Wigboldus received the royal decoration for his work as an administrator and as a scientist. The nomination for the award, made by the university and supported by peers, praised, among other things, his style of administration: 'Quietly operating, always a listening ear, and even in the face of fierce dissent looking for calm waters to move forward together.'
In addition, Wigboldus' attention to relationships in the university's environment, with other educational institutions, or administrative and economic partners, was praised. In addition, as college president, Wigboldus stood for the founding ideals of Radboud University, with emancipation high on his list of priorities.
Not only did he contribute to the social mission of the university, but he especially emphasized the value of science as such, in relation to current and social issues. Before he became an administrator, he also did so as a scientist, and in that role he regularly sought the stage to give his field (social psychology) greater prominence.
Persons who are appointed Officier in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau often have national or even international charisma or significance due to their special achievements.