Royal honour awarded to Anton Pijpers

At his farewell as President of the Executive Board of Utrecht University, Anton Pijpers was appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau. Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of the Municipality of Utrecht, presented the royal decoration to Pijpers during his farewell ceremony on 13 November.

In addition, Pijpers received the university’s silver medal and the provincial honorary medal. The former president was honoured for his exceptional contributions as both an administrator and a scientist.

“Anton Pijpers has served Utrecht and its university like no other,” said Sharon Dijksma, who presented the royal honour in the Dom Church. “Always with passion, foresight, and attention to people. He has not only shaped the university, but also strengthened the city as a place where education, research, and engagement go hand in hand.”

University medal for “Connecting with head and heart”

Alongside the royal distinction, Anton Pijpers received the university’s silver medal from Karin Laglas, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Utrecht University. This medal is awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the university. Pijpers received it specifically for his role as a bridge-builder, strengthening collaboration between Dutch universities, regional partners, campus organisations, and entrepreneurial initiatives—together with deans, students, and staff. The medal therefore bears the inscription “Anton Pijpers, connecting with head and heart.”

During the farewell, Laglas said: “As an administrator, Anton Pijpers played an important role in continuously improving Utrecht University. He always did so with attention to society and with an open ear for everyone involved. He is skilled at bringing people together, building connections, and highlighting the broader strategic vision. As he himself says: ‘You must be willing to step beyond your own shadow as a person and as a university, and let the collective and societal interest prevail.’ His contribution to Utrecht University, the academic community, and society is immense and of lasting value.”

International ambition, Utrecht roots

Hans Oosters, the King’s Commissioner in the Province of Utrecht, presented Pijpers with the provincial honorary medal. This distinction has been awarded since 1983 to individuals or institutions that have made an exceptional contribution to the province. “Through his ability to connect with everyone, Anton has established a unique innovation network that has strengthened Utrecht University’s international position in education and research, while remaining firmly rooted in the province and in society,” said Oosters.

Utrecht University at heart

Anton Pijpers first entered Utrecht University in the 1970s as a Veterinary Medicine student. He obtained his PhD at the university and was appointed professor in 1993. From 2000 to 2009 he served as general director of the Animal Health Service. In 2009 he returned as Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. In 2014 he became Vice-President of the Executive Board, and from 1 October 2017 to 1 November 2025 he was President of the Executive Board.