Radboud University is 100 years old and that is cause for celebration. Activities, gestures of goodwill and parties are scheduled throughout the week. The highlight will be the Radboud Festival, which will take place on Thursday.

Did the founders of the Nijmegen Catholic University in 1923 dare to dream of a centenary for their university? Probably not. And they probably also never believed that their university, which then consisted of just three faculties, would grow into an educational institution for some 25,000 students and with an active role in a globalised world.

Nevertheless, the time has come: Radboud University is celebrating its centenary. Officially, it is not until 17 October, but the celebrations are already planned for this week. Not just one day, but the whole week. There are plenty of activities to help celebrate.

For instance, all kinds of Radboud Gestures are being organised throughout the city – one hundred, to be precise. These are charitable actions in which scientists, students, and employees of the university give something back to the city. They include telescopes for stargazing in various neighbourhoods, medical students giving free health advice to visitors in the city centre, various scientists talking about their areas of expertise in front of the classroom, and clean-up campaigns on the Waal beaches and in Park Brakkenstein.

Nijmegen scooter tragedy

Tomorrow, Radboud Kids is taking place. Primary school pupils will visit the city island to get to know the different faculties’ areas of expertise. For example, children are going to re-enact the trial of the Nijmegen scooter tragedy, and there will be demonstrations that teach children about the senses and how the body works when moving.

The highlight of the week is the Radboud Festival on Thursday. The festival (formerly known as Radboud Rocks, ed.) is meant for (former) students and employees of the university. Throughout the day there are lectures and the necessary music.

Among others, journalist Ruther Bregman will take the stage; documentary filmmaker Sinan Can will talk to former Radboud student and refugee Parweez Koehestanie; and historian Maarten van Rossem will talk about the history of Dutch universities. The satirical media platform De Speld will also be hosting a live show.

Science and music

The main event that evening is Prins S. en de Geit, a dance and pop band from The Hague who have gained lots of popularity in a short time. The trio previously performed at Appelpop, Noorderslag, and Lowlands. Ch!pz and Goldkimono are also performing. In addition, the party DJs of the Loco Loco Discoshow are back. There will also be workshops, tastings, and a silent disco in the Berchmanianum.

Those who have not partied enough after the festival can go to Radboud Sounds in Doornroosje on Friday night. That whole evening will focus on the relationship between science and music. Besides live music, there are also lectures and experiments at the pop podium.

Translated by Jan Scholten