“I’ve had fourteen different supervisors and occupied twenty-five rooms—that’s what happens when you’ve been with the Faculty of Social Sciences this long,” Hans explains. In his current workspace on the first floor, he’s been a vital figure in the department. A homemade tear-off calendar hangs on the wall, counting down just four days to go.
Many students and staff will have crossed paths with Hans at some point. Whether helping a student struggling with their laptop or assisting a lecturer with a stubborn PowerPoint presentation, Hans has always been happy to help. “Throughout my career, I’ve handled all sorts of tasks, working in the Spinoza Building, the Transitorium, and the Maria Montessori Building. Each building has its own systems—and its own challenges. Walking out of a room after solving a problem is rewarding work.”
In the lockdown, I jumped on the motorbike to get diplomas signed. You never experience things like that again!
That Hans is a jack of all trades does not come out of the blue. In fact, after serving in the army, he has been a welder, construction worker, first aid instructor and volunteer firefighter. His busy nature extends to his personal life too, where he spends his free time cycling, gaming, and motorbiking. His motorbike has even come in handy at work: “During lockdown, some diplomas needed to be signed. The campus was practically deserted, but I was one of the few still around. I hopped on my motorbike to get the signatures. You never experience things like that again!”
At home, I’ll have to figure out what’s next. People call me ADHD—‘Alle Dagen Hans Druk’—so I certainly won’t become a couch potato!
Despite the exciting future ahead, Hans will leave behind a lot of conviviality. “What will I miss? Everything! My colleagues have become like family; they’re just great people to be around. The person taking over my role is fully trained—I couldn’t have asked for anyone better.” Now, in his final week, Hans is preparing for a new chapter. Although he’s not yet sure how he’ll spend his time, one thing is certain—it’ll be lively: “At home, I’ll have to figure out what’s next. People call me ADHD—‘Alle Dagen Hans Druk’—so I certainly won’t become a couch potato! Maybe I should take the opportunity to find some peace for a change.”
Thursday 19 December Hans celebrates his last day. Would you like to thank Hans or put him in the spotlight? You can find Hans on the first floor in room 1.064!