The Class of 2018 has graduated! The ceremony existed of a celebration and commencement part and was a festive ending of their incredible time at University College Twente.
Egbert Loeffen was one of the organizers of the celebration part. Together with some of his classmates, he arranged not only a guest speaker, but also a class contribution, and speeches by several current and former students. Egbert: “We invited Ank Bijleveld, Dutch Minister of Defense, to speak during our ceremony. She is a University of Twente alumna and a trailblazer in her own way. Moreover, we asked a second-year student and an alumnus to share their view on our class, and of course, we left our mark as the Class of 2018.” Ank Bijleveld spoke about her personal experiences as a trailblazer and specifically addressed the female graduates. She urged everyone to follow their passion, but also to always consider the people around you.
Egbert and his classmates contributed ATLAS-style; they organized a quiz with questions that could be answered by the audience using a smartphone. Each question addressed specific characteristics of the Class of 2018. Egbert: “We wanted to tell the funny stories, but also include some facts about our class. In this way, the audience could get to know us a bit better.”
The commencement ceremony was a bit different from previous years. Three graduates could not attend since they were selected to participate in the Netherlands-Asia Honours Summer School. The organizing committee, however, had a great solution: “Two of the students would be present via Skype. We projected them on the big screen on stage, such that they could listen to what their mentors had to say about them. A family member or friend would then receive the diploma on their behalf.”
During the commencement ceremony, all graduates received a personal speech from their mentor before receiving their diploma. Seven graduates received their diploma with distinction (cum laude, or magna cum laude). But what happens next? Egbert: “I am going to Utrecht, where I will study theoretical physics. Already in semester 3 I became fascinated by quantum black holes after which I took many physics courses. However, at the University of Twente, you can only do applied physics, so I will also attend a two-week summer school to get ready before the semester starts. But first holidays; I am going on a cycle trip on a tandem through the Netherlands together with one of my classmates, which will be a great adventure.”
We congratulate all graduates with the successful completion of their three years at University College Twente. It is a major accomplishment and will prepare them for an amazing future.
University College Twente offers a unique bachelor’s programme, Technology, Liberal, Arts and Sciences, to top students. Visit the University College Twente website for more information about the college and Technology, Liberal, Arts and Sciences website for more information about the bachelor program. Or visit us during the open day, a student-for-a-day or an insight-day.
