Dies Natalis 2026: Connect. Create change.

Speeches

• Speech Wilco Hazeleger (pdf) 
• Keynote speech Gonneke Stevens and Nienke Kuyvenhoven (pdf) 
• Speech Eranda Jayawickreme (pdf) 
• Speech Linda Theron (pdf) 
• Speech Linda Nooitmeer (pdf) 
• Speech Hans Brug (pdf) 

Connect. Create Change.

The theme of the Dies Natalis – and of the anniversary year – was ‘Connect. Create Change.’. With this theme, we emphasize our connection with the city and region, because we are convinced that together we can really make a difference. In this anniversary year, together with UMC Utrecht, we are organizing a wide range of events from the anniversary celebration until October, to which everyone is welcome.

Joint speech

During the anniversary celebration, Gonneke Stevens, professor of Youth Welfare at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Nienke Kuyvenhoven, director of Foundation Jongerenwerk Utrecht, gave a joint speech on strengthening the mental health of young people growing up in poverty and how changes in existing practices can make a difference.

Honorary doctorates and teacher awards

This year, we awarded three honorary doctorates. Two leading international scientists, Eranda Jayawickreme and Linda Theron, received an honorary doctorate, and as part of our anniversary celebrations, we also awarded an honorary doctorate for social contributions to Linda Nooitmeer. After the awarding of the honorary doctorates, we celebrated the winners of the Teacher Awards. Read about the nominations.

The musical interlude was provided by the Utrechtsch Studenten Concert.