The Catholic University of Nijmegen opened its doors on 17 October 1923. Later, in 2004, the name was changed to Radboud University. In May this year, students and staff already celebrated the university's lustrum with a week of festivities. In October, there will again be festivities in honour of the university's official anniversary.
For a century now, Radboud University has been at the centre of society and aims to be of significance, through education, research and social contributions. During this anniversary, we reflect on a century with both beautiful and difficult periods and look to the future.
The centenary will be celebrated on 17 October with a festive programme in Concertgebouw De Vereeniging in Nijmegen. Akin to a century ago, when the festivities around the opening of the university took place at the same location.
Speeches include Nijmegen mayor Hubert Bruls and student Amber Stoelman. King Willem-Alexander is present at the celebration and will discuss three themes with students and university staff after the plenary programme: Dutch identity, artificial intelligence and sustainability. José Sanders will be installed as rector of Radboud University. Campus poets Thijs Kersten and Derk Wijkamp, the Nijmegen Student Orchestra and the Student Bigband Nijmegen will also contribute to the programme.
Honorary doctors
Part of the Dies Natalis programme is the presentation of six honorary doctorates. Because of the anniversary year, each of the seven faculties will award an honorary doctorate in 2023. In May, political philosopher Michael Sandel was already awarded his honorary doctorate. On 17 October, Mary Beckman, Geert Corstens, Fabiola Gianotti, Stella Nkomo, Marc Van Ranst and Sandra Graham will also receive an honorary doctorate. The prospective honorary doctorates have each made efforts, in their own way, to raise their field of research to a higher level and thus be of significance.
Programme
The academic session will take place from 13:30 to around 16:30 at Concertgebouw De Vereeniging in Nijmegen. This session can also be followed live on 17 October via a livestream at www.ru.nl/dies. Prior to the academic session, from 10 am to 11.30 am, a Eucharistic Celebration will be held in the Molenstraatkerk in Nijmegen, just like 100 years earlier, with Bishop Gerard de Korte as the head pastor.
Following the academic session, a reception will take place in De Vereeniging.
