year 2026–2027 will commence.
At 3.00 p.m., Rector Magnificus Tom Veldkamp will open the ceremony with a welcome address. This will be followed by a moment of reflection in memory of the members of our community who have passed away over the past year.
Presenter Vera Boertien will then guide us through the programme of this special afternoon.
University of Twente alumna and Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate, Heleen Herbert, will deliver this year’s keynote address. Drawing on her experience and perspective, she will reflect on the societal challenges of our time and the role of science, technology and innovation in addressing them.
We will also present the Van den Kroonenberg Lifetime Achievement Awards. These four alumni of the University of Twente were driving forces or pioneers behind the development of internationally leading technology companies: Jitse Groen (Just Eat Takeaway.com), Sytse Sijbrandij (GitLab), Geert-Jan Bruinsma (Booking.com) and Martin van den Brink (ASML). The awards will be presented by Miriam Luizink, Chair of the University Fund.
In addition, we will be joined by four other alumni for a discussion entitled Courage in Practice. Together, we will reflect on their time at the University of Twente, discuss current developments within their respective fields, and look ahead to the future of Health, Climate, Chip Technology, and Safety & Security.
The programme will be enhanced by musical interludes from the alumni band The Bartenders Reunion. We will also witness the presentation of the five UT Graduation Awards, celebrating the exceptional talent and outstanding achievements of our students.
With the official opening of the academic year, we will also mark the beginning of the University’s anniversary year.
We look forward to concluding this special afternoon together with refreshments at the reception in Muziekcentrum Enschede.