The Executive Board has decided that the Dies should not be celebrated under the current circumstances. Project leader Hinke Mulder: 'The Dies Natalis was completely set up for an online celebration, but you want the honorary doctors to be able to attend with family and friends. You want to end such a day with a drink and a snack. This would not be possible. It's a shame, but the choice was made quickly.'
The UT's sixtieth birthday will now be celebrated on Friday, 20th of May, 2022. According to Mulder, all honorary doctors can attend on that date. They also understood the choice to postpone the Dies. Debra Roberts, Jaya Baloo, Wim van Saarloos and Prince Constantijn will therefore not travel to Twente next week and will not give any lectures. Mulder: 'I try to look at the positives. Perhaps the weather will be beautiful in May and we will be able to celebrate the birthday outside in beautiful sunshine.’
Week of Inspiration
Numerous lectures were planned in the days leading up to the original Dies. Most lectures will take place, according to Peter Timmerman, chairman of Studium Generale. ‘But in a more austere form, so without drinks afterwards and the like.’ The lecture by columnist Sheila Sitalsing, which was scheduled for November 23, is cancelled. Illusionist Victor Mids will not travel to Twente next week either. The lecture by virologist Marion Koopmans will continue on November 22, she will be present in a lecture room online. ‘All lectures take place in large halls, with a maximum of 75 people sitting one and a half meters away. You only enter with a QR code, so the lectures take place in a sort of lecture manner', says Timmerman.
The science quiz, which was scheduled for November 24, has been cancelled.
