Herman Hazewinkel is saying farewell as the chairman of the University of Twente Fund Foundation. At yesterday’s festivities to mark the opening of the academic year, he was awarded the university’s medal of honour. Victor van der Chijs, President of the Executive Board, thanked Mr Hazewinkel for his commitment: “For over twenty years, the University of Twente has benefited from his knowledge and experience (...). It is a privilege for which we are all immensely grateful.”
Herman Hazewinkel, former CEO of VolkersWessels, served on the board of the University of Twente Funds Foundation from 1995 to 2008 and as chairman from 2010 to 2017. Under his chairmanship, the foundation has made a considerable effort to maximize the university’s fundraising potential in recent years. This campaign has met with great success, prompting a rise in the number of annual donations from 250 to 700. The board’s other success stories under Mr Hazewinkel’s leadership include a bold venture into the world of crowdfunding.
Medal of honour
Herman Hazewinkel will stand down as chairman of the university fund this week. At the opening of the academic year, he was awarded the university’s medal of honour in recognition of his achievements and his commitment. Executive Board President Victor van der Chijs thanked him for his contribution.
In his speech, he pointed out that the University Fund, founded in 1948, is older than the university itself and was founded by a group of Twente industrialists. According to Mr Van der Chijs, these strong roots have consistently motivated Herman Hazewinkel to devote his energies to the university and the fund, thereby boosting the region’s innovative power. “For over twenty years, the University of Twente has benefited from his knowledge and experience. Thanks to his immense network, Herman Hazewinkel has played a unique and essential role in opening doors for the university. It is a privilege for which we are all immensely grateful.” Mr Hazewinkel will continue to work for the University of Twente, as a member of the UT Ambassador Network and the Fundraising Committee.
Wilma Toering
In addition to Herman Hazewinkel, Wilma Toering is also stepping down as a board member of the University of Twente Funds Foundation, having fulfilled the role of treasurer for over nine years. In this period, she made a significant contribution to the modernization and professionalization of the foundation’s accounting practices.
