This year, Maureen Havekes was named the winner of this faculty award by the jury! Maureen has an impressive track record within the faculty; for example, she has shown remarkable dedication to the student association F.C. Sophia and has represented all FTR students on the Faculty Student Council. On the board of the umbrella organization for student associations (SOFv), she even does so on behalf of all students at the university. In addition, she is a student assistant in the Information and Recruitment Department and inspires the next generation of students!
There were a total of five nominees, who made an exceptional contribution to the faculty. The jury is therefore incredibly proud of this impressive list:
Gero Daamen
Gero Daamen has held many administrative and student representative positions. He was treasurer of F.C. Sophia and vice president of the FSR. Next year, he will serve as chair of SOFv. He demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the faculty community. He can often be found on campus, where he combines his studies with helping other students. He does this through student representation, as well as on Sophia committees. In addition, many fellow students turn to him when they have academic or practical questions.
Gero has been of great significance to many students and administrative bodies.
Dagmar Esselink
In the past few years, Dagmar Esselink has made significant contributions to the faculty and, above all, to the student community. Her contributions are always of high quality; she has a strong sense of responsibility for the well-being of our faculty and is deeply committed to the students.
She was a member of the Philosophy Student Council (OLC) and the Faculty Student Council (FSR), and is now a student assessor. In everything she does, she advocates for equal opportunities and honesty, and puts students’ interests first. Dagmar is a pleasure to work with, communicates exceptionally well, and acts as a mediator between students, faculty, and the faculty board. Her tremendous dedication is widely appreciated.
Sophie Ingle
Sophie Ingle demonstrates academic and organizational excellence. As a student, she has made a significant substantive contribution to the faculty’s educational programs. She plays a connecting role within the community, serving as a highly valued teaching assistant to students and fellow teaching assistants. In addition, she served as editor-in-chief of 'Splijtstof' for many years. In that role, she improved the quality and visibility of the magazine and organized conferences and symposia for our students. She was involved in recruiting new students and has served as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ambassador since 2024. Her widespread recognition among students and staff highlights her exceptional commitment.
Sophie is an outstanding student; she demonstrates high-quality work, is caring, modest, and has a great sense of humor.
Julia Lassche
Julia Lassche is a highly dedicated and responsible student. She has contributed to the development of the faculty community, particularly with regard to students of Theology and Religious Studies. As the chair of Awaz, she has ensured the continued existence and smooth operation of Awaz for many years, thereby offering students a home within the faculty. She actively connects various groups within the faculty. Of course, this includes students in IPS, RPS, and Theology, but she also advocates for philosophy students and, as secretary, plays a central role within the faculty student council. At open days, information sessions, and orientation days this year, Julia was also on hand to represent our interests, including those of prospective students.
Her commitment, dedication, and the way she gives all students a voice make Julia a model student.
Maureen Havekes
Maureen Havekes has demonstrated a high level of quality, responsibility, and commitment for many years. She has shown remarkable dedication to the F.C. Sophia student association and has represented all FTR students on the Faculty Student Council. On the board of the umbrella organization for student associations (SOFv), she even represents all students at the university. In addition, she serves as a student staff member for Information and Recruitment. She inspires the next generation of students. Last April, she played a key role in organizing the alumni event.
She also organized the orientation week for our new students last year. She does all of this with boundless enthusiasm, whether it’s a late-night event or a lecture the following morning.
Maureen is always looking for opportunities to broaden her horizons and works endlessly to create a wonderful faculty where students can make the most of their time here.