uu77

Memorial

Memorials serve as a way for people or societies to remember and pay respect to our lost ones. At the University Chaplaincy, memorials can have several forms.

If you have lost someone from your family, circle of relatives or friends, you still feel the loss after years. The Student Church offers you the opportunity to talk about this and to commemorate this loss. Would you like more help with loss and mourning? Then take a look at our social activities.

Memorial area

Upon the death of a student or employee of the university, it is possible to set up a memorial area in the University Chaplaincy.

In the memorial area, you may place a photograph, light candles and place a book for condolences and writing down any thoughts and memories. The memorial area can be visited daily during opening hours.

Foto van een troostboom in de tuin van de studentenkerk

Comfort Tree

In December 2024, we planted a 'Comfort Tree' in the garden of the Studentenkerk. This tree, a honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), was planted in memory of a deceased staff member. Newly planted and bare, the tree will sprout soft green leaves in spring, bloom in early summer, turn dark green during summer, and display golden-yellow hues in autumn. A honey locust mirrors the seasons, just as life does.

The idea behind the Comfort Tree is to provide a physical place on campus where people can remember loved ones, reflect, or simply pause for a moment of contemplation. A bench has been placed next to the tree for peaceful sitting and quiet reflection.

Beneath the tree lies a ‘first stone’ engraved with the name of the deceased staff member. Would you also like to commemorate a deceased staff member or student in this way? Please contact Marieke Fernhout, university chaplain, via marieke.fernhout [at] ru.nl (marieke[dot]fernhout[at]ru[dot]nl).

Herdenkingsdienst studentenkerk

Memorial service

It is possible to organize a memorial service on your own initiative and/or in cooperation with one of the chaplains. Students and staff can then make their own contribution. The student chaplains can be helpful and, if desired, preside over the celebration.

The main focus is the commemoration of the deceased and the experiences and feelings of the bereaved. This can be done with religious affiliation, but it is not necessary.

Memorial celebration

A memorial celebration is held every year for deceased of uu77.

Next memorial celebration

Funeral in the University Chaplaincy

On occasion, the University Chaplaincy hosts funerals. The chaplains may be asked to lead a funeral as long as it involves people from uu77 or HAN, or members of the community of the University Chaplaincy.

If the Student Chaplaincy does not offer enough space, the choice for an alternative church or location is possible. 

Contact

Would you like more information about setting up a memorial area or organizing a memorial service or funeral? Please contact the secretariat.