Today, José Sanders officially became rector during Radboud University’s centenary celebration. Sanders advocated for more diversity. Former rector Han van Krieken was also present.

Starting today, José Sanders is the new rector of Radboud University. Her installation took place during the Dies Natalis in De Vereeniging. Han van Krieken, the former rector, was also present; he joined the procession. Van Krieken resigned early three weeks ago, after De Gelderlander made public that there had been a complaint filed against him for sexual intimidation in 2018.

Warmth

He told Vox at the drinks afterwards that he did not hesitate about his presence. ‘I am standing here with pride; pride for this university. I have received so much warmth the past few weeks, which wouldn’t have happened if I had left the regular way.’ He did not want to go into the complaint against him or the reports in the media. ‘Today, it is about the hundred years-old existence of the university.’

He was approached by many colleagues during the reception. ‘I did not get a single negative response,’ he said. ‘There may have been people with negative comments, but they did not come forward.’

Opening doors

A few hours earlier, Sanders received the rector’s chain on-stage by interim rector Heleen Murre-van den Berg. Sanders is the first female rector in a hundred years. In her acceptance speech, she called for more diversity at the university. ‘We should do our best to get more colour on campus’, she said.

Additionally, she advocated for throwing the university’s doors wide open. ‘Are we inviting enough? Are we connected enough with school and organisations around us? Are we welcoming enough to people who come to us from afar with nothing more than their curiosity and motivation?’

‘Are we inviting enough?’

In her closing words, she emphasised that the theme of social safety has high priority in the time to come. She is referring to the different cases of unwanted behaviour that have been made public in the past weeks. She also said that she hopes that the university’s century of experience with difficult— and less difficult dilemmas will help with ‘taking important steps’.

King Willem-Alexander was present at the celebration and talked to students and employees during the break. Mayor Hubert Bruls attended as well; he congratulated the university and delivered a few presents on behalf of the city. Daniël Wigboldus, chairman of the Executive Board, reciprocated with a gift for the city: two acoustic mirrors. Six honorary doctorates were awarded after the break.

Translated by Milou Aluy-van der Meij