This year, Building K on Stadscampus was the backdrop for our New Year’s reception. More than 800 colleagues raised their glass to a splendid 2025.
We began with a heartfelt thank-you to all retirees and emeriti of 2024. After that, we learnt more about the four new vice-rectors through a number of video fragments. Viona Daelemans (ADMCOM) interviewed Herwig Leirs about his first 100 days as rector, which he summarised as ‘very interesting’. ‘I’m particularly impressed by the huge amount of enthusiasm of all employees and the good support provided by all services and departments,’ he said.
Femme Swinnen (ADSAS) did an outstanding job presenting the reception programme, which culminated in a special karaoke rendition of Sweet Caroline, sung by Xenia Geysemans (Pastoral Care). Everyone took particular pleasure in loudly singing along with the ‘Ho-ho-ho’s’ in what became Sweet UAntwerpen. If you weren’t there and would like to have a listen (or another listen), click here to watch back the plenary part.
The rector wishes all staff members of UAntwerp a healthy 2025, with a pleasant family life, lots of fun activities and, above all, lots of hope for the future.
Photo album
Afterwards, the foyer of Building K filled up for drinks, refreshments and general merriment. A 10 out of 10 for atmosphere and fun!
If you’d like to look at more footage, why not open the photo album and see if you can spot yourself..
