As in most previous years, the presentation of both the university medals and the student awards will take place during the traditional celebration of the Dies Natalis on 15 May, the anniversary of uu77. The awards are given to staff and students who have made exceptional contributions to uu77. Employees and students were able to nominate colleagues and fellow students for these awards. The Executive Board awards the prizes based on the advice of an appointed jury. The winners receive a certificate in addition to the University medal.
Winners university medal and student award 2025 announced
Not one, but two employees of uu77 will be awarded the uu77 medal this year. The winners are Anna van der Vleuten, professor of International Relations and vice dean at the Faculty of Management Sciences and Paul van den Broek, editor in the division Marketing & Communications at Radboud Services. The student award also goes to two winners this year: Jana Schneider and Lucas Bloo, who study at the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Medical Sciences respectively.
Anna van der Vleuten
In awarding the university medal to Anna van der Vleuten, the jury emphasized that in her teaching, research and academic leadership, she not only ensures a connection with students, scientists and the university's support staff, but also with the city of Nijmegen. In doing so, she has shown herself to be a true connector in difficult times, such as during the financial crisis within her faculty. The jury describes Anna as clear, firm, social and warm at the same time. She herself did not see the award coming. 'It took me completely by surprise,' she says. 'It's not something you actively apply for yourself or write an application for, all the work is done by others, in great secrecy, so it happened to me. For me the award means recognition of my involvement with - and commitment to - uu77, as a lecturer, researcher and administrator.’
Paul van den Broek
Editor Paul van den Broek is being awarded the university medal in particular for his important contributions to Vox, Radboud Magazine and the lustrum book ‘100 years of uu77 in 101 images’. According to the jury, Paul (who will soon retire after forty years of working for uu77) symbolizes independent journalism. As a thorn in the side, he can hold up a mirror to people and offer reflection. A role that is not only enormously important for a university, but which, according to the jury report, he also fulfills with great respect for the values and norms of uu77. For Paul the news about being awarded the university medal came unexpectedly as well. 'After all, I have operated as a journalist in the independent gathering of news for thirty of my forty working years. It’s kind of special that the university honors such a somewhat precarious role with a medal, even with my role as a thorn in their side’, he explains. 'I feel recognized and appreciated by this medal, but at the same time many people around me in the organization have made my work possible. So much that it's better to speak of a team medal.’
Student Awards
Jana Schneider
In awarding the student award to undergraduate Psychology student Jana Schneider, a key factor for the jury was that she is the first non-Dutch-speaking student assessor within uu77. Jana makes a strong case for having training courses on well-being and stress management also taught in English. Because of her efforts, other international board members can now take this training as well. These trainings are now also offered to all students of the Faculty of Social Sciences who organize the orientation week to promote social safety for first year students. The jury praises Jana for her open mind and even calls her a pioneer: someone who looks beyond the borders of her function and training. The jury sees her as an example for all (international) students. ‘This award means a lot to me’, Jana responds. ‘It feels like the door is opening a little further for international students to feel recognized and inspired to shape student life together with Dutch students. I believe that bringing together our different backgrounds and perspectives creates a more inclusive, rich and supportive environment for everyone.'
Lucas Bloo
Giving the student award to Lucas Bloo is, according to the jury, a result of the versatility of his activities in the field of student welfare and education, to which he has been committed since the beginning of his studies in Medicine. Because he is active both within the study association and outside of it, Lucas is seen as a connecting link between the students and the board. In addition, he is appreciated for the in-service training program he established to support students in meeting the increased standard for the Clinical Issues learning line. Thanks to this track, ninety students have now been helped, so he has made a real impact. In addition, Lucas ensured the return of the practice exam pages, making sufficient practice material for students to prepare for exams available again. The judges' report states that Lucas succeeds in representing students' interests and making their voices heard with a keen eye, even if it means going against the grain. Lucas commented that he finds it a real honor to receive this award. 'Of course you dedicate yourself to something because you think it is important and because you want to contribute something, not because you are counting on an award, but it is a very nice appreciation. Hopefully this can also be a motivation for other students to actively dedicate themselves to their faculty in boards and memberships. This is because you can really make a difference to your fellow students.’
About the jury
The jury for the University Medal and Student Award 2025 consisted of:
- Mr. Prof. Dr. Han van Krieken (chairman)
- Ms. Prof. Dr. Karin Klijn, Faculty of Medical Sciences (seat academic staff)
- Mr. Prof. Dr. Marc Slors, Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies (seat academic staff)
- Ms. drs. Sylvia van der Weerden (seat non-academic staff)
- Ms. Dr. Marije Klomp (seat non-academic staff)
- Mr. Casper Moltzer, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science (seat PhD students)
- Ms. Talin de Jeu (seat students)
The jury was supported by Annelies Mulders (secretary).
